When you’re buying a home, you’re also buying the neighborhood in which it sits, which has a significant impact on your quality of life. Heavy traffic, loud neighbors, nearby businesses, and other factors can turn your dream home into a nightmare if you discover them after moving in. Looking into the neighborhood before making an offer helps ensure you find a house you’ll love to call home.

Aspects of the Neighborhood to Check Out Before Buying a House

1. Noise Levels

A neighborhood that seems calm and sedate on a weekday morning can be unbearably loud on the weekends or after hours, especially in areas with a lot of businesses. To ensure you can live with a neighborhood’s noise levels, visit the house at different times of the day, especially on Friday or Saturday nights.

2. Sidewalks

Most people take sidewalks for granted, but many neighborhoods don’t have them. Not only does this make walking more dangerous, but it can also mean there aren’t a lot of parks, walkable businesses, or other amenities nearby. If you like a community feel or lead an active lifestyle, a neighborhood without sidewalks may not be for you.

3. Distance to Stores

You might have checked the commute from the house to your job, but what about stores and other amenities? Driving 20 minutes for groceries can quickly become a tiresome chore that takes time out of your week and gas money out of your wallet.

If you’re buying a home anywhere in or around Woodbury, MN, trust Justyna Johnson – ExP Realty to find the perfect property in a neighborhood you’ll love. As a top local real estate agent, Justyna provides a level of service that has earned national recognition, including a 5-star rating from Zillow® and appearances on HGTV’s “House Hunters.” Visit her website to start browsing homes for sale, follow her Twitter for more expert real estate tips, and call (651) 501-2345 to start house hunting today. Text “HOME” to the same number to receive a TRUSTimate, an accurate, free online property report. You will receive no calls, spam, or sales communications—just the facts.