by Nikki Means

Created on: April 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 21, 2007

Choosing a family home is only one step in the neighborhood selection process. However, selecting the right neighborhood for your family is a reflection of your life plan and takes careful consideration.

If you currently have children or plan to, it is important to select a neighborhood that has a balance of families with and without children. Having the ability to interact with other children provides your child the opportunity to develop the type of social skills necessary for life. You also have the opportunity to develop relationships with the parents of your children's peers. You become more than a neighbor, but also a community.

For many families the neighborhood boasting a strong school system is paramount. However, your financial situation as well as your child's educational needs will dictate whether the school system is public, private, parochial or vocational. Identifying and selecting a neighborhood that contains a mixture of each is optimal. One valuable resource is www.Homes.com. This site provides information on the number and type of schools located within the specified zip code and the student population.

Research the crime rates in the prospective neighborhood. In today's society, knowing the number of convicted sex offenders residing within the same neighborhood will provide peace of mind. Many Internet sites like www.RegisteredOffendersList.Org, www.mapsexoffenders.com and www.NationalAlertRegister.com enable you to identify the location and proximity of registered sex offenders to your neighborhood of choice. Additionally, a subscriber to www.neighborhoodscout.com can obtain local crime statistics from the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department.

As economic development continues to encourage the migration of the inner city population to the suburbs, there is an increased need to achieve a close logistical proximity to retail establishments, grocery stores, and gas stations. The ability to acquire quickly necessary family and household items such as toilet paper and prescriptions is essential. Many people who previously worked within the heart of the city and lived nearby now experience commutes ranging from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. Therefore, neighborhoods with immediate access to major roads and highways also offer increased appeal.

Additionally a neighborhood where the residents take pride in their homes is vital. Well-maintained homes displaying manicured lawns and creative landscaping continue to appreciate in value. Inevitably, generation after generation will enjoy your investment as it increases in value along with other homes located within the same community. Use the Internet to your advantage. Tap into the county auditor's website to randomly check property values for homes located in your neighborhood of interest. Look for trends in appreciation and depreciation to understand the state of property values within the neighborhood. There is no greater disappointment than to watch the value of your home decrease year after year.

Prospective home-buyers may seek many different qualities in a neighborhood. Selections based simply on builders, structural designs, and marble counter-tops are not enough.

Learn more about this author, Nikki Means.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.