Date Published 12 July 2023
How to Choose Which Area to Live In
You've decided you'd like to move house but which area would you like to move to? Maybe you're relocating to a new city and you're unsure on where to start the search for your dream home - if this sounds like you, the team here at Marshalls Property can help.
Now you're about to embark on the hunt for a new home in an equally new area, it's time to draw up a list of your must-haves, and start adding some points to your wishlist.
Creating a list with your main priorities such as number of bedrooms, condition of the property and the price is the best place to start - the things like you'd love your new home to have such as a garden or downstairs bathroom can come later. Now you can take a long hard look at the deal-breakers and be ready to make trade-offs if you can.
If you're new to Liverpool or just want to explore a new postcode within the city, read on for the tips you need to help you decide exactly where to start the search for your next dream home.
1. Test the Transport
One of the first steps is to work out if your dream property has the right transport links needed to get to work, to the supermarket or if you have children, drop them off at childcare. If you have a commute, especially when it's daily, you need to be sure it's going to be manageable and as straightforward as possible.
Heading to your new location and doing a test run can be a huge help. Try the times of day that you're likely to travel so you can see which routes will be busiest and what your day to day life will look like.
If you choose a more rural location, you may need to take into account that your new transport costs may be higher or require more planning than they have done previously.
2. Visit at Different Times of the Day
When you find a location that you think might fit the bill, it's a good idea to visit at different times of the day to make sure there's no hidden surprises if you buy in the area. If your potential neighbours are around when you're looking, chat to them about the area and find out what it's like to live there.
Checking out the area in peak commuting times is also helpful if this will be a factor in your daily life and if you're close to bars or restaurants, knowing any opening hours can prove a big insight into what the vibe will be like.
Marshall Property have also developed a series of area guides to give you a bit of an insight into some local areas in Liverpool - you can find them under our 'About Us' tab.
3. Find Out About Local Amenities and Services
Have a walk around the area you're planning to move to and try out the local attractions. Have a coffee at what might be your new favourite café, and find out if the bars, pubs and restaurants are a good match for your lifestyle. If you like working out, is there a gym close by that you'd enjoy going to or a local park? What about a cinema, library or theatre?
Again, if you can, chat with some of the locals about the best places to go for a bite to eat or to take visiting friends and family for a drink.
You'll also need to register with a GP and a dentist. Find out where's available online and join local social media groups for recommendations and advice.
4. Check Out the Childcare
For first-time buyers, a lively boho area could top their property wish list. Others may be yearning for the countryside. Some DIY enthusiasts may be looking for a renovation project in an up-and-coming area and want a property they can tailor to them.
The priorities for families are likely to be slightly different and the availability of decent nurseries and schools usually ranks high.
Is the property you are thinking of buying in the all-important 'catchment area'? Get in touch with schools directly for the latest information. Take a look at the local authority's website for the distances within which kids got into local schools in the previous year.
Outdoor space, access to parks, pollution levels and crime statistics are also all worthy considerations. If you plan to rely on family and friends to help out with childcare, the distance you intend to live from them may also play into your plans.
Make it a Happy Home
Moving to a completely different area doesn't have to be a daunting experience - it's a great opportunity to get to know your city from a different perspective or discover somewhere new.
Think through all the aspects of your move carefully and be open to making compromises.
If you're looking to purchase a property in Liverpool, Marshall Property is one of the leading independent estate agents in Liverpool. We understand the importance of not just finding a house but a home, so our branches are placed in key locations throughout Liverpool.
With an office in Allerton and Liverpool city centre, we serve South Liverpool, North Liverpool, the Wirral and surrounding areas. With our wide reach, we are confident we can find the perfect home for you.
Get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team today to get the search for your dream home started.
