Listing the appeal of neighbourhoods
Lists are always in vogue. Either you like them, or you don’t. The best this, the best that, the best 10, the worst five, and so on. They’re not always accurate but do get people’s attention. There are lists of the appeal of neighbourhoods. The best 10 places to live in the city, or the worst five. People love being on the ‘best’ list; it strokes their ego, inflates their pride, gives them a sense of belonging.
Why do people choose a neighbourhood, anyway? The reasons are numerous, but here are the main ones, with common threads and — yes, you guessed it — a comprehensive (but not definitive) list of the appeal of neighbourhoods, in no particular order of importance or preference! Depending on the buyer’s personality, wants, and needs, one of these reasons for selecting a neighbourhood may have more weight than another.
Location is always a factor and takes on various aspects. Is it close to schools? Close to the centre of the city, if you need to be near the city? Some people like space and don’t want to be too close to their neighbours. Of course, modern development favours decreased property and higher density. Aversion to density sometimes drives people to the country where land is more abundant, prices reasonable, and your neighbour isn’t in your face, but then the commute could be an irritating factor.
The look and feel of the neighbourhood. Architecture is usually the key here. Some like a nostalgic look, others favour a modern look. Older houses have curb appeal harking back to another era but may require big renovation bucks.
Nature, trendiness and price
Nature also plays a factor here. Are there trees, green spaces parks, and bike paths, rather than simply pavement? Is the neighbourhood close to water pathways, not just for contemplative strolling, or dog walking, but perhaps for boat-lovers? If the neighbourhood doesn’t have nature, is it convenient to drive to nature? Nature always attractively frames a neighbourhood, just as an art frame adds to a painting. For others, nature isn’t important.
Price factors into the decision. Price is an underlying feature, unless money is no object. Real estate agents know that desirable neighbourhoods have higher prices.
Other neighbourhoods are ‘up and coming’, so if you buy early and wait, your house and neighbourhood might appreciate in time. Westboro and Hintonburg are prime examples, as is New Edinburgh, which began as a working-class neighbourhood.
Trendiness in a neighbourhood is an interesting factor which sometimes defies logic. If marketers are clever, they can promote and paint a real estate picture of a neighbourhood that attracts people who want to be where, supposedly, the in-crowd is. This tactic appeals to the ego and status incentive of certain personality types. However, trendiness can change when another neighbourhood takes over the privilege.
Generational ties can draw in people. While frequent home ownership changes may detract from the image of a neighbourhood, long-standing neighbours can be an alluring sign of stability. Some who lived in the neighbourhood when they were young may want to return.
Growing listless
In the end, does it matter if your neighbourhood is not on the top list, or even if it’s on the worst list? What’s important is that crime and noise levels are low, and you enjoy your community. Lists of the appeal of neighbourhoods can be taken with a grain of salt. They are marketing gimmicks favouring social order, appealing to people’s prejudices, and encouraging a false sense of security. If you like your neighbourhood, for whatever reason.
