Buying or building a home can be one of the most exciting times of your adult life. Some people go into the process prepared and ready for the challenges ahead, still others aren’t quite sure what to expect. And while most people know what they want in a house, like how many bathrooms, bedrooms and how much square feet they need, sometimes one of most important factors—the neighborhood—is left out of the equation.

With that in mind, let’s talk neighborhood features that every home buyer should have on their radar:

• School district
• Tax rates
• Proximity to public transportation, including pedestrian and bike-friendly areas
• Local amenities

School District

Do you currently have small children or do you plan to start a family in the future? If so, you’ll need to know the quality of nearby daycares or preschools, if the school district is one you want to be in, and how close private schools are if that’s an option you will be considering. Also, how kid friendly is the neighborhood currently? Is the street too busy? Would you feel comfortable allowing your children to play in the front yard or driveway?

Tax Rates

Different neighborhoods can have different property taxes. One suburb’s tax rate can be more or less than what another nearby suburb’s tax rate is, even though both have quality schools and are equally close to the city.

Public Transportation

The TARC system in Louisville is becoming more popular. Is this something you need to take into consideration? What about if you bike to work? How bike friendly are the main roads you’ll be traveling?

Local Amenities

When looking for a home, it is always a good idea for you to check out what sort of benefits are in the area, such as the local library or restaurants. Based on your lifestyle, is the neighborhood too busy or too laid back for your taste? These are important considerations to keep in mind.

Because I have been building custom homes in the Louisville area for more than 40 years, I am familiar with many different areas of the city and what each one has to offer. If you’re looking for a lot to build on, but aren’t quite sure where you want to be, contact me and let’s discuss some options. Louisville is a diverse city with something for everyone.