The Indianapolis area is full of charming neighborhoods, from the stunning architecture of Carmel to the fabled brick roads in downtown Zionsville. When you’re on the hunt for a new place to call home in Indianapolis real estate, choosing between such beautiful locations with luxurious properties and landscaping can be challenging.
Of course, the neighborhood features are just as important as the home itself, as they affect your quality of life, transportation options, and access to amenities. Depending on your family's unique needs, you may also be looking for accessibility to good schools, playgrounds, a shopping center or market, entertainment options, and more.
In the end, regardless of how attractive the deal for your new house is, you will also be investing in the neighborhood, and a good community should suit your family's current and future needs. Here are 10 essential tips to help you narrow down the perfect neighborhood to check all the boxes.
1. Outline the features of your perfect neighborhood
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Before researching specific neighborhoods, create an outlined list of your preferences and requirements. Remember to take the needs of all your family members into consideration. Outline all the essential features of your ideal neighborhood and determine which groups of features would set them apart.
Consider the following characteristics of the neighborhood in question:
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Proximity to amenities and shopping areas
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Quiet or busy streets
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Traffic and parking
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Older neighborhoods or modern development
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Social community and connectedness
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Proximity to parks and nature
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Walkable areas and sidewalks
2. Research the schools
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If you are a parent, there’s nothing more important than your child’s future. Living in a district with high-performing educational facilities should be a priority in your ideal neighborhood checklist. Research the graduation rates, standardized testing scores, extracurricular activities, and sports programs of schools in your area. For statistics on specific educational metrics, you can check the National Center for Education Statistics website.
For a more detailed review of the school district in the neighborhood, check the statistics on Greatschools.org. The website not only grades schools across the U.S. according to student performance but also features a student-parent review section where you can read what other parents say about the school in question.
3. Assess the public transportation and commute
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Do you own a car, or will you need to utilize public transportation to get to work? How convenient is the public transportation in this neighborhood compared to others? Could you ride your bike? You need to answer these questions regarding the neighborhood’s proximity to essential amenities and your workplace. Check the traffic on Google maps at various times to get a good idea.
Of course, living in a neighborhood with alternative transportation means or ride-sharing opportunities can be beneficial. Evaluate the costs of hiring a taxi or driver to get where you need to go.
4. Compare the value of homes in the neighborhood
You probably already have a mental image of your ideal neighborhood and its gorgeous ambiance. However, it’s helpful to find out the current value of homes in the area and compare it with the average home prices five or 10 years earlier. This information will be easy to find with the help of an Indianapolis realtor.
Has the average value of homes in the area dropped or risen? How much has the value of homes changed? Finding answers to these questions can help you project the real estate value of your home over the next five or 10 years, when you may be in the market to sell.
5. Look at the potential for future development
New developments maximize a neighborhood's potential but also increase taxes and traffic. You can find information on potential future developments in your preferred community at city hall or the local Chamber of Commerce.
Depending on your family's needs, the outlook of future developments in a neighborhood may be favorable or unfavorable. Nevertheless, the potential for future development is generally a good sign, creating a favorable economic environment that promotes investments and business growth. For instance, an uptick in new construction homes in Indianapolis means there is potential for future growth (and buyer interest).
6. Think about the amenities
Amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, and cafes are easy to overlook, but they affect your family's day-to-day life. While considering the amenities, it is also essential to consider your home's proximity to noisy spots, like bars on the weekends. If you invest in Indianapolis real estate, for instance, make sure your new home is not too close to any noisy sections of the neighborhood.
Besides amenities, your preferred neighborhood should also have specific points of interest to suit your hobbies and propensities.
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Do you like interacting with other community members?
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Are you religious and prefer settling near worship centers?
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Do you like to read in your free time and would love to live around libraries or art centers?
Knowing the accessibility of these points of interest is one of the best ways to narrow your search.
7. Consider community events
If you want to live somewhere with a sense of belonging, research which type of community events the neighborhood hosts. From art fairs and live concerts to farmers’ markets and 4th of July parades, many residents enjoy connecting at social events and celebrating milestones. If this is important to you, note these events and compare them to other neighborhoods’ festivities.
8. Prepare for property taxes
Regarding property tax concerns, it would be best to partner with a local real estate agent. A certified realtor is knowledgeable in the local housing market and its nitty-gritty. They can provide valuable insights into the past and future property tax trends in the neighborhood you're eyeing. Make sure the current amount of property tax, as well as the projected amount, fits your budget.
9. Remember recreation
If you’re a nature enthusiast, consider the proximity to outdoor green spaces, hiking trails, ponds or lakes, or other fun adventure spots. Think about golf courses, tennis courts, picnic spaces, equestrian trails, dog parks, and more – how will you get there? Will you (and your dog) be happy?
Is there nothing better than the wind in your hair as you ride your bike on forested paths? Look for a neighborhood with close access to parks or trails where you’ll feel free. Do you spend your afternoons longing for a fun fishing spot? Check out the local ponds or streams perfect for angling. No matter your interests, don’t neglect them when considering the neighborhood.
10. Take a tour of the neighborhood
After all these considerations, it’s still best to visit the neighborhood in person before committing. Online reviews are helpful but insufficient for getting a natural feel for the highs and lows of a community. Take a tour at different times and note the condition of the streets, houses, sidewalks, and front yards. Is it clean and quiet?
Observe the condition of businesses, vacant lots, and abandoned buildings to assess the area's growth potential. Walk down the streets and take note of the traffic and the general outdoor atmosphere.
Partner with Cara Conde and secure your dream home in your ideal neighborhood
If you’ve been perusing the houses for sale in Indianapolis in search of a new paradise, Cara Conde is the realtor you need. With more than 20 years of real estate experience, Cara Conde is ready to help you every step of the way. Contact her at (317) 999-9888 or visit online to get the professional guidance you need to start your home search on the right foot.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
