Choosing your new neighbourhood

When we think of preparing to move home we instantly think of the main points, such as, packing your belongings and hiring the moving van, but it really is so much more than that…

The moving process can definitely be an exhausting one, so it’s vital that you do what you can to prepare yourself for the big event.

Preparation starts with research, so before you can even think about moving into a home, you need to know all about your new location and whether it is going to be the right place for you to move to.

So what should we be trying to find out about our potential new neighbourhood?

1. Are your expectations met?

Only you know the type of area that you’d like to live in, do you prefer city, rural or suburb living? Make sure that you are going into your new home knowing how much you love your surroundings as well as the property. There is no harm in checking the appearance and general feel that you get when you visit beforehand as this speaks volumes!

2. Researching neighbourhood crime rates

Crime statistics of an area matter, especially if you will be moving your family into this new home with you. Now of course there is no such thing as a 100% safe area, however stats don’t lie and they will certainly help you upon deciding if the environment is safe and comfortable enough for your loved ones to be in. Use websites such as https://www.police.uk/ and https://www.crime-statistics.co.uk/postcode

3. Proximity of amenities

This is always important when moving into a new home, there’s nothing worse than having run out of milk and you can’t quickly nip down to the shop to stock up! You also want to know what entertainment is nearby for children’s play dates, coffee dates and date nights which will all be vital when making you feel at home in your new area… It may seem simple, but it’s definitely one which should be on the top of your list.

4. Reviewing Schools and Day-care

If you have children or are planning to start a family, it’s up to you to do your homework on you what schools are nearby to your new home. To be sure whether they will provide a good quality education for your little ones, you can check on https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables

5. The commute to work

Moving can mean a longer commute to your workplace, if this is the case, do a trial run from your new property to your work so you know what route would be best for your chosen mode of transport, the most scenic way or simply a quicker drive.

6. Parks for children and pets

Whether you have a child, fur baby or both, it is important that you know the best trails nearby so that you can explore safely and get some fun exercise in. The best way to do this is to spend the day exploring yourself, have a look round as you’ll be able to see a lot more on foot than you can online! Think of it as a trial run of what your life in your new home is about to be…

If you be sure to research these main points, you'll be ensuring that you love the new location just as much as your new home. Always do what is best for you and your loved ones by selecting the perfect place for you to feel safe, comfortable and most importantly, happy!