5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Location to Call Home
Location, Location, Location
We’re all familiar with the real estate adage: “Location, location, location!” But just how cardinal is location when choosing your home or investment property. The location can impact the pricing, style of home, desirability + amount of inventory, and walkability or proximity to points of interest.
Before you choose a location, it’s a great idea to explore a few different areas to compare and contrast all of the varying property and neighborhood features that a location can offer. This is especially important in Greater Boston because many options are in close proximity to each other. We often start a broader location search for our clients, and then narrow the field as they become familiar with each neighborhood and begin feeling confident with the area they want to target.
5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Neighborhood to Call Home
Here are some questions you should ask when choosing neighborhoods in which you would like to live:
- What style, layout, and size home do you want. Condo or single family?
- Is private outdoor space a must? Do you prefer easy access to public green spaces?
- How Important is a minimal commute time to work, restaurants and leisure spots, family and friends?
- Is a town or city’s school system important to you?
- What is your ideal home purchase price?
Logan and Amanda, Seller and Buyer Clients of the Penney + Gould Team moved from the South End to Salem, Massachusetts, a charming seaside town with tons of history. They decided that having a Single Family Home with an enclosed backyard was their top priority. Needless to say, Bowie, their dog, was elated to have the extra space.
They are enjoying their Shingle Style Home on a tree-lined street that is close to all that Downtown Salem has to offer.
Coveted Greater Boston Neighborhoods
Here are a few Greater Boston Neighborhoods and what they offer in a Home. To see examples of homes for sale in the following highly desirable towns, view our Public Collection of Homes here.
South Boston: Historically an established neighborhood with a strong identity, South Boston has gone through perhaps the most dramatic shift in personality in the past decade. With its high activity of remodeling and new construction and close proximity to Boston’s Innovation District, Southie is attracting a wave of young professionals and families alike. Broadway/West Broadway, its main thoroughfare, is a lively blend of hot new restaurants and shops, mixed with long-time neighborhood staples. Southie is Boston’s roof deck capital, with many units claiming unmatched views of downtown Boston. Expect renovated town homes, and new construction mid-rises with amenities like concierge and valet parking. Buyer’s also consider: Charlestown, Dorchester, Seaport, South End.
Seaport: Seemingly overnight, a new neighborhood sprung from what was once vast parking lots and underused warehouses. The Seaport, adjacent to downtown, takes advantage of its central location with the added bonus of water views and ocean air. Developers and architects here are breaking the brick mold that seems to define the rest of the city, with modern, glass high-rises with water views and cutting-edge technology. Cap it off with high-concept restaurants and intriguing places to gather, and it’s easy to see why people are choosing the Seaport to call home. Buyers also consider: Downtown, Waterfront.
Dorchester: Boston’s largest neighborhood by square miles, it’s understandably diverse and full of energy. Originally Boston’s countryside escape, expect to find historic Victorian mansions mixed with a wave of new developments that take advantage of Dorchester’s easy access to public transportation and burgeoning neighborhood centers. Residents love the easy access to downtown Boston and urban feel while checking off more of their wish-list within any-size budget. Buyers also consider: East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Southie.
Jamaica Plain: Sought-after for its vibrant town center, including: Whole Foods, hip coffee shops, and great restaurants. Residents love its close proximity to acres of parkland and trails designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, including Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park, Boston’s largest green space. Jamaica Plain has a hip identity that attracts life-long residents. Distinct neighborhoods with some of the areas best Victorian and Pre-War architecture gives buyers a choice of urban city-living town homes or single family residences with a more suburban feel. Buyers also consider: Brookline, South End, West Roxbury.
Melrose: Great public schools and charming tree-lined streets makes this a favorite choice among young families. Only 7 miles from Boston, with a picturesque downtown and well-known restaurants, its a no-brainer for people looking to expand their space while still living close to the city. Expect turn-of-the-century Colonials and Victorian single-families on rolling hills with mature trees. Buyers also consider: Lynnfield, Somerville, Stoneham, Winchester.
South End: It’s hard not to fall in love with the South End. When most people decide to move into the city, they dream of walking to all their necessities and favorite restaurants. The South End provides that, and all among tree-lined streets with iconic Victorian brownstones and pocket parks. Some of Boston’s best restaurants and neighborhood shops are within the South End’s borders, and residents feel a strong sense of community and involvement in the creation of a wonderful place to live for all. Buyers also consider: Back Bay, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Southie.
Beacon Hill: Home to the Massachusetts State House and some of the Boston’s most famous landmarks, Beacon Hill is Boston’s quintessential and most historic neighborhood. Hilly, tree-lined streets with historic bow fronts and original gas street lamps give this neighborhood it’s iconic look. Famous Charles Street is packed with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants catering to a more pedestrian friendly neighborhood, that give a feeling of stepping back in time. Its proximity to the Public Garden and Boston Common -- and pretty much everything -- makes it perfect for the urban sophisticate who prefers walking anywhere in town. Buyers also consider: Back Bay, Bay Village, South End.
East Boston: Eastie checks all the boxes: close proximity to downtown, a well-established main street, historic architecture, and tons of personality. Bostonians are seeking out this neighborhood to get everything they want out of city living, at a more manageable price tag. Arguably some of the best views of the Boston skyline can be seen from the Jeffries Point neighborhood. Expect familiar Boston brownstones mixed with renovated townhomes and modern new construction buildings. Buyers also consider: Charlestown, Chelsea, Southie.
Wellesley: Cosmopolitan and picturesque, residents have a long history of community involvement. High-ranking public schools -- often first in the State -- as well as one of the nation’s first Tree City USA distinctions, awarded to communities that dedicate large areas to greenspace and protecting mature trees, contribute to its pristine reputation. Established neighborhoods with architect-designed homes sit amongst rolling hills and tree-lined streets. Wellesley’s downtown is vibrant with a great combination of local stores and national brands. Quintessential New England charm, only 20 minutes from the city, make this a top choice for many considering Boston’s suburbs. Buyers also consider: Lexington, Newton, Weston.
West Roxbury: One of Boston’s original street-car suburbs, West Roxbury is filled with charm and character; it’s sophisticated without bragging about it. Residents enjoy its established downtown with local shops and restaurants, while still having easy access to downtown Boston’s amenities. West Roxbury offers the best of both worlds: residing within Boston Proper while enjoying a more suburban lifestyle. Expect architecturally significant Colonials and charming Capes. Buyers also consider: Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Somerville.
Contact Penney + Gould to Find Your Dream Neighborhood
Don’t see your ideal town or neighborhood above? Contact Penney + Gould Team at Compass for a neighborhood summary of any Greater Boston area. Remember, it is okay to start broadly and then hone in on one or two neighborhoods throughout your home search.
Contact us to find your dream neighborhood today.
