When you get the keys to your next home, you’re not just buying a house, you’re also entering a community. So, it makes sense to make a thorough assessment of an area’s local amenities before signing the contract.
Here we look at seven neighborhood amenities you should look for when purchasing a home.
Importance of neighborhood amenities
What makes a good neighborhood? For most of us, it’s a combination of safety, community, and accessibility — and maybe a neighbor who’ll lend you their mower every now and again.
But what about neighborhood amenities like leisure facilities and access to schools? These local assets can make a huge difference to your quality of life, your sense of community, and the value of your property in case you decide to sell.
In other words, what happens around your house can end up being just as important as what goes on inside it.
Increased property value
A house doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Even the most elegant mansion will struggle to attract buyers if it has limited access to schools, parks, and other amenities.
Purchasing a home in a friendly and functional neighborhood with local services and facilities means you can expect a good sale price if you eventually decide to move elsewhere. After all, the next buyer can always redecorate, but they can’t change the location.
Enhanced quality of life
If you drive to work every day, the idea of commuting to your evening and weekend activities as well can seem like a chore. But what if you could have nature, social activities, and practical services within minutes of your front door?
Having adequate neighborhood amenities means less travel and more time to enjoy yourself.
Stronger sense of community
Sometimes it’s nice to travel out of your local area to get dinner, play a round of golf, or take the kids out for a day of activities.
However, using the amenities on your doorstep means you’re seeing friends and neighbors rather than strangers when you go out. This is a great way to bond with people in your area and foster a strong sense of community.
Best neighborhood features
Different buyers will have different needs and preferences. For example, a family of four might need to prioritize schools and public transit, while a young professional might be interested in living near a social hub or sports facility. That being said, these seven neighborhood amenities can provide important benefits for most buyers.
Schools
If you’re a parent and you’re looking for your dream home, you’ll probably try to visualize your kids growing up in a potential new area, wondering how they’ll fit in and whether they’ll get the best possible education. For parents and parents-to-be, having good schools in the area can be a dealbreaker, as nothing is more important than your children’s future.
Pools
A communal pool is a great place to take kids over the weekend and a refuge for adults during quiet hours. Of course, a pool in your own yard has the benefits of exclusive access and privacy, but a neighborhood pool allows you to forget about the somewhat less relaxing aspects of pool ownership, namely cleaning it and buying expensive chemicals.
Walking & biking trails
Living close to nature and having access to hiking or biking trails makes a huge difference to your quality of life. Fresh air and exercise can raise your mood, and doing these activities with friends or family makes for a great day out.
Event spaces
Home buyers who like to enjoy holidays, festivals, musical events, and other social gatherings with their local community should look for event spaces near the property. This could be a pavilion, town hall, or even a park.
Stores & dining
Most of us would prefer not to live in an apartment above a restaurant, but having grocery stores, restaurants, and bars within a short drive can help you spend less time on errands and more time doing the things that matter.
Marinas
For those lucky enough to live near a lake, getting out on the water can be the highlight of the week — whether it’s on a kayak, paddle boat, or yacht! When purchasing a home, keen mariners should look out for local boat launch access, as well as nearby marinas for larger vessels.
Golf Courses
Although the sport isn’t for everyone, proximity to golf courses (and their associated members’ clubs) is a surefire sign of luxury and will typically boost the value of a home.
See what life is like Lakeside
When purchasing a home, it’s important to look beyond the four walls of the house. You won’t spend all your time indoors, so having access to amenities like schools and leisure facilities will make a big difference to your everyday life.
Lakeside at Tessera is a master-planned community with several desirable on-site amenities such as a waterfall edge pool, an events pavilion, and a private boat launch on Lake Travis, as well as proximity to shops, restaurants, and the Lago Vista Independent School District. To see the incredible community we’re building, book a tour today.