How to Choose Your New Community

The choice of your new home is impacted by the community where it resides. Your dream home in an area that doesn’t quite meet your needs can cause your dream to dissolve into disappointment. Unless you plan to live a hermit’s existence, the community will make a big difference on your lifestyle.

Not sure how to choose your new community? Start by identifying your priorities.

Location

Do you want to stay close to your current residence? Are you moving to be closer to family members? Do you need an easier commute or a location with easy highway access? Make a list of the criteria that matter, in order of priority.

Area amenities

Part of what defines a great location is the convenience of services. A good grocery store, hospital, choice of restaurants and shopping, and recreation are among the most common area amenities that matter to homeowners. Maybe you want to be close to a college or university to take advantage of the cultural and sports opportunities there. Possibly you want to be within walking distance of a town center. You probably don’t mind driving a little farther for some things, but those services you use regularly should be close to home.

Lifestyle

Do you like the urban vibe, prefer the peaceful solitude of country living, or somewhere in between? How much space and privacy do you want? You don’t need a sprawling landscape to enjoy solitude. A private courtyard or tree-lined yard can often give you the escape you’re seeking.

Many communities are growing just outside of urban centers, so that homebuyers can enjoy the best of both worlds—private, peaceful neighborhood living with easy access to the bustling activity of a nearby city.

Homestyle

Think about the style, size, and features of the home you want. Are you just starting out or looking to downsize? Do you need a home to accommodate a returning child or bringing older family members to live with you? Some communities are designed to offer one specific lifestyle, like townhomes or attached homes. Others provide single-family homes, with yards of various sizes. Some are designed with a combination of housing styles.

If you’d like a single-family home, but aren’t keen on the maintenance, look for a community with exterior maintenance included as part of its HOA fee. And a new home can require less maintenance than a resale because of the warranty coverage. Factor in that peace of mind (and potential savings) when estimating the cost of ownership.

Community amenities

Some neighborhoods include amenities like a clubhouse, swimming pool, walking trails, community garden, and various other ways for residences to enjoy the outdoors. Maybe you’d like access to a pool without the bother of maintaining it, or you’d like to walk your dog along a quiet path near your home. Explore the community amenities and decide how they will add value to your lifestyle.

Epcon Communities are designed to offer a desirable location, privacy, amenities, and low maintenance in a wide range of single-family homes. If you’re considering a move that will give you a quality home in a friendly neighborhood, explore the options in one of our communities.