Friday, October 05, 2007

Location ,Location, Location



Where's the best place to live? It depends on what's important to you. Location is of paramount concern for most people when choosing a new home. That's why it's crucial to have accurate facts and specifics about new communities so you can make an informed decision. Fortunately, there are several valuable sources you can use to gather information about the places you're considering. The internet is an excellent starting place to research possible new homes.

Where you choose to live is a highly subjective decision, based on many individual variables. So, what important factors should you take into consideration before you decide to pack all your worldly belongings and head for your new home? Here are some important elements to consider as you begin your search.

Schooling
Having vital information about local schools in your new community is a primary concern among parents. Again, the Internet has a wealth of resources to find out detailed information about the various schools in the areas you are considering.

Crime-rate
Feeling safe and secure in your new home is a primary consideration when choosing where to live.

Health care access
Quick access to quality health care and corresponding coverage areas are top-of-mind concerns when deciding on a home. You'll want to know beforehand how close your new home is to the nearest hospital or urgent care facility, especially if a member of your family has an existing chronic medical condition. Web sites for your specific health insurance carrier provide a comprehensive, up-to-date source for this information.

Cost of living factors
You've been offered a 30 percent raise in your new job in a city 500 miles away. That's great news--or is it? Before you decide to upgrade your kitchen to get a better selling price and break out the packing boxes, it's a good idea to see just how far your increased salary will go in that new location. Fortunately, the internet is an excellent resource to instantly compare cost of living between cities.

Homeownership rates
High homeownership rates point to a population that has a vested interest in maintaining the living standards of an area.

College-educated residents
The number of college-educated residents is indicative that the residents value the importance of higher education. This translates into educated parents who are inclined to be active participants in promoting good local schooling.

The weather
Weather patterns are an important consideration, since they can profoundly affect your physical and mental health. Look up climate averages at popular weather websites.

Forewarned is forearmed
Deciding where to live requires in-depth, up-to-date information which can help you analyze a variety of quality of life issues. While different sources may produce different results, it's a good idea to check them all out and get a comprehensive overview of what's considered to be a 'Best place to live'. Make sure you use all of the resources you have at your disposal. Knowledge is power.
Source: HGTV.ca

Posted by David Shieh- Abbotsford Real Estate Agent Landmark Realty Corp.

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