You've decided to buy a home. You've analyzed your budget, talked to a REALTOR and figured out what kind of house you want. But, the most important step may have been left until last: picking the right neighbourhood.

Choosing not only the proper community, but the right neighbourhood, can have a tremendous impact on your family's happiness and the value of your investment.

The first thing many people do when considering a move, is drive around various communities gaining a sense of which areas they like. Buyers find out how close the major highways are and if the neighbours keep their yards tidy. Most will make sure they know the location of the closest mall. But what about public transit, colleges schools, libraries, parks, recreation centres, and fire or ambulance stations? Is the local police station close to your prospective neighbourhood, or is it a fifteen minute drive away? All these factors can make or break a decision to buy a certain property.

Getting the information you need can be difficult, but it can be done. Here are a few tips to help make sure you've picked the right neighbourhood: one that offers safety, convenience and access to the services you've come to expect.

Municipal planning departments will have a wealth of information on hand. Some distribute brochures and booklets containing the locations of colleges, libraries, ambulance stations, hospitals, parks and transit stops. Many larger communities also have literature available. If your move is to a smaller town or region, ask for an information officer from the planning department to assist you.

Ask them how many stations service the community and their locations. Also ask about response time to emergencies.

Colleges are under provincial jurisdiction, but both public and separate schools are run by local boards, so you'll have to contact them individually. Find out the locations of secondary, post-secondary or private schools then plot them on a map. Mark the routes your children will be taking and walk these routes yourself.

It's not only important to know the location of recreation centres, swimming pools, ice rinks and the like, but the programs that are offered. Is there house league soccer, baseball or basketball in the community? Are swimming lessons available? What adult programs are in place? A recreation counsellor or administrator should be able to answer these questions.

A local publication can offer great insight into a community. Check the sports and entertainment sections for special events and activities.

Be on the lookout for trouble spots. For example, is your street used as a shortcut for commuters? Is there a noisy nightclub nearby?

It pays to take advantage of your REALTOR's knowledge and experience. He or she may already have much of the information you need or know where to get it. With a REALTOR'S help and advice, you can be assured of picking the best possible neighborhood for you and your family.

The above article was prepared by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board - "An Association of REALTORS" for the information and benefit of consumers.

February, 1996
rev Jul/98