Moving to the suburbs? Here's what you should watch out for

 Whatever your reason for changing location, doing your homework on a potential new suburb is a must to ensure you have all the facts before making an offer on a property. Brisbane is packed full of unique locations and culturally rich suburbs, so taking the time to get to know where you want to live can pay off.

If you have plans to move to a Brisbane suburb shortly, here's what you need to do to really get involved in the suburb you might want to call home.

Why get to know your suburb?

You may be wondering why you'd want to get to know an area before you move somewhere. After all, isn't half the fun of an exciting new location discovering it as you go? While that may work well for some people, taking the time to understand where you'd like to move can help ensure your happiness in the long term. After all, it isn't just your choice of property that will affect your lifestyle. You want to pick the right suburb that suits your needs, meets your requirements, and makes your life easier.

With a little bit of research, getting to know any suburb is easier than you might think. Whether you're all about fun nightlife or you're keen to move somewhere family-friendly, knowing what is important to you can help you make the right decision on your property purchase. The added information that learning about a suburb provides is invaluable to finding the perfect location for you.

How can I get to know the area better?

We've covered the 'whys', so now let's take a closer look at the 'hows'. If you'd like to get a good look at a location before you commit to making an offer on a property, here are some of the ways you can get better acquainted.

Try the local experience

You don't have to wait to move to a Brisbane suburb to know what it's like to live there. If you're relatively close by, a full day trip to your suburb of choice can clue you into what it's like to live in the area. Drive around the main streets, check out local businesses and cafes, and visit a few public spaces to get a feel for what the neighbourhood is like. If there is a park or restaurant near a property you're considering, that's well worth visiting too. If you're moving from further afield, it could be worth an overnight stay to get immersed in what a particular suburb has to offer.

Check out local amenities and services

Having to travel thirty minutes out of your way to get to a shop you frequently visit or not having a suitable school in the nearby area can be a significant problem after you've moved. Taking the time to look up local amenities, from doctor's offices to schools, shopping options to services can give you a bird's eye view of what living in the area could be like for you. If any of the distances or lack of amenities are a dealbreaker, you're learning that ahead of time instead of after the fact.

Take the time to find out about zoning and planning

If you're excited to live in a growing, expanding suburb, then checking out zoning and planning permissions can give you a good idea of what is up and coming in the area. On the other hand, if you like peace and quiet, a look at infrastructure and large-scale construction projects can tell you if the landscape will change in the near future. Forewarning ensures you know exactly what's coming, allowing you to decide if a particular location is right for you or not in the long term.

Chat with the seller and your potential neighbours

If you've viewed a house that you particularly like, picking the brains of the locals can be an invaluable resource. Chat with the seller about what the area is like and, if possible, speak to neighbours or local business owners to get an idea of what to expect. There's nothing quite like local insight to tell you whether a location is right for you. A local estate agent can also give you insight into what a suburb is like, so don't hesitate to ask.

Figure out transport and travel

If you're moving from the inner city to a leafy suburb, you'll likely need to consider transport. If you can drive, it's worth looking at the routes available and how busy they get during rush hour and school pickup and drop off times. If you don't drive, you may want to research the options for public transportation near you, from trains to buses, to ensure you can get where you need to go.

Examine what future growth looks like

If you're planning to purchase an investment property or you know you'll want to move later down the line, looking at the growth rate of a suburb is a vital consideration. Picking an area with significant projected price growth and a higher proportion of renters can help you maximise how much you get out of the property. Especially if you decide to sell or want to have a viable rental income over time.

What else should you consider before moving?

What else should you look at before you move into a new Brisbane suburb? Internet and phone connectivity is a priority for many households, particularly with many people now working remotely. Large local employers are valuable both for those looking for jobs and those looking to shorten their work commute. What matters most to you is what's most important to your move – so do your research, know your priorities, and pick a Brisbane suburb that matches up.

Want to learn more about Brisbane's suburbs? As local experts, our team at Sparrow Real Estate can help you find the ideal suburb and property for your needs. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.