Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Why Location Matters Most When Buying a Home
When it comes to buying a home, you can update finishes, add square footage, or even build your dream kitchen - but one thing you can never change is the location. That’s why choosing the right neighborhood is the most important decision in the home buying process. It’s not just about the house - it’s about how you live your life, day in and day out.
(And yes - that’s exactly why my logo includes a location pin. I believe where you live matters just as much as what you live in.)
Start With Your Lifestyle
Consider neighborhood amenities when buying a home—including parks, healthcare, grocery stores, and major road access. As a Realtor® and Central Ohio expert, I help buyers find the right home in the right location.
Begin by thinking about how you spend your time and what you need nearby to make life easier and more enjoyable. Do you want a short commute to work, or easy highway access for frequent travel? Would being near the airport make your life more efficient? Are you hoping to be close to family and friends - or to favorite places like the gym, golf course, or your go-to coffee spot? For those looking to downsize or simplify, proximity to high-quality healthcare may be key. Do you need easy access to medical offices, pharmacies, or hospitals? Would a neighborhood with minimal yard work or single-level living options better suit your needs?
A great neighborhood supports the rhythm of your daily life. Consider proximity to:
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutiques
Parks, green spaces, and recreational opportunities
Healthcare providers and hospitals
Major roadways and the airport
Farmer’s markets, libraries, schools, or community centers
The right location should work for you - not the other way around.
What Kind of Environment Feels Like Home?
Take a moment to think about the atmosphere that suits you best. Do you enjoy a lively, energetic neighborhood with easy access to cafés and community spots? Or do you prefer a quieter setting with wide lawns, tall trees, and a little extra breathing room?
Are you a runner who values nearby trails? A golfer looking for course access? A book lover seeking a calm, comfortable environment?
Where you live should reflect how you want to spend your time - choose a place that supports your lifestyle and brings you joy.
Explore and Imagine
Before you commit, spend time experiencing the area in ways that matter to you:
Visit during different times of day to see how the neighborhood feels
Stop by a local café or restaurant and get a sense of the community vibe
Shop at the nearby grocery store or visit a weekend market
Pay attention to how convenient daily errands would be from this location
Can you picture yourself living there comfortably? Does the environment support the way you want to live? That feeling is just as important as the floor plan.
Every Buyer Is Different - And That’s What I Love About My Job
I work with clients in neighborhoods all across Central Ohio - from Dublin to Worthington, Upper Arlington to German Village, Clintonville, New Albany, and beyond. What’s important to one client might not matter at all to another - and that’s one of the things I love most about what I do. Whether you’re looking for top-rated schools, urban energy, peaceful green space, or a bit of everything, I can help you narrow down the options and find the place that fits your life.
As an experienced Realtor® can help you evaluate neighborhoods with an eye toward your priorities - whether it’s convenience, lifestyle, future resale value, or something else entirely. I love helping clients find not just the right house, but the right place to call home.
Remember: You can change almost everything about a house… except where it is. Choose your neighborhood wisely—and the rest will fall into place. Ready to explore your options? Let’s connect!
📞 614-975-8370 | 📧 teresakenney@kw.com | 🌐 teresakenneyrealty.com
