The feeling of being “at home” extends beyond four walls; your neighborhood plays a critical role in your day-to-day life. Choosing the perfect location for your custom home build makes all the difference to your long-term satisfaction.

Luckily, deciding on your custom home’s location doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it sounds. KRM Custom Homes specializes in building custom homes in central Iowa, and we’re here to guide you into the perfect community. We’ve created a list of 5 factors to consider while hunting for your future neighborhood.

Finding a neighborhood that aligns with your vision and complements your lifestyle is the goal of your hunt. Define your priorities before researching potential locales. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What do I like about my current neighborhood?
  • What do I wish I could change about my present community?
  • Are there specific events or activities I want to access in my future community?

Your answers to the questions above will make searching for your ideal neighborhood more manageable. A streamlined list of priorities will guide your search and make the decision easier.

Custom Home Communities: 5 Things to Consider

Safety:

Feeling safe in our community is something we may take for granted, but that sense of safety is not always guaranteed. Research the crime statistics of the custom home communities you’re considering. This initial research could help eliminate certain areas.

The best way to gauge a custom home community’s safety is by visiting it to judge your comfort. Just because an area is statistically low-crime doesn’t guarantee you’ll feel safe; the opposite also applies. A neighborhood that isn’t considered the “best” doesn’t mean it’s full of danger. It’s worth making time for a visit before concluding.

Schools:

If you have school-aged children or plan to start a family, future education opportunities are worthy of thought. Many parents consider potential school districts a primary factor in their moving decision.

Choosing a community near a good school district reduces your child’s commute time and allows more extracurriculars, family time, and rest. Research local schools to ensure they reach your standards.

Even if you don’t plan on having kids, school districts are worth paying attention to; they may affect your property value. Homes near quality schools tend to have higher resale value.

Amenities:

Consider amenities during the hunt to find your dream home. How far are you willing to commute for your weekly errand run? Living close to essential amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks makes daily life more convenient.

Another amenity to consider is your workplace. How far are you willing to travel daily? Reducing your daily commute improves work-life balance and frees up time for leisure activities.

Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations:

Some HOAs have restrictions that limit your options with housing exteriors. Features like fences, solar panels, satellite dishes, and even paint color may have requirements to meet HOA rules. Make sure these restrictions align with your preferences and needs.

Start by researching the HOAs of neighborhoods piquing your interest. Look into their rules, regulations, bylaws, voting policies, and restrictions. This information is usually available through their website. If you experience difficulty finding this information independently, your custom home builder can guide you in the right direction.

Consider attending an HOA meeting to understand community dynamics and learn about ongoing discussions or issues that impact your decision. Attending an HOA meeting also grants the opportunity to ask board members questions.

Community and neighbors:

Moving to a neighborhood with active, social residents takes stress away from being a newcomer. Look for camaraderie—a community where residents socialize and spend time together. Living in a friendly and supportive neighborhood makes every day feel more worthwhile! Choose your community based on where you feel happiest.

Socialization within custom home communities varies greatly. Inquire about neighborhood associations and community events. Joining an involved community provides networking opportunities and encourages meaningful connections among residents. Building a support system in your neighborhood contributes to your long-term satisfaction. Knowing you can rely on your neighbors for mutual support grants a sense of security.

There are many custom home communities in Des Moines, and each offers unique amenities and designs. Choosing the one that’s right for you is an important decision.

Are you looking to build a custom home? Contact us today with any questions. Our experience crafting exquisite custom homes in central Iowa has helped countless clients obtain their dream homes in their ideal neighborhoods. We’re always happy to help!