Thinking of finding the best suburbs near you? We can help.
The suburbs near a city can make or break the home buying experience. When looking for a home to purchase, many buyers don’t realize that choosing the right suburb is one of the most important decisions they will make.
The suburb you buy in sets your home value, impacts your quality of life, and becomes your family’s home for years to come. Don’t get stuck in the wrong neighborhood. Research the best places to buy a house before house hunting.
Here’s the deal:
Every suburb is different. Some can provide amazing value to homebuyers while others might be priced too high to get a good deal. Buying in the wrong neighborhood means potentially missing out on thousands of dollars in equity or purchasing a home in a location that isn’t perfect for your lifestyle.
The solution? The best way to determine which suburbs to purchase in is to do your research and create a game plan before hitting the real estate market. By getting organized and identifying the factors that contribute to a strong neighborhood, buyers can narrow down the best suburbs near them.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why choosing the right suburb has never been more important
- Characteristics of the best suburbs to buy a home in
- How to research and find top-rated suburbs
- Mistakes to avoid when choosing a suburb
Choosing a Suburb Is More Important Than Ever
As the suburban housing market continues to boom, deciding on a suburb to buy in has never been more important.
According to recent data, almost half of buyers prefer suburban locations over rural and urban areas.
With the suburban housing market continuing to boom and urban home values appreciating rapidly, choosing the right neighborhood has also become a critical financial decision.
Work with an agent that knows the best places to buy a house and knows the ins and outs of the suburbs around major markets like San Francisco to get the edge on finding the perfect neighborhood for your budget. The Winkler Real Estate Group works with home buyers to identify the best areas based on their criteria and walk them through how to find the right home in a competitive market.
One thing that many buyers don’t understand, however, is that certain characteristics are shared by the best suburbs across the US. In other words, there are specific factors that make a suburb great, and those are what lead to higher property values and a better lifestyle.
Top Factors That Determine the Best Suburb to Purchase a House In
The most overlooked factor that makes a suburb great is its school district.
Quality of education has a significant impact on property value, and many people who purchase homes in certain areas plan to stay for many years. Schools factor into resale value since future buyers with children will be more interested in neighborhoods with great public and private schools.
House prices remain strong during downturns in well-educated markets.
While schools are one of the top factors that go into choosing a suburb, it isn’t the only one that buyers should consider. The best neighborhoods will have a combination of many different factors that appeal to a variety of homebuyers.
The top characteristics of the best suburbs:
- Top-rated school districts: Quality education drives value
- Low crime rates: Safety is a top priority
- Reasonable commute times: Easy access to employment
- Robust local economies: Job growth fuels appreciation
- Great local amenities: Parks, restaurants, and recreational facilities
Don’t miss this.
The suburbs with the highest demand and home value appreciation combine several of the above factors into one neighborhood.
Research the Best Suburb Like a Pro
Buyers should start their research by making a list of what is non-negotiable. Every homebuyer is different, and factors like commute time, school quality, and price point are going to vary from person to person.
Once the top three to five most important factors are identified, buyers can begin looking into the best suburbs for their needs.
Step 1: Identify commute time. How far is too far from work? Rush hour traffic needs to be factored into the equation as well.
Step 2: Check school district ratings. GreatSchools and Niche are two great resources to use when narrowing down the best suburbs for schools.
Step 3: Visit local police websites and use resources like CrimeMapping to look into crime statistics in various areas.
Step 4: Look at home value trends. Have home values been appreciating or declining in the last 5-10 years?
Step 5: Visit the neighborhoods at various times. Is it a quiet area on the weekend and extremely busy during the week?
Smart buyers realize the importance of speaking to current residents as well. Current homeowners know the area and are happy to share what it’s like to live in their neighborhood.
Don’t Overlook Growing Suburbs
Not all suburban neighborhoods have the same potential for growth. Buyers should look for areas that have seen high appreciation over the last several years.
The local economy is one of the most important factors when it comes to a suburb’s ability to provide steady growth. Rapid job creation in areas like healthcare and corporate headquarters will fuel demand and lead to higher home value appreciation.
Infrastructure improvements by local governments are another sign of the future. Areas where city councils are investing with new roads, public transportation, and parks will continue to attract new residents.
Buyers looking to invest in the best suburbs should pay close attention to where a suburb is headed. An area with moderate home prices today could become a highly sought-after location in the future.
Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes
- Ignoring property taxes. Property taxes vary from suburb to suburb, and some of the cheapest homes could become the most expensive when buyers don’t research this important element.
- Failure to test the commute. Always drive the commute to work during peak hours. What looks like a 25-minute drive can turn into a one-hour commute with heavy traffic.
- Focusing solely on home prices. The cheapest suburb isn’t always the best value. Homes located in higher-demand areas tend to appreciate more and sell faster.
- Failure to investigate future development plans. That empty field behind the house could turn into a shopping center. Research local planning documents before purchasing.
- HOA restrictions. Homeowner’s association rules differ between neighborhoods. Buyers should check HOA rules when searching for the best places to buy a house.
Hey, one more thing…
There is no perfect suburb, and every area has its ups and downs. Homebuyers need to analyze how well the features in each neighborhood align with their preferences and needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best suburbs to purchase a house in is one of the most important decisions homebuyers make, yet so many rush into the process without knowing where to look.
As homebuyers continue to shift to suburban areas in large numbers, competition between buyers is fierce. Identifying which suburbs near major markets like San Francisco have the best value is critical to finding a dream home.
School quality, crime rates, and commute times matter more than ever. The best areas for buying a home have an excellent combination of several factors that appeal to different homebuyers.
The trick is to research various suburbs carefully to ensure a good match with a buyer’s priorities before starting the house hunting process.
Take action today, and start working through this guide to determine where the best places to buy a house are for your lifestyle and financial needs. The perfect home is waiting for you.