Picking/Choosing the right Neighborhood

Picking a neighborhood can be just as important as choosing your home. You are after all buying into the community.

So how do you choose the right one? Here are some considerations on how to pick a neighbourbood that is perfect for you and your family.

How to Pick a Neighbourhood:

Type of Environment

Do you have small kids and would like a more peaceful setting? Or maybe school-age children who you’d prefer to play outside with neighbouring kids? Looking for a retirement home? You might want a quiet community.

Are you looking for more of an urban vibe? A laid-back out of city setting?

Take into consideration what type of environment you want to be in. We have some buyers who want a quiet area where neighbours do not venture out of their homes. Others want a friendly neighbourhood where they can interact with other families. How about you?

Does your lifestyle match the community and the subdivision’s amenities?

Are you sports-oriented? Then look for areas who can offer you your game fix. Many master planned communities offer a wide array of amenities.

Look at the recreational facilities offered. Would a community pool be a great benefit? Filipinos love basketball; are you the type who plays the game on the street or in indoor courts? If you plan to start a family, or already have kids, choose a community experience that meets your needs.

Yard Space and adjacent unit’s proximity

In condos you do not get much space, in fact you only get your unit. But if only you’re starting out and will not really be at home much, you may not need the space. Then it might be practical for you not to invest in too big an area that you will not use or enjoy.

If you prefer having a garden, or you love having friends over, then having a bigger space will be perfect for you. Assess your needs and see if expansion will be needed later on.

Public Transportation

Check ease of commuting to and from the subdivision. Is it easy for everyday errands to get done? Typically, the public utility jitneys or buses ply the main highways only, thus we normally require tricycles or trysikads to get to our home. Ask your broker if there are such in the subdivision. I know of one where these conveyances are not allowed in the subdivision and the homeowners will be walking from the main gate to their home. If this is the same with the subdivision that you are looking at, consider the distance. Will you be able to do this day-in and day-out, morning and noon?

Local Business and Shopping

What types of commercial establishments would you like nearby? Pulsing night life or a quiet evening at the movies?

Convenience is king. Are there malls or markets near your community? If you are low in sugar, can you easily and quickly buy? In big communities, they will usually have a mini-market place where you can buy everything from vegetables to a meat market. It is typical of Filipinos to eventually have a “tiendahan”. This is born from the innate entrepreneurial spirit to provide for a need. But make sure this is easily accessible from your place.

Schools

Consider where your kids’ school are and where you work. See number four, is it easy to commute to the school? If you are not particular in maintaining the same school for your kids, then consider enrolling them in nearby schools. Are the schools up to your standards? Having nearby public and private schools in the vicinity of the development only means good things. The community is growing.

Future Development

It helps property values if your subdivision has provisions for commercial areas. It does not necessarily mean that the development will provide commercial establishments like the Ayala Development has done. Not all developers are equipped or inclined to do so. Just check for provisions. Development follows where the community is.

Final Thoughts

Don’t just look at the home, consider the package it comes in! Pick a neighbourhood that suits your needs and lifestyle! As part of your home-buying process, we will schedule site visits so you could see the site for yourself before purchasing. If you are based abroad, ask a trusted family member or a friend to check out the place for you.

As always, ask your broker. We cater all subdivisions in Bacolod and neighbouring cities. Talk to us and together we’ll find your dream home, for you and your family. Browse through our listings and trim down your choices according to the type of property and your price range. Then give us a call or shoot us a message! You can also connect with us on Facebook! Happy house hunting! Cheers!