Considering a move to a new area can feel incredibly exciting. When you first move, daily life can feel like an adventure. There will be new restaurants to explore, local markets to discover and new people to meet.
But deciding whether you should move to a new area is a big decision, and there are some essential things to consider before you take the plunge.
In this article, we will share our advice on the top five things to consider before buying a new home and moving to a new area.
1. Can You Afford It?
First, you need to establish whether you can afford to live in your chosen new area – and which type of property is best for your budget. The best way to do this is to get in touch with a local estate agent. With their help, you can understand what types of properties are available to suit your budget.
2. Are the Transport Links What You Need?
Travelling around your local area is something you are likely to do frequently – probably daily. Good transport links can make a huge difference in determining whether an area is the right place to live. To check whether the location is suitable for your lifestyle, check out area guides on your local estate agents’ website.
3. Are the Local Amenities Suitable?
Some people will want lots of amenities close to their home – whether that’s schools, colleges, supermarkets, leisure activities or local parks. However, for others, these things may not be quite so important. Ultimately, the amenities you want in an area entirely depends on your lifestyle. The best way to find out about the local amenities is to explore the area and contact an expert estate agent.
4. What are Crime Rates Like?
If you feel particularly concerned about the crime rates in an area because you have children, elderly relatives or for any other reason, it’s a good idea to investigate the local crime statistics. You can do this online. Simply type the location into the police.uk website to analyse the results. Just remember that the statistics can look scarier than they seem, so it’s a good idea to compare the data with where you currently live before you decide.
5. What Employment Opportunities Are There?
Naturally, if you want to retire to a new area, local employment opportunities will not be important to you. However, if you plan on working close to home when you move, you should check out available jobs and salaries.
Get Expert Advice
At Northwood Bristol, we are your local property experts. If you’re thinking about buying a new house and moving to a new area, our friendly team are happy to help you find your dream home in Bristol.
Give us a call today on 0117 9635777 or send us an email at bristol@northwooduk.com to start your new journey.
