What to look for when searching for the right community

Home School Building 101 Home Buying Tips

Finding the right community to live in can be challenging. It’s a delicate balance of deciding what’s right for you now, what will be right for you in the future, and what’s important for your lifestyle. Here are some factors to keep in mind when searching for the right community.

The community meets your future needs

When looking for the right community, ask yourself if it’ll still work for you in at least half a decade or more from now. For example, if you’re planning to have children, does the community have access to playgrounds, childcare and schools? Or if you already have children, are there opportunities for extra curricular activities (like a skating rink or dance studio) close by?

What if your job changes - can you easily commute to other areas of the city, or would you be faced with a more challenging commute? Many new communities have major arterial roads nearby which make accessing farther locations in the city more convenient. Buying a home is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) investment you’ll ever make, so make sure the community visions suits your needs for many years to come.

The amenities suit your needs

With most people leading busy lives, it is important to that communities have amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and banks nearby. Think about what amenities are important to you and ensure that they are accessible. If you are considering a new community, ask your builder's area manager what amenities are being planned for your area.

The neighbourhood is safe

To be happy with where you live, you shouldn’t have to think too much about safety beyond reasonable precautions. It is shown that when residents live in an environment where they don’t feel safe, they have higher levels of anxiety, and are less friendly to other residents.


Home prices are on the rise

When the value of homes climb in a neighbourhood, it’s a good marker that it’s a great place to live. It shows that there’s steady demand for housing in the area, which is indicative of desirability.