What to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 08/01/2021

Finding a new home is challenging on its own, even when you are familiar with the area. If you’re wanting to move or start a new life somewhere completely different, it’s hard to know where to start. If you don’t have a specific place in mind, focusing on your priorities and budget can help you narrow down your choices. Here are the top 5 things to consider when looking for a new place to live:

Weather

For some people, weather can have an enormous impact on quality of life. Whether it’s personal preference or physical comfort, the climate should be a major consideration in choosing a new place to live. It’s easy to find temperature averages and other statistics like amount of rainfall or snow online. Check the weather reports regularly to get a sense of how the temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to research the general region to find out about any potentially extreme weather common to the area, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

Size

Size, both in population and geographic area, is an important metric to be aware of in searching for a place to live. Population density can clue you in to things like traffic, job opportunities and available housing. The geographic size of a place can help you determine what sort of commutes or everyday travel times you can expect. Some people prefer small and quiet towns while others prefer the hustle and bustle of big cities. While every city and town is different, considering the relative sizes of your options can still give you valuable information.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is a wide category that includes things like schools, public transportation, hospitals and other emergency services. If you have children or plan to have children, it’s crucial to research the schools in the area. Beyond that you can also look at the proximity and availability of emergency services and healthcare facilities. Public transportation is a huge draw for people who wish to avoid driving or want to help the environment, but it’s not always as accessible or reliable as it can appear at face value. Find train or bus schedules and route maps to get a better idea of the public transportation in a prospective new home.

Cost of Living

The cost of a home itself is only the beginning of your financial life in a new location. First, make sure you know about the property taxes in an area. You can also look at mortgage rates and rent prices nearby. Groceries, entertainment, utilities, gas and other transportation costs will all factor into your overall cost of living. There are many online resources to help you research and compare certain places and you can always consult the area’s local government for details about taxes and other municipal expenses.

These are some of the most important things to consider when looking for a new place to live, but there are many other questions you should ask yourself before you move. Take other factors into account like culture, lifestyle, local economy and politics as well as safety. Finding what is most important to you is the best way to begin your search.

About the Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”