When you are buying a new home, choosing the right neighbourhood can be just as crucial to consider as the house itself.

In general, people tend to be creatures of habit and, when moving, will look at the neighbourhoods they know best first and opt to stay in the same part of the city that they are accustomed to whenever possible.

But sometimes circumstances like family, work relocation, school or other life events push us into unfamiliar territory and so the search for a new neighbourhood must broaden.

What are the factors that make us choose a specific area or, as the case may be, stay in one location? How can we make more unbiased neighbourhood selections? Here are some questions to ask and factors to consider.

Distance and convenience
Distance from work, school and other daily activities are one of the most important considerations because the impact commutes have on day-to-day quality of life. If you commute by car, what is the traffic like at peak hours? If you take public transit, how accessible is it? How far away are shopping malls, parks and leisure centres? City councils have this kind information publicly available online.

Economics
Price is always a factor.  When looking for a new place, make a list of neighbourhoods by price range. Sometimes this means considering different property types—a townhouse in one neighbourhood might be a better fit than a single detached home in another. One way of judging this is by looking at the real facts and MSL sold prices.

Family-friendly
What schools are nearby? What are the neighbourhood demographics like—are there other young families around? Community social statistics and national Statistics Canada reports can give you a taste of what to expect. Looking at where schools, playgrounds and green spaces are located is also important.

Crime
Safety is paramount. Higher levels of home-ownership in an area typically lead to more investment in the community so that is a factor to look at. But also, dig up municipal police reports, available online, to find out what kind of crimes are occurring, how frequently and in which areas.

Summer barbeque season and outdoor patio gatherings are upon us. Whether you have an expansive garden, a cute nook patio or an overhanging balcony, there are always ways to make the most out of what you have.

Hidden storage

There is no getting around it — you need space to keep items you are not using but, in limited areas, that can be tricky. One of the best ways around storage issues is to have hidden places to keep things that are out of the way but easily accessible. One of the most common ways is to have a bench that can lift up to reveal storage underneath for blankets, cushions and whatever else you need to hide away.

Double-duty furniture

Always keep in mind, when you are buying furniture, the versatility factor — one item that can be used twice saves space in the long run! A low table with strong legs can hold your drinks when it’s just you or double as a stool when guests are visiting. Sturdy cushions plush out your seats or can be arranged in a circle for extra seating.

Fake it till you make it

If you don’t have a garden, consider putting down fake grass to brighten up an otherwise bare ground. The grass may be greener on the other side but, when it’s on your side, it can make your space seem that much bigger.

Take your gardening to new heights

If you can’t expand out, then move up. Hanging plants, creeping vines along a wall and shelves of pots can give you all the benefits of a larger yard in a smaller space.

Multiple small spaces

If you have a larger area, make it more user-friendly by setting up multiple small spaces: one corner as a bar, another for gardening, a few chairs for taking in the sun. If your space is more limited, such as one small apartment balcony, consider using it for one specific designated space. Put down a huge cushion and use it as a hanging area for reading, attach a table top to your balcony railing and use it as a bar with a skyline view, the options are endless.

Simple and elegant

Be intentional in how you use your space and how you decorate. Clean lines and minimal colours will make it seem less cluttered and, therefore, bigger. Don’t give up on the essentials but use only what you really need.