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There are countless decisions to be made when building a new Vermont home, but few decisions are more important than where to build. You’re building a new home so that your living space can support your lifestyle, and your neighborhood influences your lifestyle just as much as the design elements of your house.
Here are 3 important considerations to make when comparing neighborhoods for your new Vermont home:
1. Location
Building a new home is deeply personal, but location continuously comes up as the biggest influencing factor. When we decide to move, it’s because we want to change some aspect of our lifestyles. And with priorities ranging from being close to family to having easy access to downtown, location plays a major role in how we live our lives. When comparing neighborhoods for your new Vermont home, determine how important the following location considerations are to you:
- School district and proximity to school
- Proximity to work
- Distance to friends and family
- Distance from local amenities such as restaurants and shops
- Nearby leisure activities such as gyms, movie theaters, etc.
- Public transportation or alternate transportation options
2. Lifestyle
Every neighborhood has its own characteristics that make it unique. The type of neighborhood you choose will have a significant impact on your lifestyle, so it’s important to choose a neighborhood for your new Vermont home that fits your personality. You need a place where you and your family will feel comfortable being yourselves.
Neighborhoods often attract certain types of people, from young families building their lives to retirees looking for a slower-paced lifestyle. When comparing neighborhoods, first identify the type of lifestyle you’re looking for, then decide whether each neighborhood will be conducive to that lifestyle. Your realtor or developer should be able to answer any questions you may have about the neighborhood and its residents.
3. Neighborhood Amenities
Beyond proximity to local attractions, be sure to compare the amenities of the neighborhoods themselves. Some Vermont neighborhood developments, such as South Village and Nature’s Way, offer features that enhance your living experience and enrich your lifestyle. Neighborhood amenities could include everything from neighborhood swimming pools, walking paths, and community gardens to the view your home overlooks.
Homeowners Associations are another consideration to keep in mind when comparing neighborhoods for building a new Vermont home. The presence of a Homeowners Association (HOA) typically means that your trash removal, snow removal, and lawn care will be taken care of. But HOAs aren’t for everyone, and for some people may be a detracting factor when selecting a neighborhood.
As with many decisions throughout the homebuilding process, sometimes you just know when you’ve found the right neighborhood. Choosing a site on which to build your new Vermont home is an exciting process. Be sure to spend time making a list of the factors that are most important to you!
