Whether it’s your first time buying a home or you’ve owned multiple properties over the years, moving into a new neighborhood is an exciting — and sometimes scary —  time. One way to make this big move a little easier is by knowing what to look for in a new community and being proactive about meeting your new neighbors. Use the guide below for a seamless transition into your new neighborhood.

Guide to Buying a Home in a New Neighborhood

Prioritize the Community in Your Search

When it comes to buying a home, you aren’t just committing to the house itself — you’re choosing a new community to live in. Since the location of your home is the one thing about it you can never change, you should prioritize the neighborhood in your home search. Start by researching neighborhoods in your area and restrict your home search to the ones you like.

Some factors you may want to look at could include crime statistics, the community amenities, school district ratings, and your commute. Visit the neighborhoods you’re interested in at different times of the day and week to get a feel for what they’re like. If you have any connections within a community, talk with them to see what they like or do not like about it.

How to Meet Your New Neighbors

Once you’ve moved in, it’s crucial to meet your new neighbors. There are a few easy ways to do this. For instance, you can throw a housewarming party and invite everyone in the neighborhood. Start knocking on doors to invite everyone and leave invitations for those who do not answer. If you have kids, you can look for families with children of a similar age and invite them over for a playdate. While the kids make new friends, you can get to know the parents.

If you’re buying a home, you want to love the neighborhood as much as the house itself. That’s why buyers throughout Woodbury, MN, trust top realtor Justyna Johnson at Edina Realty. She knows the local communities well, whether you’re interested in moving to Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Afton, Oakdale, Maplewood, Lake Elmo, or St. Paul. During your consultation, Justyna will discuss what you’re looking for in a home and help you choose the best area for your needs. She also offers a TRUSTimate, which is a highly accurate, free online property report. For your TRUSTimate, text HOME to (651) 501-2345. Browse community-specific real estate statistics on her website, or call (651) 501-2345 to schedule a consultation today.