Choosing Your New Neighborhood

From first-time homebuyers to seniors who are retiring to a new state, approximately 9.8% of Americans move every year, according to 2019 Census data. With the “new normal” brought on in 2020, more people are working from home and being “centrally” located has become less important.

Northern California is attracting a lot of people for a diverse range of reasons. For example, the number of new homes in Sacramento is blossoming according to an article published by the Sacramento Business Journal, as more and more people look to take full advantage of everything the area has to offer. But if you’re looking for a change, where should you move to? Let’s take a look at some of the factors involved when choosing your new neighborhood.

Working from Home (AKA: WFH)

For many people, the shift to working at home was already well underway before the pandemic of 2020. COVID-19 only accelerated the transformation our society is now experiencing. A result of this societal shift many prospective homebuyers are working remotely giving them more options to move to almost anywhere.

That is yet another reason why new homes in Sacramento have been so popular recently. Many people are moving out of the Bay Area, and they are seeking larger homes with bigger backyards and additional space to work from home.

Commute Time

Sill commuting? There are plenty of other variables you will want to consider before committing to move to a new location. One of the biggest considerations is how convenient your new neighborhood will be to your workplace. Few people want to deal with a long commute, but selecting the right home with easy access to highways, public transportation, such as the SMART Train or BART, and airports can make a commute much more attractive and, even, productive.

Lifestyle Considerations

Increasingly, people want to know that they can live somewhere with plentiful entertainment options and good weather. Again, this is why Northern California keeps reaching the top of so many “where to move to” lists. The area is packed with activities, access to natural wonders, and has a great climate. Affordability; other cities within a short drive; access to great schools and universities; and plenty of stable regional employers should also be considerations in your search. If you are retired, you’ll certainly want to make sure that you end up in an area that matches the type of lifestyle you prefer.

City vs. Country vs. Suburbs

The choice between living in the country, a suburb, or in an urban area is another major decision that homeowners face. On one hand, urban living provides quicker access to more shopping, schools, and entertainment, but rural living means larger backyards and more space for you and your kids. While suburbs can blend the two but may mean longer commutes.

Schools

In-person classrooms will return at some point. Kids will be back on playgrounds, cafeterias, or gyms. So, no matter where you choose to live, be sure to look at the school rankings. Proximity to schools will also impact how far children walk, ride, or drive to campus. Even if you don’t have children of your own, this can impact home values. The school districts who have historically provided the best educations will continue to do so, whether virtually, hybrid, or in-person.

Safety Concerns

Safety is also a key factor in any moving decision. All homebuyers, including first-time homebuyers, will want to evaluate an area’s safety before buying. Higher crime rates mean you’ll have to opt for security systems and other safety precautions.

Finding the right location for you can be complex. There are many variables that must be considered before moving. Take your time and really think through the process. You may even create a check list of what you need and want from your new region. It’s prudent to carefully strategize before you make your move.