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September
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Settling into a New Community: Important Features to Consider
With help from a good real estate agent, it's easy to find great Edina homes for sale or Glenwood homes for sale. What about the neighborhood, though? As important as the home itself is the community surrounding it. How do you know if it's one you'll enjoy living in and that will meet your needs? Here are some features to consider.
- Transportation. What kind of public transportation does the area have? Buses? Trains? A subway system? Are public transportation hubs convenient to the homes you're considering, and do they connect with the places you want to go? Additionally, consider driving conditions. How frequently will you have to deal with traffic congestion on the major roads or highways, and how bad does it get in the directions you're most likely to travel? In the Twin Cities, the major public transportation is Metro Transit, which includes light rail as well as bus rapid transit.
- Walkability. What basic amenities are within walking distance of your house? How long would it take you to walk to the grocery store? To work? For your kids to walk to school? Many town planners are designing communities with increased walkability: the ability to walk from any point to any other within a reasonable amount of time—usually 10 or 15 minutes. Check Walk Score to see if the neighborhood you're considering has been deemed a "Walker's Paradise."
- Greenspaces. What kind of natural spaces are in the area? Is there a nearby public park with trees, grass, flowers, etc.? Is there a good space to go hiking? Are there any forests, rivers, or lakes in the area? Particularly in an urban environment, access to greenspaces is important to your mental health and well-being. The Twin Cities have all sorts of great greenspaces to visit, from Minnehaha Regional Park, which has a bike trail and picnic area, to East River Flats Park, which has a beautiful view of the river. And during inclement weather, head to the Sunken Garden—an indoor greenspace at the Como Zoo Park and Conservatory.
- Food. How far is the nearest grocery store from the house you're looking at? Does it have a regular supply of fresh produce? Are there any farmers' markets in the area? What about restaurants? Is there a good selection of different types of cuisine nearby? The Twin Cities have several foods they're known for, such as Juicy Lucy hamburgers, which put the cheese in the middle of the burger patty. Plus, there are over 80 craft breweries in the area, where you can try ales, stouts, lagers, and other unique offerings off the beaten path.
- Social Scene. What's there to do in the area? Are there local concerts? A community or professional theater? A local sports team? Do you prefer a bustling urban environment that caters to the latest trends or a quieter, suburban area with opportunities to meet and connect with your neighbors? Check the area's website or Facebook page to see what's coming up on their calendar and what local points of interest it recommends, to see if any of it seems appealing to you. Downtown Minneapolis has First Avenue, a rock music venue with regular live music. Located in an old depot, it's known for launching Prince's career. Local pro sports include Vikings football, Twins baseball, Timberwolves men's basketball, and Lynx women's basketball.
What kinds of things do you want access to in your community? Make a list of what's important to you. Our agents can help you find a great home in an area that meets your needs. Call today to learn more!