There’s an episode of the hit TV series “How I Met Your Mother” where the characters of Marshall and Lily decide to buy a home in a neighborhood they are unfamiliar with, only to learn later that it sits downwind from a sewer plant. The message is obvious: A buyer must do his or her due diligence on prospective neighborhoods to make the best real estate decisions.
For starters, investigate the local school district as good schools boost your property value. Research the closest parks and community centers and consider how busy streets impact the neighborhood. Another source for good school information is GreatSchools.org.
Finding the perfect neighborhood also involves meeting prospective neighbors. Walk through the area and say hello to people, and ask them for their impressions of the neighborhood. While you’re at it look around. Are there lots of kids on the block? Do people walk or jog through the neighborhood at night? A neighborhood can speak volumes by itself.
Don’t forget to map out stores and restaurants in the area. You may be used to a five-minute drive to the local grocery store, only to find out that your new home is 25 minutes away from the nearest place to buy milk. One site I enjoy referring to is WalkScore.com. While Dacula won't score high on their "walkable" category for neighborhoods, they do have an iPhone app and they do show nearby (to the tenth of a mile!) restaurants, shopping, theaters, parks, schools ,etc...
Of course, find out if your potential new home is part of a neighborhood association bearing regular fees, and if your community has lawn or construction restrictions. I read Deed Restrictions once that said "no homeowner could have more than two (2) animals." Now what they meant was that they didn't want someone breeding dogs or sheep or something! Could some neighbor try and enforce these to say they didn't want anyone with a dog, cat, and a hamster to move in next door? You never know!
A good agent can furnish you with a wealth of local information, and will take you on a tour of the closest commerce centers, restaurants and shops.
With a little groundwork you can help ensure that your dream house is surrounded by a dream neighborhood.
For more information on Dacula neighborhoods feel free to call Hank Bailey at (678) 252-9257, email to hankbailey@prudentialgeorgia.com or follow @PrudentialGARE on twitter.
Click here to view Dacula neighborhoods and MLS listings in each, and visit my new website www.hankbailey.prudentialgeorgia.com to create an advanced MLS search including foreclosures, short sales, new construction, and by schools!
Want to see more on Dacula Schools including test scores, locations, parent reviews? Information on Dacula listings? Need information on Dacula Utilities and how to connect? Do you wonder what things to see and do in Dacula? View the New Movers Digital Magazine to find out more about Living in Dacula and experience the most unique digital magazine in existence!
