Evaluating Neighborhoods: 4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Home

From finding the right agent to discovering the home you can truly feel comfortable in, there are a variety of things involved in the home buying process. However, it’s important not to get caught up in the home and ignore altogether the community you’ll be living in. If you’re planning a move to a new neighborhood, here are some things you should look into before putting in an offer.

Local Amenities

A peaceful, picturesque community is ideal, but if there are not a lot of resources nearby for your family, it’s possible that your new neighborhood may not be the best fit. Instead of having to get in the car and drive everywhere, ensure you research nearby community centers, green spaces and recreational spots so your family has somewhere to spend their weekends.

Research The Crime Rate

You can certainly get a good sense of the well being of a community just by looking at it, but be sure that you’re informed about exactly how safe the surrounding area is so your family will feel at ease in their new locale. While you can easily research the community and find information online, websites like Neighborhood Scout and Crime Report also make it simple to discover the less well-known details.

Transportation And Accessibility

A community you love is ideal, but if you work in the downtown core or an area far away, it will be important to determine the effect this will have on the length of your commute. In addition, you’ll want to be sure there are local transportation options like buses and shuttles that provide access all over the center in the event that it’s needed.

Learn About The Locals

There’s something to be said for the perfect home, but you’ll also need to feel a certain sense of comfort in the place you live so ensure you choose a place with nice neighbors and a community feel. This may seem hard to determine before buying a house, but try visiting the local community center or knocking on a few doors for a quick impression of what the locals are like.

It can be easy to throw everything else out the window as soon as you’ve found the perfect home, but it’s important that your home is situated in a neighborhood you’ll feel comfortable in. If you’re in the market for a new home, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

1240 E Kramer Circle Mesa, AZ 85203

$618,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,318 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious floor plan features a living room and dining room, along with a separate family room. The fabulous open kitchen includes an island and pantry, perfect for all your cooking needs. The large master bedroom boasts an expansive master bath with a separate shower, and there's also a dedicated laundry room. The extended cabinets in the kitchen provide ample storage space for your cookware and countertop appliances. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, complete with a Pebble Tec pool/spa, a water feature, a covered patio, and numerous upgrades. Experience resort-style living in this beautiful gated community!

View Property

4300 W Prince Road Mcneal, AZ 85617

$617,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream country property, nestled on 75 acres with almost 360 mountain views. With 36 acres of grandfathered irrigation rights, it's just waiting for you to grow your own hay or run livestock. The property includes a large hay barn, equipment shed, and workshop, plus fenced pastures ready for horses. This fully functioning farm features a domestic well and irrigation well which supplies water to the house, lawn, orchard and fields. The stunning three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features open-plan living. Vaulted ceilings create a bright and airy atmosphere. A spacious kitchen is at the heart of the home. French doors open onto a BBQ and entertainment area where you can host family and friends. (NRCS subsidy for 25 acres of sprinkler irrigation and certain farm implements are also available.) This is more than just a home. It's a one-of-a-kind gem that provides an unparalleled lifestyle for you and your family. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of desert paradise. Owner is Listing Agent.

View Property

947 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$616,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778925

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Blossom Rock! The east valley's newest master planned community. With views of the Superstition Mountains and a wealth of amenities currently in the making including three community parks, dozens of neighborhood parks, a community school, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces all meant to serve as the backdrop of the calendar of signature events and annual celebrations currently being created. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

View Property

19201 W Missouri Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$616,070

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

COMPLETED NEW HOME! This amazing 5 Bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3-car garage home is on a large lot with a large, covered patio and plenty room for a wonderful pool. It has a full bedroom & bath downstairs, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths & loft upstairs. Gourmet Kitchen has a large island with Quartz countertops and a custom backsplash, walk in pantry & butler's pantry. Kitchen is open to a large Great Room and has a formal dining that could also serve as a den. All bedrooms are spacious and have walk in closets and connected with a wonderful upstairs loft. Master suite has his & her closets, separate tub & shower along with separate vanities. Come see us. SOME PHOTOS ARE OF THE ACTUAL HOME & SOME PHOTOS ARE OF THE MODEL HOME TO GIVE DECORATING IDEAS! SEE NOTES!

View Property

11129 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$615,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780602

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With an idyllic blend of comfort and elegance, this move-in ready home perfectly fits your lifestyle. The stunning kitchen is highlighted by a designer backsplash, modern maple Latte and white linen cabinets, and upgraded quartz countertops. The open-concept kitchen flows effortlessly into the great room and dining room, making this floor plan ideal for entertaining. The home is complete with designer curated finishes throughout. Don't miss this opportunity to own your dream home!

View Property

5330 W Walatowa Street Laveen, AZ 85339

$615,990

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,908 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674395

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6674395 Ready Now! The Pinnacle at Tierra Montana Encore presents a two-story layout with a generously sized primary suite downstairs. This suite boasts an expansive shower with tub, dual sink vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet suitable for all seasons. Additionally, there's a guest bedroom and full bath conveniently located towards the front of the home, ideal for overnight visitors. The open-concept gathering room connects to the dining and kitchen area. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a versatile loft space, perfect for hosting game nights. Structural options include: bedroom 5/bath 4, shower in lieu of tub in two at bath 4, tub and shower at owner's bath, extended walk in closet at owner's suite, paver from porch and gourmet kitchen. 4' garage extension, garage service door, pre-plumb for future

View Property

3804 S Buttercup -- Mesa, AZ 85212

New

$615,310

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,903 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788196

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS #6788196 March Completion! Welcome to the Redwood at Hawes Crossing Encore! Step into the inviting foyer, where a secondary bedroom and full bathroom are thoughtfully positioned on the right, while a hobby room and garage entry are conveniently located on the left. The heart of the home features an open dining area that seamlessly connects to the kitchen and gathering room, all overlooking the outdoor patio. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite provides a serene retreat with an en-suite bathroom and dual walk-in closets. The second floor also includes two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a versatile loft, and a centrally located laundry room. Structural options added include; garage service door, 8' interior doors, super shower at owner's bath and shower in bath 3

View Property

2825 W Pinto Place Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,061 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748925

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy gorgeous views from both north & south covered patios of this lovely 2061 sqft 3 bdrm, 1.75 bath home which features a bonus room that could be used as a den/office/other, living room, spacious kitchen w/ breakfast bar, sizable dining area & stainless steel appliances, split floorplan, large master bdrm, master bath w/ double sinks & walk-in closet, tankless hot water heater installed 1/2023, energy star windows, ceiling fans, cooling/heating installed 1/2023, Platinum water softener installed 1/2023, 9' ceilings, additional attic insulation 3/2023, oversized 2-car garage, private back courtyard, mature landscape w/ front & back yard watering system, no HOA, & leased solar ($124.68/month, no yearly increase). All this on a 46,730 sq ft parcel in the popular Saddle Ridge subdivision

View Property

2431 W Eagle Feather Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$615,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,309 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747132

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

As you enter this meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, you are greeted by a bright and elegant atmosphere, from the front room's charming shutters to the gleaming tile flooring that guides you toward the dining and living areas. Just off the entrance, classic glass French doors open to a versatile den/office. The kitchen has been tastefully updated with pendant lights, freshly painted cabinets, a coordinating tile backsplash, and granite countertops. The spacious primary bedroom offers a personal retreat, featuring an updated en-suite bathroom w/ a walk-in shower, a private toilet room, and a generous walk-in closet. Step outside to enjoy the extended covered patio that overlooks a sparkling pool. Additional features of the home include two AC units & garage cabinetry Living off the I-17 and Carefree Highway fantastic due to its proximity to a variety of shopping centers (Norterra & Anthem) and diverse dining options that cater to every tastebud. The area offers a blend of convenience and vibrant local culture, perfect for a place to make home.

View Property

35518 N 30th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,191 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767894

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful old-world Italian style single-story home in the quiet, family-friendly Tramonto community. With 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, & ample garage space for 3 cars, this residence is a must-see. This one-owner home features an open atmosphere with a spacious kitchen containing black appliances and ample storage space. The great room features a cozy gas fireplace & large newly-updated picture windows. Enjoy the spacious primary bedroom with en suite bathroom complete with a separate tub and shower, as well as a generous walk-in closet. Step outside into your own personal oasis with a calming water feature and eye-catching light layout. Tramonto residents enjoy pools, sport courts, & many green spaces. Furnishings are available as well, reach out now to arrange a tour!

View Property

1529 E Edgewater Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$615,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,144 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766284

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4 bedroom residence w/loft is situated just down the street from the lake that you can enjoy boating and kayaking in the private community The Lakes. Enjoy 4 generously sized bedrooms on the second floor plus a versatile loft that overlooks the living room with vaulted ceiling. Relax by the large wood burning fireplace in the family room. Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood that offers a rec center with a Health and Fitness club ,Olympic size pool, spa, Pickel ball courts ,Tennis , Sand Volleyball, Basketball, Children's playground, and more. Conveniently located near lakeside restaurants and a short walk to Tempe Union Elementary/Middle schools and Marcos De Niza High. There is easy freeway access to 60 and 101 and to Sky Harbor Airport and ASU campus

View Property

8818 W Quail Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,790 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769179

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This recently updated 3 bed/2 bath home invites you to come and make it your own! Located in a desired neighborhood and is on large corner lot! Just minutes from shopping, entertainment and restaurants! This home portrays pride of ownership with recently updated: tile flooring, updated bathrooms, heating and cooling unit, tankless water heater, sunscreens, custom baseboards, door trims and exterior/interior paint! It also has owned solar with grandfathered in rates! The backyard is perfect for entertaining with the pool and the newly added cabana! This home really speaks for itself, come check it out!

View Property