Tempted to move to a totally new area? Well, there’s lots to consider when thinking about moving home, but even more so if you’re looking to take the plunge and discover a new area.

Setting up your home in a new neighbourhood always comes with its share of anxieties. If you want to move to a new home close to where you already live, there is little to decide. But if you want to move to a different part of town, or across the country or, if you are considering buying a second home, then how to decide where to live is more difficult. It can take time to get to know an area well enough to know whether you would like to live there, and many of the issues will not be apparent from just visiting. It’s not just about finding a home that fits your budget; you also need to assess the neighbourhood, amenities, lifestyle, and long-term prospects for the area. Here are some important areas to consider:

Affordability

One of the first things you need to assess when choosing an area is affordability. While home prices are important, don’t overlook the broader cost of living, you will need to know about council tax, parking availability, and the cost of everyday amenities. It is definitely worth spending a day out in the new area to see how much you might be looking at spending to eat out, at the pub, and in the local shop to buy essentials.

GPs

It’s also a good idea to research your local GPs, the nearest hospital and childcare providers. Being near hospitals and emergency services provides peace of mind, which is crucial if you have ongoing health issues or older relatives.

Transport Links

Before choosing your location for the move, you need to be aware of the transport links. If a daily commute on public transport is part of your life, you need to know about buses and trains that get you there. Properties near reliable public transport usually keep or increase their value. For drivers, road connections are key. Close access to major roads can save time and reduce stress whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or planning trips.

Schools

The quality and location of primary and secondary schools matter if you have children or plan to. Living near top schools boosts your child’s education prospects and saves time on school runs. Local councils will generally tell you the precise catchment areas of their schools in recent years – vital to know if you want to make sure your children get into it. And as we know from living in Sherborne, areas near schools often have vibrant communities with many amenities, making them attractive places to live.

Safety

It’s also helpful to investigate the crime rates and safety of the area. A low-crime neighbourhood offers peace of mind and a safer environment for your family. I remember when we were looking to move into Sherborne – the police station was still open at that time and a policewoman, in uniform, was on a kneeler outside the station weeding the flower beds. I thought that was quite a good sign that we weren’t moving to a crime hot spot!

Development Plans

One aspect that often gets overlooked, is researching any major developments planned for the area, such as new highways, shopping centres, or solar farms. These can impact future property values, traffic, and your quality of life. It’s also worth checking on GOV.UK if the area is prone to flooding. Living in such areas can endanger your property and can lead to high insurance costs.

Finding the right home goes beyond the property itself; it’s about ensuring the area enhances your lifestyle – each area has its unique vibe and culture, and it’s essential to find a place where you feel comfortable and welcomed. Do you want to be in a happening place, with lots of life, or do you prefer somewhere more rural? Do you relish a laid back lifestyle or will you get bored? Is being able to walk to the shops important, or are you happy having to get in a car to get a pint of milk? What does the local paper tell you? Spend some time wandering the area you are interested in. You will probably spend years there and it is really worth investing time to make sure you are happy where you end up.

Happy house hunting, and may you find a place that truly feels like home!

To find out more about how The Homemover Specialist can help you with your perfect home, contact us on hello@thehomemover.co.uk or on 01483 255895.