Moving is a big undertaking. You might even feel that keeping close to your current home will lessen your overall moving stress levels. After all, moving is exciting, but it’s a huge commitment. Moving is also an opportunity for change; to live in a new and energizing place away from the normalcy of your current neighborhood. Of course, Lakota at Winter Park is a fantastic place to relocate, but how do you know it’s the right neighborhood for you or your family?
Regardless of where you decide to move, careful research and consideration should go into your search. Research and the willingness to explore can lead to you finding your next dream neighborhood, and in turn, home. Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you’re looking for your next potential home base.
What’s most important for you to have nearby?
It’s important to start your search by knowing what you want, or need in close proximity to your home. In Winter Park, this may include close proximity to areas that allow for exceptional winter and summer activities. However, it may be as simple as wanting to be nearer to a more natural environment, away from the hustle and bustle from a lively city, or the averageness of a suburban setting.
Think about your daily activities and what they involve. If you have young children, you’re likely looking for a neighborhood with a quality school district, closeness to parks, and nearby family activities. Maybe you’re an avid skier and want to be closer to world-class resorts. Create a list of the activities that make up your life currently. If living near certain amenities, stores, schools, or workplaces are important to you, make sure to include it all in your list.
How important is walkability?
We often underestimate the importance of the walking distance from our homes to other commonly sought out destinations. How important is walking to you? Do you walk, run, or bike as a physical activity/sport, or as a main mode of transportation? This may not factor into your decision or even your search, but if it does, make sure to keep it in mind.
How close do you want your friends or neighbors?
You might be searching for a neighborhood that easily creates a great deal of separation or privacy from the other homeowners around you, or you might find it essential to be near family, friends, and neighbors. If you want to be part of a close-knit community, look for neighborhoods that allow for that, or play host to events within the community that help neighbors get together more easily.
Ask yourself what’s right for you. You might want more solitude than others. Be honest about when and where you want that closeness and how much of it you need on a daily or weekly basis.
Are you searching for a quiet environment?
If you’re looking to live in Lakota, you’re also likely looking for a quiet environment with opportunities for peace and quiet. Lakota is a unique and lovely community that caters to cozy mountain living, but still has the advantage of being a short distance away from Winter Park Resort, for those looking to get out and take advantage of the winter and summer sports.
With that, you should also consider how much time you’re looking to spend within that environment. Are you looking for a full-time home or a part-time getaway? This should factor into what sort of environment you’re looking to reside in.
After all your careful research, you still need to ask yourself if this is a place you can see yourself happy in. Can you imagine yourself living here, shopping here, eating here, and so on? If the answer is no, then it’s time to move on in your search. If the answer is yes, it might be time to continue searching for a particular home in the area.
Take a trip and live like a local.
Before you make the big leap, it’s a good idea to spend at least one day, afternoon, and night in the area you’re looking at. It’s a chance for you to make certain that this particular neighborhood’s environment is a good fit for you. If you have a good feeling about it, your instinct is probably correct. On the other hand, if something feels “off” about your time spent there, that feeling might not change even after a longer period of time. If you have the opportunity, plan a little “vacation” around your time researching the area.
- Check out your local resources. It’s a good idea to check out the local area and familiarize yourself with the neighborhood resources. How are the grocery stores, gas stations, and coffee shops? Even making a quick run by some surrounding locations can give you the idea of what daily life might be like for you.
- Dine like a local. Get a good look at what’s close by for entertainment and dining. If you’re spending a few days acquainting yourself with a town, try out different restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and whatever else that’s close by. It’s an opportunity to get to know the different atmospheres present in the neighborhood and gives you a chance to see what the community is like.
- Meet your potential neighbors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to those already residing in the neighborhood. Be curious! Ask for recommendations on the most worthwhile things to do and see. Where are the nicest parks, the friendliest cafes, the best spots for outdoor activities?
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving a mile away, or across the country, a neighborhood can change drastically in only a few streets. Do the due diligence and visit your potential neighborhood in whatever capacity you can. Research, plan a visit, and most importantly, pay attention to whether or not you feel at home when you’re there.