Importance of Community When Buying a New Home
The importance of community when buying a new home should merit equal consideration to the home itself. If you buy a home that you love on its own but aren’t happy with the community, will you really be happy in the long run?
A new home and the community it’s part of should be considered equally when buying or building a new home. It can be difficult to find the best of both together, but the closer you come to checking all the boxes in both categories, the more likely you are to be happy with your decision long term.
What To Look For In A New Home Community
You probably have a list of desires and must-haves for your new home, and you should also create a similar list for your community. It can be easy to miss something important related to the community when you finally find a home or floorplan that you love.
Your community checklist will vary depending on your life situation. A retiree will have different considerations than a young professional or a family with young children. Finding a lifestyle match is one of the most important considerations for all demographics. Some important things to consider when comparing communities:
- Safety
- Location
- Lifestyle
- Area and Community Amenities
- Homes and Floorplans
Neighborworks.org has a checklist to help you get started. You can modify it to match your lifestyle needs and desires.
Community Amenities
While many areas and new home neighborhoods just have houses, communities with amenities have a lot more to offer. Most professionally crafted new home communities offer resort-style amenities that you can enjoy close to home.
- Swimming Pool
- Grand Clubhouse
- Fitness Center
- Walking Trails
- Tennis Courts, Pickleball & Bocce Ball
There may also be a social calendar that includes classes, events, and gatherings that accentuates the importance of community when buying a new home. HOA fees may be higher in a master-planned community, but the benefits and convenience of the resort-style amenities and social gatherings can make it well worth it.
Making The Best Choice
Depending on your budget, it may not be possible to get everything you want in a community and a home but that’s okay if your lifestyle is going to change over time. The younger you are, the more likely you will move again and find the best community and home for your lifestyle at that time. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American will move 11.7 times in their lifetime.
However, if you are retired, or getting close to retirement, choosing the right community and new home is paramount as you probably don’t want to move again. finding a community and home that supports the 55+ lifestyle may be your best choice for aging in place and living your best life through retirement.
With special loans like HECM for Purchase available to those over 62 years old, it’s possible to make one initial down payment towards the purchase of your new home and never make a monthly mortgage payment for as long as you own the home as your principal residence. This makes it easier to get everything you want in a new home and community with the amenities you desire.
Epcon Communities
The importance of community when buying a new home has long been recognized by Epcon. Our communities are meticulously designed for the 55+ homebuyer with single-level luxury ranch homes, many with resort-style amenities and a low-maintenance lifestyle so you can spend your time doing what you love!
Epcon’s unique concept for these communities began more than 30 years ago, and includes aspects of biophilic home design. Our open floorplan home designs incorporate large windows in the main living areas allowing ample natural light in the main living areas of the home. The Courtyard Collection homes wrap around a private garden courtyard that is visible from most rooms in the home. Step outside to enjoy the fresh air, the fragrance of your garden, and the satisfying experience of surrounding yourself with nature.
If this lifestyle is appealing to you, explore Epcon Communities in locations around the country, discover all the benefits we offer and contact us to learn more.