What to Consider When Choosing a New Neighborhood: Insights from a Real Estate Agent in Lakeland, Florida
Looking for a new home in Lakeland, Florida can be an exciting experience — but have you thought about the neighborhood?
There are several things you should look for in a potential neighborhood in the "Swan City" of Central Florida. Without further ado, this top-rated real estate agent in Lakeland, Florida is going to discuss some of the main things you should consider.
1. Safety
Your home should be a haven where you can unwind and forget about your troubles and worries. You don’t want to be concerned about your safety or the safety of those around you. As such, when choosing a neighborhood in Lakeland, one of the first things you should look at is safety.
You should be aware of the crime rate in the area — you can find online resources that break down the crime statistics of Lakeland neighborhoods, including the prevalence of crime and the types of crimes committed — and even interact with neighbors to learn more about the neighborhood's safety.
2. Proximity
It’s nice to live in a neighborhood that is centrally located in your community. You’ll want to be close to the local grocery stores, shopping centers, gyms, physicians' offices, schools, etc. It’s also convenient to live close to your work to reduce your daily commute.
Living far away from all the places you want to go will result in a lot more time spent commuting. But even if your neighborhood isn’t in the middle of all the action, there’s nothing wrong with a short commute.
3. Parks and Other Outdoor Recreation
You should also think about the parks and other outdoor spaces the neighborhood has to offer. If you have dogs, have kids, or just enjoy going on walks, living near public parks and walking paths can be wonderful. Plus, homes that are located near beautiful outdoor spaces are also highly sought after — meaning you can sell your Lakeland home faster and for a higher price when the time comes.
If you’re driving around the neighborhood with your Lakeland realtor, you should keep an eye out for things like nearby parks and other appealing outdoor spaces. Sidewalks in the neighborhood are also an indicator that the community is more walkable and ideal for folks who prefer the outdoors.
4. The Neighborhood's Future Prospects
While you’ll want to look for a home and community that lines up with your current lifestyle, you’ll also want to consider what lies ahead. You may live in your new home for the next two decades or more — and for that reason, you’ll want to make sure it will still fit your needs in the future.
You’ll want to ask your Lakeland realtor about the neighborhood's future prospects and the types of developments that are in the works. For example, if you enjoy the wide-open space behind your Lakeland home, keep in mind that other houses or businesses could occupy the land in the future.
Are You Looking for the Top-Rated Real Estate Agent in Lakeland, Florida? Contact Lisa Matheny Today.
Finding your dream home is only one piece of the puzzle — finding an experienced real estate agent in Lakeland, Florida to help you find the right neighborhood can make your life much easier.
If you’re looking for the top-rated realtor in Lakeland, Florida, look no further than Lisa Matheny, Realtor with the Dalton Wade Real Estate Group. Lisa knows the Lakeland real estate market better than anyone, and with her breadth of industry knowledge and experience, she can help determine whether a particular neighborhood is a good fit for you. Contact Lisa Matheny today at (863) 412-6633 to get started.