What to Look for in a Great Neighborhood

What makes a great neighborhood?

Is it the people, the atmosphere or the homes and amenities they provide? In this article from MSN, urban planners, a geographer, an architect and various real estate agents all describe a few characteristics that make a neighborhood great.

People came in as number one. It’s people, not developers who create the next great neighborhood.

“People have this feeling that something has happened there so they start to do little things that collectively add up to one big thing.”  This might be the local coffee shop pitching in to help clean up the community. Starbucks’ employees in Collier county, for example, participate in multiple beach cleanups every year.

These little things go a long way. They not only help the community, but they show visitors that people are taking pride in their neighborhoods.

Location is always a factor when it comes to a great neighborhood.

“Few people are going to settle in a neighborhood if it doesn’t have access to well-paying jobs.”

According to a survey by NAR, home values performed 42% better on average if the homes were within a half-mile of public transportation with high-frequency service such as a subway, light rail or bus rapid transit. In addition to these transit stations, other businesses may be attractive such as retail shops, services, restaurants and other places to hang out.

Schools also make the top of the list.

“By and large, the highest value home prices in America are found in school districts of very high quality.”

With new millennial’s entering the marketplace, the suburban home price is in decline and the demand for walkable neighborhoods and quality school districts are increasing among families with small children or couples who will be considering starting a family soon.

In addition to these three major factors, walkable neighborhoods always top the list. If you can walk to the nearest park, school, coffee shop or bookstore, the neighborhood itself becomes much more desirable.

We love the Pelican Bay area for exactly these reasons; you can walk to the clubhouse, swimming pool, or hop on one of the transit systems and head to the beach for a fantastic dining experience. Want to know more? Feel free to browse our website or contact one of our agents for a personal tour of one of the current listings.