Where Do You Want To Live?
1. Affordability
Living comfortably should be a major concern when choosing your new home. Affordability includes more than your mortgage payment; prices for groceries, gasoline, utility services, electric, water, and taxes, varies from town to town.
2. How High are the Taxes?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a place to live is the cost of taxes in the community. Illinois has one of the highest property tax burdens in the United States. Look into property tax credits or homestead tax credits and exemptions when you’re looking for your perfect place to live.
3. Good Employment Opportunities
Decent job opportunities vary from town to town. Remember to spend time researching the job market in the different communities that you’re considering. Analyzing the quality employment opportunities in your industry, and determine where a high concentration of these jobs are located.
4. Real Estate Values
Buying a home is most likely the largest investment you will ever make, you need to seriously consider this when searching for a home. With the real estate market constantly changing, it’s important to research current home prices and the resale values of homes. See Housing Market Trends in the Chicago Area.
5. Crime Rates and Statistics
Research crime rates and statistics in the areas you’re interested in. If you have already decided where you want to live, stop by the local police department to discuss the area. The police will be able to give you great insight of the local community.
6. Proximity to Family and Friends
If you have a large extended family, and you want to spend the holidays with them, then these are important factors to consider when choosing an area to live. Choose a place within driving distance or within a reasonable distance by plane. Otherwise, you will likely spend all of your vacation time shuttling back and forth to visit them.
7. Local Schools
The importance of good schools cannot be overstated. The quality of the public schools can factor into your finances since tuition for a private school can be expensive. Learn more about Chicago area local schools here.
8. Commute Time and Public Transportation
The length of time it takes you to get to work can be a huge determining factor in your decision where to move. Commuting can drastically reduce the amount of time you spend at home. With rising gas prices and long commute times, utilizing public transportation options like light rail, train, or bus can be a time-saving way for you to get around – and cut the cost of commuting to work. A good public transportation system is a huge plus when choosing a place to live.
9. Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities are important at all stages in life. Having easy access to good healthcare can increase your quality of life. Look for towns and cities with good hospitals and medical facilities. There is often a correlation between cities and the quality of the healthcare.
