Life events can trigger the search for a new home which can often mean needing to relocate. Whatever your motivation to move, choosing a new neighbourhood is as important as choosing a new home.

Here are some things to look for when researching unfamiliar areas:

• Masterplanned communities For many, living in a brand new master planned community literally means a new beginning. Usually, you and your neighbours are all moving in at the same time and there is a shared excitement as you create a new community together. River District in Vancouver is a great example of this. Once an industrial section of Vancouver, River District is now home to hundreds of new homeowners, shops, amenities and public parks.
• Convenience & Walkability How important is a convenient location to you? Are you going to have to drive to every destination or can you easily walk to the grocery store, medical offices, restaurants, schools and parks? Can you commute to work easily from this new neighbourhood?
• Property Taxes Property taxes can be easily overlooked when calculating what you can afford in a home. But the annual taxes can make or break the affordability of an area — especially if you fall in love with a home at the top of your budget. Property taxes are based on the value of the home but the rates that are charged for services vary from city to city.
• Activities & Amenities Does this new neighborhood have everything you're looking for to suit your lifestyle? A young single person with a dog might want a dog park or bike trails within walking distance, plus an active nightlife scene close by. Retired couples and families with children will appreciate a nearby community centre and library. No one neighbourhood will be able to offer everything, but just make sure the amenities most important to you are convenient.

These are just some of the things to think about when looking for a new neighbourhoood. You will also want to research the quality of schools, community events, crime rates and transit infrastructure. The most important piece of advice is to simply spend time in each neighbourhood over a couple of weekends. Get out of your car, sit at a café or do your weekly grocery shopping and chat to the locals. You’ll quickly have a good feel for if is this is a neighbourhood you’ll want to call home.