When it’s time to go house-hunting, you probably have your list of needs written out. You know the features you want most in your home and what you can live without. As you’re determining what your dream home should look like, consider the area around the home. Your future neighborhood can be just as important (if not more) than the home itself. This guide will help you ask the right questions to find your ideal neighborhood.

What Are the Rules and Regulations?

Some neighborhoods have different laws and regulations to follow. Some homeowners’ associations do not allow certain landscaping or build projects. It’s best to find out what these are.

How Maintained Is the Area?

Before you buy your home, take a walk through the area. Look at the condition of the roads and the maintenance of the nearby properties. You can tell a lot about your future neighborhood by its current condition.

How Are the School Districts?

Your kids deserve the best schools. Look up the nearby schools and ask around to find out what school’s reputation is. In addition, even if you don’t have children, if you live near a high ranked school, your property value increases.

Are There Amenities Nearby?

All homeowners have different amenities that are important to them. Is the shopping district important to you? Is it crucial that you are close to a bus line? Ask questions about the different amenities in the area.

Your dream home becomes more of an ideal dream when you have the right neighborhood around you. While it’s important that you spend time considering what you want out of a house, remember to think about the neighborhood. After all, when you purchase a house, the neighborhood is a package deal.