6 signs that a neighborhood is perfect for you

6 Signs That a Neighborhood is perfect for you

Any decent city will have a fair share of great neighbourhoods to live in, so how can you decide on which area is right for you? Ideally, you want to find an apartment for rent in a neighbourhood that has a few attractive amenities and other benefits, such as a grocery store, a subway or bus stop, a park, and a few good restaurants and bars.

But finding an ideal neighbourhood is about the must-haves. You need to feel connected to the area and feel like you’re a part of a community. And while this can be tricky to determine based on a short visit, there are some sure-fire indicators that will give you a good idea about whether or not you should move to a particular neighbourhood.

Here are six signs that a neighbourhood is perfect for you: It has all your must-haves Finding the perfect neighbourhood is like finding that ideal partner. Just like people have a list of qualities they are looking for in a partner, your neighborhood should possess many of the features you value most. This can include easy access to public transportation, a good selection of restaurants and bars, a grocery store, a park, a gym, and so on. If you can check off all or at least the majority of these amenities, you’re off to a great start.

The residents are friendly Take a stroll around the neighborhood and pay attention to the people you encounter. Do they seem warm and friendly, or are they trying desperately not to make eye contact with one another? It’s always nice to rent an apartment in a neighbourhood with other like-minded people, or at the very least, people in a similar age demographic.

You can see yourself there It’s always a good sign when you can picture yourself fitting into a neighborhood. When you can envision taking a stroll in the local park, grabbing a drink at a nearby watering hole, or eating brunch at a charming cafe across the street, chances are, the neighbourhood is a great fit for you. Trust your instincts — they’re usually right.

You feel connected It’s important to feel connected to the neighbourhood you live in, including the people, the businesses, and green spaces. However, it’s also crucial that you’re not too far away from work/school, your friends and family, and anywhere else you visit regularly, or you’ll feel somewhat isolated. After all, what’s the point of living in a neighbourhood you love if you can’t occasionally share the experience and environment with your loved ones?

It received great reviews There are many websites, such as city lifestyle blogs, that provide a good insight on what it’s like to live in a particular neighborhood. Read as many neighbourhood guides as you can, along with online message boards to learn more about what neighbourhoods would be a good fit for you. Walking around a neighbourhood for an hour isn’t the same as living in the area for a year. Since many neighborhoods are constantly changing due to gentrification and other socio-economic factors, it’s important to read reviews and guides published within the last year.

You can afford it It’s easy to fall in love with a car without looking at the sticker price. Similarly, getting excited about moving into a neighbourhood before evaluating whether or not you can afford apartments for rent in the area is a rookie mistake. So before you get all caught up in the excitement, check out several neighborhoods ranging in price before deciding on one. You could be pleasantly surprised by how many great neighbourhoods will have apartments offering reasonably-priced rent.