What Community Characteristics are First Time Home buyers Looking for?
Buying your first home can be an exciting yet overwhelming and stressful adventure. This is especially true when you are trying to determine what needs are most important in your future city or town. Fortunately, there seem to be a few key community characteristics that first-time homebuyers are looking for.
The Cost of Living
One of the most important aspects of work-life balance is getting a lot for your hard-earned money. Let’s face it, you work hard, and no matter where you decide to live, you want somewhere that is going to allow each dollar to stretch as far as it possibly can. In terms of cost of living many singles seems to enjoy Birmingham, Alabama, for its low overall housing, healthcare, and food costs. Combine all of this with the average commute time of approximately 25 minutes or less and you have the makings for one popular location. Birmingham is also the hub for some major companies, a university, and research facility, Birmingham also has a lot of business opportunities on offer.
Employment Opportunities
According to many home buyers as well as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Dakota is one of the most in-demand places to be. It has three communities sitting within the top five slots for the lowest unemployment rate. Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks all rank, with Fargo topping the list for lowest unemployment in the entire country.
Walk ability
According to several recent reports, New York City remains the most walk able city in the United States. That said, New York still also considered to be among the most expensive to live. Depending on your budget New York might be for you, however, if your budget is a little less flexible you might want to consider taking a look at another well-known city that also provides residents with lots of walk abilities –Boston. Boston is a vibrant city with tons of history, amazing schools and a ton of walking tours. With good transit links and a rich culture, Boston can make a happy home.
Community and Culture
One of the great things about a place to live is the culture and leisure activities you can find there. A business insider recently listed locations to live based on the number of culture and recreational activities per capita and as a surprise to many who have not yet visited – Miami came in a strong within the top three. With an iconic music scene, as well as a world-renowned zoo and art museum, Miami has a flavor and nightlife all its own, making it the perfect place to set up camp for the social set.
Climate and Weather
Now, this is definitely a personal decision, as some enjoy the cooler weather, some love snow, while other seek the sun and sand. If that last option sounds like you, California might just be your ideal location. With temperate weather all year, California can provide the sunshine on the regular, without the hefty hurricane season that plagues much of the Eastern Seaboard. Add to that great wine and ancient forests and anywhere in California can provide the outdoor enthusiast with the weather to enjoy an active life.