Buying a home is a big decision and there is a lot of pressure to get it right. You want to be sure you choose the perfect home to suit your family’s needs and when it comes to selecting the right home, it’s all about location. No matter how much you like a house, the location is something you can’t change. Conversely, you can always make some improvements to a home if you love the home’s location. Remember, you are purchasing more than just a house. The whole neighborhood will impact your home. For this reason, you want to take your time when choosing a neighborhood. Here are seven qualities to look for to ensure you choose the best neighborhood.

1) Safety

Everyone wants to live in a neighborhood where they feel safe. You want to be able to go for walks and let your kids play outside without having to worry about an influx of crime. Though Federal Housing Laws prohibit real estate agents from commenting on neighborhood safety, you can get a good idea by talking to residents. You can also visit sites like SafeWise.com and NeighborhoodScout.com to check out the crime reports on a particular neighborhood. You can also ask if the neighborhood has a Neighborhood Watch program or any kind of security and/or surveillance.

2) Great Schools

Even if you don’t have kids, schools significantly impact a home’s resale value. Good schools can really drive  up property values and protect you against fluctuations in the market so the quality of nearby schools is an important factor for any home buyer.

3) Increase in Property Values

Climbing home values is one of the biggest markers of a great neighborhood. Regardless of how much you like a house, you should never buy in a neighborhood with decreasing home values. Do a little homework and find out what other homes in the neighborhood have been selling for and make sure these homes have been steadily increasing in value over the years. This is a sign of a stable neighborhood.

4) Walkability

Can you take a stroll around the neighborhood without dodging cars and listening to the sounds of a busy highway? Neighborhood walkability has been linked to higher home values  and people tend to prefer neighborhoods where people get out and go for walks. Aside from busy street traffic, check to see if the neighborhood is equipped with sidewalks and streetlights.

5)  Major Conveniences

Think about the things you do on a regular basis and consider whether or not this neighborhood is convenient to places like a grocery store, coffee shop, restaurants, retail shops, fitness gym, kids’ activities, etc. It can become tiresome to make multiple lengthy trips a week to places that you frequent. Be aware of these common stops and consider whether or not the neighborhood is convenient.

6) Commute Time

Ask yourself how you will get around. Do you plan on driving, walking, or taking public transportation to and from work and other activities? For many buyers, commute time to work and school can be a major concern. Consider how far the neighborhood is from these places and how long you are willing to spend in the car commuting each day.

7) Parks and Playgrounds

No matter what stage of life you’re in, it would be nice to have easy access to green spaces. Neighborhood playgrounds can be a huge bonus for families with children. Even if you don’t have kids, close proximity to parks is great for taking a stroll, riding your bike, walking the dog, or just getting outside to enjoy some fresh air. Buyers often gravitate toward neighborhoods that are close to outdoor spaces and natural beauty.