Looking to choose the best neighborhood in Boston’s MetroWest suburbs? Here are five tips on finding the best area for you and your family:
1. Think about your lifestyle needs. Do you envision walking down the street to a local cafe or prefer a more tucked away neighborhood? For example, more and more buyers are focusing on the walkability of neighborhoods to amenities such as parks, trails, tennis courts, cafes, shops, the library, train, and more.
2. Decide how close you really want to be to your neighbors. In many cul-de-sac neighborhoods common in towns like Hopkinton and Westborough, people often get to know each other and participate in community events like cookie exchanges, block parties, and book clubs. This can be great for newcomers to the area to help get to know people and become more comfortable. However, if you’re a more keep-to-yourself person, you may prefer a home with a larger lot size, like those in Dover and Sherborn, MA.
3. Check out crime statistics. There are inexpensive iPhone apps you can use to see crime statistics based on your location. Try these out when you’re visiting a home you’re considering buying. You can also call the local police station and ask for crime statistics for that region. While they are unlikely to tell you whether they think that neighborhood is safe or not, they can share crime reports, since these are public record.
4. Read up on any neighborhood association rules. Some neighborhoods have rules dictating aesthetics of the area. Be sure you’re comfortable with these before making an offer on a home.
5. Check out the neighborhood at different times of day or night. This gives you a real sense of noise issues, traffic patterns, and more.
6. Walk the neighborhood. Take a stroll through the neighborhood with your family and try it on for size. See if you feel comfortable there. And if you encounter neighbors, why not ask them the pros and cons of the neighborhood. You may find this an enlightening conversation!
Moving to the Boston area? Please feel free to contact me. I’d be glad to assist you in finding a new home and neighborhood that you love. My husband Kyle & I represent home buyers across the Boston suburbs, including Concord, Dover, Holliston, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Southborough, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, and Weston, among others. You can also visit our website to find lots of great info about these and other Metrowest communities.
[Thank you to Subpra for the lovely photo.]
