Choosing a Neighborhood
As you consider your housing choices, also strongly consider your neighborhood options.  The neighborhood you live in is as important as the house itself. 

1.      Commute: Do I need a quick commute to work? Keep in mind short commutes limit your neighborhood options.

2.      My personality: Do I prefer country, suburban or urban living?

3.      Family: Is a certain school district important to me? Do I need to live near my parents?

4.      Downtime: Do I want to live close to my church or temple or have a short commute to school?  What entertainment venues are nearby?

5.      Future zoning and development: Is the park behind my house going to be developed in the future? Does this community have plans to build a large attraction of some sort?

6.      Neighborhood age: What will a new neighborhood look like in 10 years? Am I satisfied with an older neighborhood, knowing it may not change much?

7.      Time of day: Does the neighborhood feel the same at night as it does during the day? Is weekend traffic heavier than during the weekday?

8.      Extra costs: Can I afford the county or city taxes or any homeowners association fees?

9.      Homeowners' Associations: What are the homeowners association rules? Are they good for protecting home values?

10.  Neighborhood investment: Have the homes in this neighborhood held or increased in value?

Talk to the people who live in the neighborhoods in which you are interested. These individuals will know the most about the area and are your potential neighbors. More than anything, you'll want a neighborhood where you feel at home.