Location, Location, Location

When it comes to picking a home, context is everything. Roofs can be thatched, cabinets replaced, and rooms renovated—but if you choose to buy a home in Chicago without thoroughly inspecting the surroundings, you run the risk of facing some potentially unpleasant surprises. That is why before committing to anything, Chicago homebuyers should undergo a rigorous inspection of the home’s location. Are there visible power lines in the back yard? Is it located on a noisy street? Does it border a manufacturing site? Are the L tracks next door? If so, it might be time to rethink your purchase. Even if the home itself is immaculate and everything you are looking for, location should be seriously considered. After all, there is nothing worse than having to suffer through a case of buyer’s remorse and subsequent relocation if you end up in a less than desirable location.

Before even looking at houses, you should have a clear idea of your wants and needs when it comes to the location of your home. What neighborhood aspects are most important to you? Is there anything that is going to be an absolute deal breaker for you? According to a recent profile of homebuyers and sellers by the National Association of Realtors, the two most important factors considered when buying a house are quality of neighborhood (64 percent) and convenience to job (49 percent). Other list-toppers include convenience to friends and family, quality of the school district, proximity to shopping and leisure activities, and proximity to public transportation.

These are all important factors to take into account when choosing your Chicago home. If one or more of these aspects is significantly lacking (and you are bothered by it), chances are you will have to deal with it for as long as you live in that home because you can’t count on things to change anytime soon. Noisy streets have a habit of not getting any quieter and busy neighborhoods tend to get even busier as more people move in. So do not commit to a property in the midst of noise and bustle unless you are prepared to live with it.

Do not underestimate the importance of public transportation, either. If you are moving from the city to the suburbs, for example, keep in mind the length of the commute—many people become frustrated by having to sit in their car all morning and end up hastily relocating to a place closer to public transportation. If this is something you know is important to you, find a place located within walking distance of the Metra, L or bus routes.

Of course there are plenty of people who thrive in loud, congested locations. People who do not mind the sound of buses and trains at regular intervals, or can deal with sitting in traffic on their way to work. It all depends on individual preferences. And you just have to know what will make you happy.
So when you see a home for sale that you like, make sure it suits your own personal needs. Walk around the neighborhood, visit schools, churches and local hangouts. Eat in a nearby restaurant and chat up a current resident about what they like and do not like about the area.

Only you can decide what Chicago area is right for yourself, so take the time to inspect a home’s location methodically and ensure it is a perfect fit for your lifestyle. “Perfect” locations are few and far between, so make a list of what you can and cannot live with and put every Chicago neighborhood you tour to the test.

Spencer Mason writes about topics for Chicago homes.