Factors to Consider When Selecting the Location of Your First Home
The Importance of Location
The saying "location, location, location" isn't just a real estate cliché – it really gets to the heart of why where you live matters so much. When you choose a spot in a desirable neighborhood with good schools, thriving businesses, and plenty of amenities, you’re not just picking a place to live – you’re making a smart investment. Homes in these areas tend to hold their value and appreciate faster than others.
The location also affects how attractive your home will be to future buyers or renters. Areas that are growing and improving are usually more appealing in the long run. Everything from how well the neighborhood is maintained to its overall vibe can impact your living experience. Plus, features like natural beauty, historical charm, or cultural flair can make your home even more special.
Consider Proximity to Work and Essential Services
When you’re choosing a home, you want more than just a good investment—you also want convenience in your daily life. For example, finding a place near your job and key amenities can make your day-to-day life much easier. Check out how long your commute will be and whether there are good public transport options. Ideally, you’ll want a spot that’s close to work, but also near things like supermarkets, shopping, dining, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and banks.
For example, If you love grabbing coffee every morning, you might want your favorite café within a short drive or walk. And if you commute by car, having a gas station on your route can save you time and hassle. All these little details can make your new neighborhood feel more vibrant and connected, adding to your overall satisfaction with your home.
Think About the Neighborhood's Safety and Security
When you're picking a neighborhood for your first home, it's important to think about safety and security. Checking out local crime stats is a good start, but those numbers only tell part of the story. Don’t hesitate to chat with potential neighbors or local police to get a feel for how safe the area is and what’s being done to keep it secure.
Joining community meetings or local social media groups can give you a sense of how involved the neighborhood is in keeping the area safe. It’s a great way to see how neighbors support each other and handle security concerns together.
Research Local Schools
Even if you don’t have kids right now or don't plan to, good schools can boost property values, which is something you can benefit from in the future. To get a sense of a school district’s quality, start by looking at school ratings on property listing platforms.
If you're a parent or hope to be someday, consider diving deeper by looking into standardized test scores, graduation rates, how many extracurricular activities are available, and the teacher-to-student ratio. It’s worth visiting schools and talking to local parents to get a feel for the environment and how the schools are run.
Choose a Neighborhood that Aligns with Your Lifestyle
Finding the right neighborhood isn’t just about checking off practical boxes, it’s also about finding a place that fits your lifestyle and feels like home. Think about the kind of social scene and community vibe you’re looking for.
Do you love being social and attending community events? You might enjoy a neighborhood with local markets, clubs, and regular get-togethers. If you’re a foodie, look for an area with a variety of restaurants. On the other hand, if you prefer peace and quiet, you might lean towards a more serene setting where you can enjoy some privacy.
Consider Buying a Home in the Buckeye State
To help Ohioans achieve their goal of homeownership, we have introduced a new savings account called Ohio Homebuyers Plus Savings. While you decide on the best location for you and your family, you can earn 7.5% APY* on your savings and get $750 off closing costs** when you’re ready to close on your dream home.
Checkout our mortgage options as well: Hometown Advantage Mortgage Program
