It’s true that what makes a great area to live in differs from person to person, but all great places do share some common factors that are universally appealing. Here we explore 10 signs the area you live in (or would like to live in) is truly special.
Great schools
Even if you don’t have children now, buying a property within an area renowned for great schools has a very positive affect on property prices. In Australia, you generally need to live within a public school’s catchment area in order to send your child to that particular school, and some parents are willing to pay top dollar to ensure they live in the catchment area of a great public school. Particularly if you live in a rural area where you may need to travel to get to the best school, it pays to live close-by to some of the best.
Low crime rates
This is a pretty universal sign of a good neighbourhood. We all want to live in an area where we feel safe and secure. Savvy property buyers will do their research and look at crime rates when it comes to moving to a new area, with this information readily available online.
Lifestyle options
A well-rounded area is one that offers different things to different people. This could mean plenty of nearby cafes in the local village, a great local pub for restaurant foodies, walking, hiking and horse riding trails for active locals, or local clubs and sports leagues for engaged community members.
Outdoor activities
Living in an area where residents don’t have to travel too far to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors makes an area more appealing. Think of parks, playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools. Those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle might look for areas close to national parks, walking trails, rivers, lakes or beaches.
Well-presented homes
Not only does a street look amazing when each property is well presented, but it also shows that your neighbours take a lot of pride in their home, a good sign for any prospective property buyer or seller. This doesn’t have to mean you live in a street of luxury properties either; great presentation starts with a mowed lawn, neat and tidy yard, freshly painted façade and clean, well-maintained footpaths.
Leafy and well established
A leafy main road through the centre of town, with well-established older buildings and homes can look really inviting. It shows the area has a bit of heritage given the age of the trees that line most streets and the age of the buildings which have been maintained over time. For homes outside of town, established gardens add value and appeal.
Family friendly
Aside from great schools lots of factors play a part in making an area appeal to families. Funnily enough, most are listed above. In addition to these an area which has larger homes on larger blocks is probably going to appeal more to families than, say, the heart of the city, where homes run significantly smaller. One of the many bonuses of living in a rural area is the size of most blocks and the space that comes from living further out from central business districts.
Transport and walkability
For those who work or attend school locally, walkability is a big drawcard – being able to leave the car at home to get the nearby attractions like markets, shops, cafes and schools can make an area really desirable. Similarly, for those who commute or work further from home, easy access to main arterial roads and highways or transport can be a bonus.
Shopping
While a good supermarket or grocery with fresh local produce is great, smaller local shops can make an area special. Being close to the shops is not just convenient, it can be a drawcard that gets people to visit a neighbourhood. Weekend farmers' markets are popular neighbourhood attractions, as are large-scale shopping centres where people can get everything done in one stop.
Local Community
The biggest sign of a special area? A welcoming and cohesive local community where you can get involved and build social relationships. Maybe it’s community groups like Lions, Rotary or CWA, or sporting clubs, environmental volunteer groups or helping out the local SES or CFA – these all help you build ties and put down roots in your local area.
This weekend, why not look around your local neighbourhood and see what makes your area special! It’s great to be aware of the major selling points in your location, and if you’re interested in buying in a particular area, why not see how it stacks up in the desirability stakes?