5 ways to know if a suburb is right for you

1. Local amenities

One of the best ways to tell if a suburb is good is by the local amenities that are available.

Are there plenty of parks, shops and recreational spaces nearby? Can you easily access public transport and supermarkets? Are you a short drive away from a large shopping centre.

If the answer to all the above is “yes”, you might be on to a winner.

2. Keep an eye on school zones

If you’re a young family, school zones can make or break which suburb you live in, especially if you have a particular school in mind for your children.

When looking at new and unfamiliar suburbs, make sure to check which school catchment the property falls under. If your children are in primary school at the moment, don’t forget to check which school zones the suburb is in for secondary school.

Not only will this save you time and stress down the line, but properties in good school zones can have a better property price.

3. A sense of community

For many, a suburb’s community spirit is vital. Events, local haunts and a feeling of camaraderie are, after all, part of what makes a good suburb great.

While it’s hard to tell what a suburb’s community is like, there are some pieces of information you can gather to help. A visit to the local city council website will tell you what events are coming up, the local newspaper can provide insight into key members of the community and a quick glance at the Bureau of Statistics can reveal information on crime rates.

4. Planned developments

If you see a suburb that looks a little bit lacklustre at the moment, don’t write it off immediately! Many suburbs are in the process of development, and the area you’re looking at now could be vastly different in five or 10 years.

Do some research into an area’s upcoming development and growth plans by visiting the local or state government website. If there are plans for new parks, supermarkets or urban hubs, you could be uncovering a gem that will grow in value in the future.

5. A feeling of comfort

When it comes down to it, the only real way to know what a suburb is like is to spend time there.

If you’re seriously considering a property in a new suburb, invest some time getting to know the area. Bring your family along and make a day of it – visit the shops and parks, and speak to others in the community to get a sense of the local vibe.

If, after your time there, you feel happy and welcomed, you’ll know it’s the right place for you.

For more tips and tricks for buying your first home, take a look at Domain’s First Home Buyers’ Guide.