The Thing About Sidewalks

When you are in the market for a new place to live, it helps to remember that you’re not just buying or renting a home, you are also buying into and becoming a part of a neighborhood. How will this neighborhood impact your everyday living? Obviously, there are several things to consider when looking at neighborhoods, such as schools, amenities, culture, and low crime rates. One really important point to dwell on is how accessible is it? Here are some statistics to peruse.

80% want to be able to take walks and want access to sidewalks and places that are nice for a stroll. Most people might not even think about sidewalks when they're looking for the right neighborhood. But they should, because sidewalks actually say a lot about a community. If you're looking for an active place to live, sidewalks can be a good indicator that there are places like parks and other amenities nearby and within walking distance. Sidewalks also make neighborhoods safer because, obviously, walking on a sidewalk is safer than walking in the street. The safety aspect alone makes sidewalks extremely desirable if you have pets or children, as you'll likely be walking the neighborhood regularly if you are that 69% that wants to be able to walk to their local schools and shops. Walking to your local amenities will also deepen your love of where you live as you feel more connected.

65% of those walkers want public transportation within walking distance of their home, while 68% want to hop into their car and have easy access to freeways. 65% want a short commute and 55% want to live in a place that is away from it all, which obviously comes with it a little less convenience but possibly more peace of mind or quiet.

How convenient your neighborhood is can affect your happiness -- and your wallet. Easy access to stores you frequent on a regular basis is key to keeping your stress level to a minimum, as well as avoiding spending too much money on gas. But the biggest convenience factor regarding your neighborhood's location is probably your commute to work. Unless you are a digital nomad and telecommute every day, the distance you have to drive to and from work is something you need to consider…especially if you live in a city like LA that is notorious for traffic at pretty much any hour. You might find the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood, but if moving there will double your commute, will it really be worth it?

There are always compromises to be made. As anyone who’s moved a few times knows, not all neighborhoods are created equal. There is no such thing as the perfect neighborhood, because not all areas are going to be truly a perfect fit for everyone and their unique needs. But you can make some choices that will improve your lifestyle based on some of these attributes.

Let me know how I can help you with some of these choices.

(Source: NAR National Community Preference Survey)