A home purchase is a life-changing milestone, and naturally, potential homebuyers will spend a lot of time imagining what life would be like within a new home’s four walls. Yet, thinking about the community outside that home is just as important. When it comes to choosing a neighborhood that fits a family’s needs, “location, location, location” takes on new meaning.

Deciding on the right neighborhood will depend on current life stage and lifestyle. For example, a young, growing family and an older couple approaching retirement will have different concepts of the ideal neighborhood. For this reason, deciding on must-haves in the community and exploring the area around a prospective new neighborhood are essential parts of the home search process.

Here are 3 tips that can help with choosing the right neighborhood when buying a home:

Discover the character of the neighborhood

There are many qualities that give neighborhoods their distinct character and feel. Some of those traits include the style of the homes, the size and layout of the neighborhood, schools, the downtown and even whether the setting is rural or urban.

Northern New Jersey towns offer it all. They boast a wide range of architectural styles such as the charm and elegance of the Victorian, Tudor and Colonial-style houses in Millburn. There are small, walkable communities like South Orange. Artisanal shops dot the streets of Summit, NJ, and high-end department stores are just a few miles away at the Mall at Short Hills.

There’s also the local culture to consider. Some communities have a distinct ethnic flavor, and others have a rich history or more eclectic feel. Exploring a town’s museums, art galleries, and local eateries are the best way to unearth a town’s distinctive character.

Find a community that fits the way you live

When buying a new home, it’s important to choose a community that complements a family’s lifestyle. For example, Maplewood Village has a fun “downtown” that features a variety of trendy restaurants and shops. For a quiet home, an “early to bed, early to rise” community like Short Hills may be in order.

If sports and fitness are a family priority, a community near a park with plenty of access to the outdoors might be at the top of the list. The 2,112-acre South Mountain Reservation in Essex county, for example, offers a zoo, picnic spaces, hiking paths, and a climbing course that sits high in the trees. The smaller Reeves-Reed Arboretum enjoyed by Summit residents features lectures, exhibits, and seasonal events that bring the whole community together.

Other family needs to consider include educational, medical or commuting options. Families in northern New Jersey have access to some of the best schools in the state, and Millburn and Summit, in particular, often have schools ranked in the top 10 for the state. Overlook Hospital in Summit and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston are nationally recognized healthcare facilities. For commuters, the Midtown Direct service from NJ Transit offers convenient, fast train service to the heart of New York City from several towns including Millburn, Summit, South Orange, Maplewood and Short Hills.

Consider whether the neighborhood is right for the long-term

A neighborhood should also align with long-term goals. Ten or even twenty years into the future, will the home and community still meet the family’s needs?

Neighborhoods with homes that retain their value or are even expected to rise in value are a key long-term consideration. According to Zillow, while home values nationally are leveling off, some towns in northern NJ continue to buck the trend. Montclair, West Orange and Maplewood have seen a positive trend over the past year, and are projected to see home values rise 1.3%, 1.6% and 3.4% respectively over the course of 2016.

Some towns are also suitable for aging-in-place and have senior-friendly communities and services. Maplewood offers a number of helpful services for seniors, including “Dial-a-Ride” and group trips to the Livingston mall, and the Civic Center of Madison keeps seniors active with organized ping-pong, bowling, and yoga classes.

If you’re considering a home in northern New Jersey, I have the local experience and knowledge to help you choose a house and neighborhood you’ll love. Contact Victoria Carter at (973) 220-3050 or email victoria@victoriacarter.com. I would love to assist you!