When you're moving to a city of nearly 175,000 people, like Garden Grove, California, there will be many different areas of the city to consider when you're buying your real estate. This is true even if you used to work for bankruptcy lawyers in Los Angeles and Garden Grove looks like a quaint village compared to your old city. You'll need to help your real estate agent narrow the list of potential properties. You can do this by selecting a few neighborhoods from among the many that you would consider living in. Here are some things to consider when comparing neighborhoods against one another.
Real Estate Prices
Though you might find some bargain homes in expensive areas or real gems in the run down ones, generally the neighborhood average will tell you whether that neighborhood is in your budget range, which you can calculate by estimating how much your old home for sale in Georgetown, Ontario will net you. Popular neighborhoods in Garden Grove range in price from about $800,000 to $3,170,000. However, if you're willing to look at homes in up and coming neighborhoods and not just established ones, you could come away with a condo or even a small house for as little as $30,000.
Safety
Even the wealthiest, most upscale neighborhoods like West Garden Grove can have problems with crime, as the fancier houses are more appealing to burglars. Check with the Garden Grove police department for crime statistics on the neighborhoods you're considering. Their police blotter is online, so you can read about recent reported crimes and where they have taken place. You wouldn't move to Islington Village without walking it in the daytime and at night, so do the same for your short list of Garden Grove neighborhoods to see if you feel safe.
Amenities
If living in Etobicoke waterfront condos, with their their private gyms and parking spots and concierges has spoiled you, check out your potential Garden Grove neighborhoods to make sure the things you want are nearby. Families might be looking for a good school and a playground while single people are more interested in a gym and and seniors seek a home near a bingo hall. Drive the neighborhoods you're considering or view them on Google Maps to see what's nearby.
Commute Times
Most people in Garden Grove take between 10 and 40 minutes to get to work in the mornings. This is better than most owners of Merton Street condos can expect. If you know where you're going to be working, make the drive or public transit commute (at rush hour) from work to the neighborhoods you like to see if you'd be willing to do it every day.
|