by Darcie Duranceau
Experienced homebuyers know that a house is only as good as the community it sits within. As they say—“Location, location, location!” Choosing where to live is as important as choosing the home itself, and understanding how to assess a community beyond its curb appeal is paramount to long-term happiness.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR LIFESTYLE FIRST
Before even clicking “Browse Listings”, prospective residents should embark on a more personal exploration. Chris Carnell, with Christopher Scott Homes, emphasizes starting with self-reflection. He advises clients to consider, “what the important aspects of their life are: how do they live daily, where do they work, what type of activities do they like to do?” This foundational understanding— whether someone thrives on evening outings or prefers staying home —helps narrow down the options.
BEYOND THE COMMUTE: PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
While commute times are a common factor, practical infrastructure and local services often get overlooked. Carnell points out critical details such as “how good is the community about snow removal? How is the emergency response time? If we have a tornado come through or a massive winter storm, those things are really going to matter.” He also talks about the real cost of living. Safety systems, property taxes, HOA fees, and even local sales tax on entertainment can significantly impact daily life.
Understanding a community’s zoning is also crucial. Carnell advises investigating potential restrictions on things like ancillary structures. “There are communities that limit how big a detached structure can be and even what it can contain,” as some communities might view guest houses as potential multi-family dwellings. That may mean limiting personal expansion plans, he warns. The efficiency of local permitting and inspection processes can also vary, influencing the smoothness of a custom home build.
AMENITIES, CULTURE, AND SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE
A community’s amenities and social fabric are vital for its residents’ wellbeing. Schools are a primary concern for families, and Carnell suggests taking the time to “even go visit the school and see how it feels and looks and functions during the day.” The prevalence of outdoor life is another significant draw today, with many seeking communities with “trail systems, bike paths, even golf cart lanes.”
For a deeper understanding of a community’s culture, Carnell recommends experiencing it for yourself. “Visit the community during a community event, walk around the town in daylight, but also in the evening,” He says, adding that new developments best establish community when they’re near amenities or provide them within the neighborhood if external access is limited.
AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS
A common mistake homebuyers make is “choosing to go with what’s popular at the time and not with what fits your personality,” Carnell says. He warns against blindly following trends, citing the example of a golf/social community that might not suit someone with no interest in those activities. He also stresses the importance of considering resale value, even for a “forever home.” Elements like basements in Indiana or ensuite bathrooms are often expected by the market and omitting them can really harm the resale value should your plans change in the future.
TRUST YOUR GUT: THE FINAL DECISION
Ultimately, the decision of where to put down roots is deeply personal. For those feeling overwhelmed, Chris Carnell offers a straightforward piece of advice: “Go with the gut… it should speak to you and give you a solid feeling of comfort. Don’t get caught up in all the other nonsense that really doesn’t make a huge difference to you specifically.” Blocking out external noise and focusing on your family’s unique needs is the best path to choosing a community that truly serves you.
