Tips for picking the right neighborhood

homes in Bucknell range from renovated to rebuilt
Old growth neighborhood
When considering a potential new residence it's important to think about the neighborhood and surrounding amenities that are close by. Make a list of all of the amenities or services that are nearby or close to the neighborhood and track how long it takes as well as what routes you might use to get to each. You can also check the Walk Score of a neighborhood for a short-hand look at convenience. Next, decide what the best characteristics of the neighborhoods are and determine what you like about them. Making a list of each neighborhood you are considering can be particularly helpful later when comparing different localities. Some things to ask yourself include:
  • Do the people in the surrounding neighborhood seem friendly?
  • Are the neighboring residences clean or well-kept? (e.g. yards and streets nearby)
  • Are there parks or other recreational facilities close by or within minimal driving distance?
  • Is the area scenic and/or visually appealing?
  • Are there trees and similar foliage lining the streets and in neighboring yards?
  • Are the streets well lit and do the sidewalks provide easy access?
  • Do you feel safe in the neighborhood and would you feel safe walking after dark?
  • Are there other houses for sale nearby?
  • What is the history about the community and how it developed?
    Husband and wife walk in Del Ray
    Husband and wife walk in Del Ray
  • Do you see families and children in the surrounding residences?
  • What is the proximity to schools and your place of work?
  • Does the community and neighborhood seem active and/or engaged?
  • What is the median age-range of those who live in the neighborhood?
Finally, really spend some time walking around and observing the neighborhood you're considering. When trying to determine the safety, cleanliness and personality of a specific neighborhood, simply spending some honest time getting to know the area and meeting or talking to some of its residents is your best bet! For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Will Nesbitt

View posts by Will Nesbitt
Will is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. He is licensed in anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but focuses on those communities found in and around Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Springfield/Franconia. Will has been involved in real estate management, sales and investment for more than twenty years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in the army, he studied Russian at Monterey's Defense Language Institute. He is also a "veteran of the dotcom wars" and built most of the sites associated with NesbittRealty.com Will currently resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Old Town, overlooking New Alexandria. He is a former president of the Mount Vernon Youth Athletic Association and founded the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group. Will is the author of BattlestorM, a tabletop fantasy game, which was published by Ral Partha Publishing in the late '90's, and Arthur's Realm, a boardgame available at the Gamecrafter.