9 Things need to Know When Moving to a New Neighborhood

Published on: 15 December 2017 Last Updated on: 24 February 2020

Moving to a new neighborhood can be daunting. Just because a neighborhood looks inviting does not necessarily mean peace of mind. Ever gone phone shopping without knowing the specifications and how it will meet your needs? Shopping blind means you may go home with something less than ideal for your needs.

The same goes for looking for a new neighborhood to move in. You can’t call your agent after moving in a couple of days to say you do not like the place. Before you sign a lease or mortgage do your homework first.

Thanks to the internet, you don’t have to worry about how to find a job based on your geolocation. I mean, online Ghanaian job postings for employers have facilitated the search for jobs.

Nevertheless, searching for the neighborhood of your dreams means you have to consider a lot of other things. For instance, you might want to consider safety, amenities, architectural style, just to name a few.

These are some questions to ask yourself before moving to a new neighborhood. These questions will help you to streamline your search in finding the perfect neighborhood with your specifications.

Question 1

Does the neighborhood have sidewalks?

Reason

A lot of people do not think of sidewalks when searching for a new neighborhood. Sidewalks actually say a lot about the neighborhood. Sidewalks suggest an active presence of your neighbors. It means amenities are easily accessible either by walking or jogging.

Sidewalks also mean the neighborhood is safer. This is because you are less likely to get hit by a car when taking a stroll. The safety of sidewalks makes it extremely desirable especially if you have children and pets.

Question 2

Do you have to take care of taxes and other expenses?

Reason

Most often than not, we focus on buying a home but forget additional expenses. These costs should be an important factor in your decision to move to a new neighborhood. For instance, you may be responsible for your pricey home owner’s association fees when moving to a condo or country club. Some of these fees come with rules so you need to understand these before making a decision. If the association forbids parking of motorcycles in driveways and you happen to own one, it is time to consider.

Property taxes are another important cost people overlook particularly if you escrow and pay as part of your mortgage payment. Property taxes are taxed based on the value of your home. Therefore, they can increase if you escrow which changes your monthly payment. Prepare yourself to make sure your budget can handle such increment.

On the other hand, if you decide to move to a declining housing market, your taxes may decrease. It has its own perks as well. Moving to such a neighborhood means less access to good public services.

Question 3

Does the neighborhood have amenities for you and/or your family to indulge in activities?

Reason

This is a pretty obvious question. Whether you’re single, have a family with children or is retired with your spouse pretty much sums up what you should look out for in a neighborhood. You will want a new neighborhood that has everything to suit your lifestyle.

For families with children, they might be interested in communities with parks, a swimming pool, libraries, and others. A young single person with a dog might want a neighborhood with a dog park or bike trails. If you enjoy a good movie at the cinema and you have to drive a long distance to access one from the new neighborhood you might want to reconsider.

On the other hand, a new neighborhood may not have some amenities. You will have to compromise in some situations. Make sure the necessary basic amenities are within your reach.

Question 4

Does the neighborhood provide you with convenience?

Reason

Convenience is walking to a shopping center nearby and accomplishing several errands within a very short period. Convenience is getting easy access to stores you frequently visit. The biggest convenience is the ease to commute to work daily.

In other words, the more convenient your neighborhood is, the more it affects your happiness. Moving to a neighborhood that has your favorite stores within reach is a plus. Not only do you save money on gas, but you also get to patronize these services at your own time.

Ask yourself this, do I have to double my commute trip to work or to school if I move to this neighborhood? Is it really worth that trouble?

Question 5

What are your plans for the future?

Reason

The neighborhood may look great in the present but may be liable to change in the future. In a neighborhood you move into, living in the here and now may be a good outlook on life. However, it does not necessarily mean a good neighbourhood.

Check with your local planning office about future developments in your area. It is because you may not want to purchase a new home only to find out it’s in the middle of a new community college. Visiting the planning office and inform you of any future construction project that will affect the neighborhood.

So you like the quiet private nature of the neighborhood with mature trees lined up along each side. Probably in the future, these trees will be cut down to build another subdivision. So even if your lot is not directly affected, it may impact the serene environment you’ve come to love. All this may affect your decision of moving to the neighborhood.

Question 6

Is the neighborhood situated in a noisy place or has a bad smell?

Reason

Your well being and health is one important factor when choosing a neighborhood to move into. Visiting the neighborhood several times during the day is extremely important. On paper, the place might be a perfect fit for you, but visiting the place will reveal its secrets.

The perfectly lined trees behind the house may be hiding a major road. Train tracks, restaurants, clubs and all that create noise that may be a menace. These bothersome noises will never go away. So while you may get used to them is a gamble.

In addition, in the eventuality that you want to move from the place, it is usually harder to sell a place with so much noise. While you are listening, you may want to get a good whiff of the air in the neighborhood. A stagnant lake, sewage problems, and even a corner BBQ joint can create some odors that do not go away.

Question 7

What is the crime rate in the neighborhood?

Reason

This is for your own sake and safety. You do not want your new home to feel like you are trapped in a war zone. It is also easier to know the crime rate of the neighborhood as they are many websites available for that.

This makes it especially easier for you to decide if you are stuck between two neighborhood choices. If you find a neighborhood you love and to your dismay, you find it has a questionable crime rat, you should speak to your local police office for more details. It could be just a small area away from your new home acting as a crime magnet.

Question 8

Are they good schools?

Reason

This is a very important question to ask if you have children. The presence of public and private schools from kindergarten to high schools affect the value of a home. If you do not have children, it is very important to understand that the quality of the school system in that area will affect the resale of your home.

Also, good schools may add unnecessary costs to your rent if you do not have children. If you do have children, research about the school by seeking advice from fellow parents in the neighborliness. Most schools give tours as well, so might want to take advantage of this. Also, inquire about school activities and extra-curricular activities the school permits.

Question 9

What is the neighborhood culture?

Reason

So you’ve found a neighborhood that fits your budget, has low crime rates, great reviews and all that, what of the culture? Your dream neighbourhood isn’t about statistics and information, is about how the place makes you feel.

If you are used to a hip urban neighborhood, you may not be happy in a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. Doing so means you have to compromise on some things if that’s your wish. The bottom line is, you won’t be happy moving to a neighborhood that does not fit your lifestyle.

Make sure the neighborhood you choose has the right culture, then other pieces may fall into place.

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Installing A Kitchen Tile Splashback – The Basics

Adding wall tiles to a backsplash can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. Here we look at the basics. Home improvements needn't be expensive, all it takes is a little research and time and you can make a significant difference to the house you live in. Choosing tiles for a kitchen splashback can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. For a project like this, you are likely to need little more than a couple of days to complete it, and a minimal amount of money to achieve a great result, depending on the equipment you already have. Before You Start Prepare The Wall Before you start, clear everything out of the way that may obstruct the job and/ or get broken or damaged while you work. You should also check that the wall is good for tiling as well – chances are you will choose porcelain tiles, which are heavier than more traditional ceramic tiles so the walls need to be up to support their weight. If there is any level of condensation you must wait for the wall to completely naturally dry out before you begin tiling. If the drywall you're working with isn't sound, you must repair it before you do any tiling. Plan The Design You'll need to plan your design before you can purchase your equipment or begin the project. Measure how high you want the backsplash to be from the countertop and consider the type of tiles you would like to use. If you are unsure, take a look at sites like Pinterest for inspiration. Get Your Equipment When buying your equipment, especially your wall tiles, try to start with more than you need. With porcelain floor tiles or wall tiles, it is always good to have extras in case some get damaged during the job or even years after and you need a replacement tile that matches. In order to determine how much tile requires you need to measure the length and width of the area, you are putting a backsplash on. Simply multiply the length by the width to get your desired wall tile amount. If you don't know what type of equipment you need for the job, speak to an advisor at the shop or warehouse and they will be able to advise you on the best tools for the job. Read also: Close Look At Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros And Cons Install Once you have done all the correct preparation, it's time for you to install your backsplash. Safety First The first thing you need to do is make the area you are working in safe. All electrical appliances nearby should be either turned off if they are permanent fixtures, or moved away if they are temporary. Read also: Making Your Office Safer For Workers Clean The Area Using a clean cloth, gently wipe the area with warm water and let it dry naturally. Apply The Adhesive Using the manufacturer's instructions, apply your tile adhesive using a tile trowel. Make sure the adhesive is spread thinly and only apply enough adhesive for the area you are tiling, or it will dry before you have applied all the tiles. Lay The Tiles Place the first tile at the bottom of the backsplash in the middle. Firmly push the tile on to encourage it to settle into the adhesive and use a level to make sure it isn't wonky. Use a spacer or piece of cardboard on each corner of the tile and push them into the adhesive well. Continue to lay the tile's row by row, taking care to remove any adhesive that pushes up through the tile gaps. Ensure you are leaving enough room for grout and checking constantly that the tiles are level. Cut Tiles Away In A Separate Area Depending on the equipment you are using, you need to ensure you follow all safety procedures to ensure you are working safely. Ensure you only score tiles where the scored section won't be showing, and only score tiles when you need to, as the measurements needed may change as the job progresses. Wipe Once all the tiles have been laid you can wipe away any adhesive that has seeped out using a clean, damp cloth. Leave The Tiles To Dry You must leave the tiles to dry according to the time stated by the adhesive manufacturer. Trying to skip this process will result in an uneven backsplash and tiles that will not remain stable. Grout When mixing grout you should be wearing appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mouth mark. Grout the tiles precisely and carefully, taking care to wipe away any excess once it becomes firm. Once the grout has dried, you can then wipe the tiles off completely. Well Done! You should now have a fancy new backsplash to enjoy in your kitchen! Remember, if you take the time to do the job right, you should end up with a well-done backsplash that will look fantastic and last for years to come.

What Should I Look for In A Mattress For Overweight People?

When you decide to buy a new mattress, there are plenty of factors that need to be considered. If the mattress is for an overweight person, then the basic factors may remain the same, but some additional factors need to be focused on. There are certain attributes that play a crucial role when buying a mattress for heavy people and ensure better sleep for them. Let us learn about some characteristics that will help you buy the right mattress. Thickness Of Mattress Firstly and most importantly, thickness is very important when you decide to buy a mattress for an overweight person. Many people neglect this factor. For sleepers who weigh below 200 pounds, a mattress of 10” is more than enough. For heavier ones, you should consider a mattress that has at least 12” thickness. The basic idea is to look into thickness and check for its deep compression support. If you are overweight, it can increase pressure on the sleeping mattress. Plus, not offer the right kind of support that you need. Some mattresses available with a thickness of 10” use modern foams, which offer extra thick and comfortable layers, or some other designs with advanced specifications that provide enhanced compression support can help them provide a better function for overweight sleepers. Basically, it is always better to look for a premium Signature mattress with a perfect thickness as it will offer deep compression as well as consistent support in the long run. Deep compression support plus the thickness of the mattresses become extremely important for those who are overweight. Edge Support Is Essential While selecting the right mattress for overweight people make sure you do not overlook edge support. Mattresses is important when you sleep at night, but they do play an important role for you during the day as well. If you are someone who loves throwing yourself on the bed often or completing different tasks sitting on the bed, then edge support is something you need to look at. When you are just sitting on the edge of your mattress it should be stable and strong so that it prevents collapse even when you roll onto the edges while sleeping. You can get better edge support in mattresses made from hybrid designs, coil-on-coil, or springs. You may not find better edge support in mattresses made of foam. Firmness Makes A Difference Deciding the firmness of a mattress entirely depends on the type of sleeper one is. If you are a heavy sleeper, then the firmness should range from medium to medium on the firmness scale. Here again, your weight plays an important role as you may face a deeper sinkage and if you buy a softer mattress then it is again going to give you the same feeling. So, firmness measurement is something that you need to consider if you are overweight. Mattress Should Breathe Some heavy sleepers often complain of sleeping hot, which means the mattress does not breathe or ventilate well during the night. When you add some additional sheets, kids, comforters, etc, you will find it so uncomfortable. If you are an overweight person more hair is produced so the mattress should breathe well. If the mattress doesn’t ventilate well, you may feel uneasy and get up in the middle of the night in disturbed sleep. Types It is important to consider the type of mattress you want to buy for an overweight person. Some of the different types of mattresses available are Latex Latex mattresses are best known for perfect ventilation and durability. These two attributes are crucial for overweight sleepers. Memory Foam These mattresses are ideal for heavy sleepers as they offer better cradling support, and if you decide to buy one, check if it gels as it remains cool at night. Hybrid These are advanced mattresses that are ideal for overweight people as they use the combination of two different materials to make one. For instance, the top layer is a little springy and is durable because of latex and has a spring base. It is quite affordable. Innerspring It is a feasible mattress for overweight people. Plus, designed using various coil arrangements. It offers better edge support and ventilation too. The Role Of Cooling Technology In Mattresses For Overweight Sleepers Cooling technology is one of the most instrumental contributors to better sleep, especially for those of us who are overweight. If you’ve ever woken up in a sweat or feeling hot and sticky, then you understand just how important it is to have temperature control built into your mattress. A cooling mattress solves that issue and lets you stay comfortable all night long. Here’s how. Why Is It Important? Sleepers who are overweight tend to naturally produce more body heat, and if a mattress doesn’t have the proper airflow, that heat can get trapped around you as you sleep. Without cooling properties in a mattress, you’ll feel warm and stuffy as your sleep quality dwindles. On the other hand, mattresses that feature innovative cooling technology help to circulate air and disperse heat away from your body. Keeping your cool, dry, and rejuvenated. Ultimately, sleeping on a cooling mattress helps maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the night so you don’t wake up feeling hot or sweating. Cooling technology feels abundant nowadays, with several “proprietary” iterations of the same materials available. For overweight sleepers, there are a fair few cooling technologies geared directly toward our needs. Here are a few options to consider: 1. Gel-Infused Memory Foam Gel beads are infused into the memory foam to actively regulate temperature by absorbing and dispersing heat. If you love the contouring comfort of memory foam but hate sleeping hot, this technology gives you a cooler sleep surface. 2. Breathable Latex Latex mattresses are naturally more breathable because of their open-cell structure. This means that air can flow through the mattress easily, keeping you cool and supported at all times. For even better temperature regulation and comfort, choose a natural latex mattress. 3. Phase-Change Materials (PCM) PCM mattresses respond to your individual body heat by using materials that absorb, store, and release heat. Think of it like a built-in thermostat for your mattress that keeps you at an ideal temperature all night long. When you’re an overweight sleeper in the market for a new mattress, cooling features are a must. Seek out mattresses that combine breathable layers with temperature-regulating materials. Hybrid mattresses are one of your best choices. They blend coils to promote airflow with foam or latex to keep your cool, delivering the ideal combination. When choosing a mattress with cooling technology, you aren’t just adding to your comfort but also increasing the life of the mattress. No more uncomfortable, sweaty night's sleep! Read Also: Natural Latex Mattress Vs Foam Mattress Pawsitively Essential: 10 Justifications For A Waterproof Bed Your Dog Needs

8 Steps to Move in Your New House

Moving, according to many, is a stressful process. They do not even know where to begin, which makes them more anxious. Apart from direct costs, there are some hidden costs of buying a home too that you need to plan for. Read to get an insight into such costs and make your plans accordingly. If you are also planning to move, and do not know how to start, don’t worry. This article will guide you in the right direction. Following are 8 steps to move in your new house: 1. Opt for a Place to Live Look for a place that is near your workplace or your children’s school. This will reduce the hassle of traveling long distances every day. 2. Notify Your Family about Your Move Moving is a nerve-racking task, especially when it is long distances. It can be difficult for both – the adults and the children of the family. Telling the kids that they need to goodbye to their classmates and school is difficult. Therefore, you should find a way to break the news positively. 3. Hire a Mover Many people plan to move on their own. However, this takes a lot of time and effort. Therefore, it is better to hire a mover, especially the one who does not have a hidden-fee. One such company is Atlant Movers: Moving Services in Sacramento, CA. The company provides a wide range of services to move locally, long-distance, and even for piano and office moving. They securely store the stuff by packing it themselves for their customers. If you are planning to move under a budget, this company is just right for you. 4. Set up a Budget Set up a budget to keep track financially and to know how much moving can eventually cost you. 5. Start Packing up If you do your own packing, make sure you have at least 6 weeks before your moving date. A careful plan will save you a lot of money, time, and hair-tearing. 6. Pack Room by Room Start from one room. Pack the stuff completely and then go for the other room. This way, you will know how much is packed and how much is left. This will help you pack all your stuff in no time. 7. Save Money If you are like other people, you cannot resist a garage sale. No matter what the reason is, a garage sale is something that people won’t see. This way, you will make money by getting rid of the bunch you have been willing to throw for a long time. 8. Finally, You have moved in! Once the moving truck is gone and you are at your home, start unpacking the boxes. Get your mail, newspaper, magazines, and milk, all delivered to your home. Connect your telephone and broadband. Be ready to live a new life. Moving can sometimes be a difficult process. However, once you have moved into your new place, you will feel different and will enjoy the new home. So, bid a goodbye to all the hassle and just think about the wonderful experience that you will have after you have shifted. Read Also: Moving House? Here’s The Ultimate Checklist Signs That It Is Time To Sell Your House Finally Motivational Tips To Kick Start Your Packing Process For The House Move

9 Things need to Know When Moving to a New Neighborhood

Question 1

Does the neighborhood have sidewalks?

Reason

Question 2

Do you have to take care of taxes and other expenses?

Reason

Question 3

Does the neighborhood have amenities for you and/or your family to indulge in activities?

Reason

Question 4

Does the neighborhood provide you with convenience?

Reason

Question 5

What are your plans for the future?

Reason

Question 6

Is the neighborhood situated in a noisy place or has a bad smell?

Reason

Question 7

What is the crime rate in the neighborhood?

Reason

Question 8

Are they good schools?

Reason

Question 9

What is the neighborhood culture?

Reason

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