Where Should I Live? 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Neighbourhood

UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | When looking for a new home to rent or buy, oftentimes we are focused on the house. However, the surroundings are equally, if not more important. Here are 7 factors to consider when choosing a new neighbourhood.

1. Schools in Proximity

If you have children or are planning on having them in the future, looking for nearby schools should be a priority. But even if you have no plans for children, it is still a good idea to investigate the quality of schools around your future home. Schools can have a significant impact on the resale value of a home. High quality public and private schools can significantly add more value to your investment.

2. Comfort and Convenience

It is critical to ensure that you feel relaxed and secure while you are out and about. There is a sense of comfort that comes with a safe neighbourhood. In such communities, you are able to take a walk or jog after a long and tiring day, with the ability to coexist peacefully with other residents.

The convenience of your neighbourhood has a direct impact on how much free time you have, and therefore your quality of life. Your proximity to amenities such as shops to pick up groceries matters. Perhaps the most important convenience factor is your neighbourhood’s distance from your workplace, which significantly impacts the time and cost of commuting every day.

How far are you from a police station or health care? It is always a good idea to be aware of emergency services in the area of your future home in case of any emergencies.

If you are buying a house, look up the crime rates in your area as well on the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report.

3. Activities and Amenities

Community centres, markets, parks, bars, restaurants and entertainment services like social clubs that host weekend parties or an active nightlife scene are excellent places to meet and interact with other neighbours. Having a place to exercise or a gym nearby makes it easier if you are a sporty resident. 

Find a neighbourhood that fits you and your lifestyle and ensure it has the amenities that are important to you. If you are considering moving into gated communities, they have basketball or tennis courts, as well as a football fields, among others.

The amenities your neighbourhood offers will also impact your home’s value.

4. Sound and Smell

It is critical to visit a neighbourhood at various times a day before deciding on renting an apartment or purchasing a home. Bothersome noises will never go away, and getting used to them is a risk. Noises could include traffic, your neighbours playing loud music or screaming children, among other things.

When visiting your potential area, don’t forget to take a good whiff of the air outside in case of a strong odour from sewage problems, stagnant water, trash, or even a BBQ corner joint that can produce bothersome odours that are unlikely to go away.

5. Any Plans for the Future

Checking with your local town planning office, go to your district or city council and local planner about the plans for the neighbourhood area will help you know and avoid inconveniences. There may be future construction projects or road expansions that may affect your neighbourhood, in a good way or otherwise. 

6. Scenery

Trees may appear to be merely decorative, but they are vital to one’s health and happiness. A study discovered that people who live in neighbourhoods with plenty of trees experience less depression than those who live in communities that are bare of nature.

7. Neighborhood Culture

However, the most important thing is to match the neighborhood culture to your lifestyle. Do you have kids? Are you trying to cut down your commute? Do you want to a bustling downtown lifestyle, or are you looking for peace and quiet? Determine what is most important to you — the one thing that will make or break your happiness with the neighborhood.

Identify what is most important to you, and then work with your local real estate agent to help you find not only the house but the neighbourhood with a culture that suits you.