If you’re thinking about moving to a new home, you’ll want to consider what some would claim are the three most important words in the world of real estate: Location, location, location. Shopping for the perfect house is only one part of the equation; if that house is not located in a neighborhood that suits your personality, lifestyle, and family needs, will it really be the right home for you in the long term?

Here are a few considerations to take into account when you are deciding what type of neighborhood is right for you:

Setting

Urban or suburban? Or perhaps something more remote? If you are looking for accessibility to public transportation or walkability to places like work and cultural venues, perhaps an urban setting is right for you. If so, you might want to consider buying a condo rather than a freestanding single-family home. However, if you have a family, you may want to consider a more traditional house in a suburban setting with a yard and good …

Schools

To find out about a school system, you can check out its state rankings on the Internet, speak to people in the community about their experiences, and even visit a town’s school department to ask questions about educational priorities in the district. Municipalities can also provide information about class sizes, curriculum, course offerings, and standardized testing. And if schools are a priority for you, it’s likely that safety is as well, which means you will want to consider …

Crime Rate

Crime statistics are readily available online, and communities usually have reputations for general safety. Your gut instinct can also tell you a lot. If you’re visiting a neighborhood, you’ll notice things like whether homes are kept in good shape and don’t seem buttoned up against crime. And the condition of homes in an area is important because it’s a good indicator of …

Home Appreciation/Resale Potential

Moving into a new home is a major financial investment. You don’t want to buy a house in a neighborhood where houses don’t see a good chance of resale – especially if you know you might want to sell in order to relocate or upsize sometime in the future. And since the equity in your home can be one of your greatest financial assets, seeing your home appreciate in value will also mean an increase in your financial worth.

Once you’ve narrowed down your criteria for the type of neighborhood that will best suit your lifestyle, you can target your search. Talk to your real estate agent to narrow your search to the communities and neighborhoods that will be the best fit for you. Once you hone in on where to search, you can start looking for properties that you will love. If you have any questions, ask your agent. He or she has experience in local neighborhoods and can help point you in the right direction.