Buying a home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle
is essential. If your new neighborhood doesn’t meet your needs, whether if it’s related to amenities or a commute, the choice can cause headaches for years.
The location of your home makes a big difference in the quality of your life. With a competitive housing market, you might need to expand your home search, but how do you decide which neighborhood is right for you? Experts recommend creating a checklist of neighborhood features you value the most. To help you narrow
down your choices, consider the following.

Quality of the School System
If you have children or if you’re planning to start a family, evaluating the quality of the school system is usually at the top of the must-have list. Homes located in quality school districts generally improve your home’s resell value. The best place to start is by visiting the school district’s website for information about graduation
rates and test scores.

Neighborhood Amenities and Daily Commute
Think about different elements of your lifestyle and how the ideal neighborhood can complement your needs. If you have children, you might be most interested
in an area close to parks or playgrounds. Individuals
who are in retirement age may be more interested in maintenance-free living or lifestyle amenities such as a golf course. If you must commute to work daily or a couple of times a week, check out Google Maps to calculate travel times to different points at different times of the day.

To get started on finding a community that is the right fit for your family, contact the Central WA Home Builder Association, or visit CWHBA.org.