by Theresa Ann White

Created on: April 01, 2009

As you explore potential neighborhoods, check your "wish list" of favorite features along with the "don't go there" list of things to avoid. It's crucial to know what you value and what you cannot abide in a neighborhood. It will make the difference between becoming a harassed neighbor or the contented neighbor.

Each person's list will be different but here are a few ideas to consider when evaluating neighborhood qualities.

1. Overall Atmosphere

Neighborhoods have their distinct ambience, just like restaurants, schools and other places where groups of people gather. Atmosphere is more than a vibe or energy. Neighborhood ambience is created in large part by its inhabitants. It includes things like volume of sound, level and type of activity among residents, and their overall movement.

Do you enjoy a good party or would you rather that your home be a quiet haven? What about stability? Some neighborhoods are in constant flux with residents frequently moving in and out and being replaced with a new set of neighbors.

The quality of a neighborhood is also affected by the ambience of surroundings. Are tree-lined streets and established plant growth important to you? Or would you prefer to shut the door and let someone else admire nature and handle the yard work?

There are neighborhoods that are designated historic districts with limitations on remodeling. On the other hand, gated communities usually promise new homes with technological advances, high fences and low maintenance.

Neighborhood atmosphere is affected by these distinctions. What you consider a desirable quality in a neighborhood differs from the next person. So check your atmosphere wish list when you do your scouting.

Consider also the size of the neighborhood, its age, the width of the street, whether or not pets are seen, the predominant age of residents, their jobs, marital status, the presence or absence of luxury items. What is the level of crime? Are there zoning regulations in place that will inhibit your future plans?

When you combine all these items, you will have created a demographic of the neighborhood. Is it a good fit? Or should you run?

2. Convenience

Convenience to area shopping, banks, schools, places of worship, restaurants and your job all add to the desirability of a neighborhood. However, the realities of modern living have changed the value of these conveniences.

Mandatory busing may still be active in a few communities. Or you may choose to home-school your child(ren). The debit card has all but removed the necessity of local banks. The highway system and flex time have somewhat decreased the desire for a nearby employer.

But even so, the ability to make it to work in less than thirty minutes is a big plus, along with quick access to local shopping and dining areas.

Public services such as police, fire rescue and utilities are significant attributes of a neighborhood. And if the Internet is a necessity in your household, check on availability of providers. In some rural areas, this is tough to access.

3. Initial Impression

Atmosphere and convenience are items that can be observed and researched. But your first impression of a neighborhood is more a gut feeling. Pay attention to it. If you drive into a community that gives you the willies for no particular reason, then keep on driving.

But if a neighborhood beckons you and an overwhelming sense of "home" is in the air, then slow down. You may have discovered the most important quality of all. Don't let it pass you by.

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