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POLL: What Makes a Good Neighborhood?

Houzz Polls
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Vote and tell us what's the #1 quality you look for in a neighborhood. TO ENTER THE DRAWING, POST A COMMENT TELLING US WHY YOU CHOSE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD and you could win a pair of Houzz slippers sent right to your door!

*One entry per person, per drawing. Entries must be posted before 12:00am Pacific Time 9/15/13. One winner will be drawn at random.
Walking distance to restaurants and shops
Close Community
Playground nearby for the kids
Friendly neighbors/Block parties
Good Schools
Safety
Other - Tell us Below!
Featured Answer
  • jeandowty
    10 years ago
    location isn't that important to me, I want neighbors that will wave and say hi and interact with each other

    Comments (157)

    • jbhillerjunk
      10 years ago
      Early 1900 construction with quality and unique characteristics that current builders are sorely lacking.
    • crunchbwaddle
      10 years ago
      We wanted a house with some land in a quiet neighborhood. Lucked out and bought a1970's fixer upper with 1.5 acres and also purchased the adjoining 1.2 acres, all on a cul de sac on a very quiet dead end street.
      The fixer upper part is ongoing, as is the peace and quiet. We have wild turkeys coming to our yard every day
      along with tons of birds.

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    • Michelle
      10 years ago
      I live in a quaint Historic village called Grandin, within walking distance I can go to the farmers market, book store, natural food coop, theatre, yoga studio, post office, hardware, local restaurants, ice cream shop and my favorite Viva La Cupcakes, the best cupcakes around. The neighborhood is tree line, quiet, safe and great walking. I love the little house I bought 2 yrs. ago, oh and it is also on the bus line.
    • ronnistringer
      10 years ago
      We chose our neighborhood because it was in perfect proximity to all education levels; K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Our kids our grown now, but our neighborhood is still "home".
    • tricia824
      10 years ago
      We purchased our home based on several factors listed above. We are walking distance to a metro park, and actually our subdivision was built in a forest with hundreds of Oak trees still standing tall. We have deer, possum, raccoon, and an occasional fox in our yard every night. The variety of birds and their songs are amazing in our trees as well as so many specie of butterflies!
      I have transformed my property into areas of perennial gardens each area based on color scheme and height. Blues with whites and pinks. Reds with purple and yellow etc.
      We live on a Cul de sac with hardly any traffic which means evening on the patio are quiet with only the sound of nature.
      We are less than 10 minutes away from a mall, movie theater, coffee shops, gas stations and restaurants yet the feel is seclusion and I love that so much!!!
    • charleee
      10 years ago
      Our neighborhood is quiet, original owners (1967), mostly elderly and retired. I only wish they cared more about their front yards.
    • nancybergheimer
      10 years ago
      My husband and I bought our house because it was quiet but not too far from everything. The houses are not piled on top of one another and my grandchildren have plenty of room to run around and play without having all the restrictions. We have lots of trees, old rock walls, random flora, and each house here is unique in it's design and personality. All of our neighbors wave to us when we are in the yard, and several of them have stopped in to say hello and welcome us. The only time I've seen this before is on the old 1960 sitcoms. I am in love with this house and our neighborhood and I'm looking forward to having my life here.
      '
    • PRO
      JR Associates
      10 years ago
      My husband bought the land in this lake community because he loved the area; as a teenager rides out into the country seemed to always end up travelling to what has become our home for the past 28 years.
    • Cathleen Manley-Mckenzie
      10 years ago
      I am a newly Retired RN, I worked in Washington DC, and lived in the Northern VA Suburbs. When I decided to 'move back home', away from the legendary disgusting traffic and high crime rate,just being SAFE trumped all the other considerations of surrounding perks in a good neighborhood. Now, after 4 years in this small Farming Town, I am glad I chose being safe above all else. As an aside, I do have very nice neighbors, joined some local organizations, and have quickly morphed into a town dweller, and left most of my city girl self behind.
    • needledee
      10 years ago
      Safety first
    • cmsalemi
      10 years ago
      House was adequate for us. Neighborhood was very safe. Schools were terrific. Commute to work was easy. Did I say that the neighborhood was well kept all around us.
    • betd
      10 years ago
      I love my neighborhood for the quite, serene area that is surrounded by trees and wildlife, yet I am five to twenty minutes away from schools, hospitals, markets, farms, restaurants,parks, playgrounds and highways. I love that all the neighbors wave and stop to say hello. What I love the most is that my family lives in the same neighborhood and the weekends are always spent together.
    • Rita Hoch
      10 years ago
      Love my neighborhood!! Great friendly neighbors! Have a park in our neighborhood! Love walking to the park with my dog. Neighborhood is active with people biking, jogging, walking, kids playing but most of all it feels safe!!
    • Nora Lambert
      10 years ago
      We live in a golf course community with the best neighbors ever!!! We take care of each others pets when someone is on vacation. We have "driveway"parties, a Christmas open house at our home each year, and four of our closest neighbors go out to dinner once a month. That is what a neighborhood is all about.
    • redhatgal
      10 years ago
      We moved to our rural neighborhood in 1973 and the reason we still enjoy our home is that we are in a quiet and safe area with a few wonderful neighbors who enjoy the gravel road, lots of trees and space between homes.
    • thelma13601
      10 years ago
      We chose our neighborhood for the resale value. We invested all our money we had saved so we can eventually sell the house for our retirement. It has increased in value since we purchased it. It was a good location in a planned community.
    • ersie
      10 years ago
      I choose my neighborhood by look of other homes, are they kept up and that will kind of tell you, no crazy neighbors.
    • Montreal Bride
      10 years ago
      I chose my neighborhood because I can walk to everything! I have failed to gather enough discipline using monthly gym memberships!!
    • irunchik18
      10 years ago
      We bought our house because we like our nice and quiet neighborhood!!!!
    • Kim Westwood
      10 years ago
      We wanted out of the city away from all the traffic and bad things around suburbia. 5 acres, 5 mins from beach. Lots of wildlife, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, different birds, peaceful surroundings. What more do you need.
    • ycullava
      10 years ago
      My area has approximately 3 residential blocks in all four directions before you get to major intersections, or businesses such as stores, gas stations, and the like. it's great and peaceful.
    • mindyrae
      10 years ago
      For us, having a quiet neighborhood was most important.
    • Anina Salerno_Aita
      10 years ago
      last modified: 10 years ago
      I chose my neighborhood because it came with a terrific new husband who owned a house there! Seriously, we each owned a house and his was on 2.5 acres with 175 ft. of lake frontage, on a lake I have enjoyed visiting my entire life. My house was more convenient to shopping and services, but the beauty of that waterfront won. it doesn't hurt that it also is in an excellent school district with great neighbors and fun restaurants nearby. My kids are grown, so schools are no longer my number one concern.
    • Laura
      10 years ago
      #1 is schools, second is great neighbors
    • mousemaker
      10 years ago
      last modified: 10 years ago
      It should be quiet everywhere. Noise pollution is a huge problem and it's getting worse and making us less tolerant, not to mention getting less sleep. I was just reading some comments today written in reaction to a news article and I couldn't believe the vitriol. Where does this come from? and most of it is poorly educated and ignorant people who could learn but don't want to, dont' want to be told anything but they are less tolerant and less willing to even listen. I think it's because we are surrounded by so much noise we can't think. There is no solitude.
      I have tried for years to make my neighborhood more quiet and I was happy this summer to listen to crickets :)
      but as soon as fall came, new renters moved in and started in on the noise. Kabosh on that!!!! :)
    • sellaginella
      10 years ago
      Totally agree. Even if they make all the noise possible during the daytime, they must at least give a chance for people to have some sound sleep in the night. People are not at their best without sleep and children cannot concentrate on their studies.

      I read that extra loud noises can bring on heart attacks or make your lungs collapse!. Can't remember the amount of decibels though. We will know when it happens anyway. It's the parents' fault for not teaching the children about what is right and what is wrong. In fact, i would say that some parents(not all please) teach their children bad manners just to be 'one up!' Ignorance is bliss. When people are disturbing my sleep all I do is turn on my own bedside radio quietly (without disturbing anyone) so that I can shut out the big noise. Life story to be contd. Do not need any prizes. The chance given is enough. Thanks.
    • PRO
      purehome
      10 years ago
      Having access to fun activities within walking distance from your home is essential to enjoying the neighborhood you live in. It builds a sense of community to know your neighbors at the local espresso joint, grab a glass of wine with the Jones' and be able to get out without having to deal with the chaos of transportation. :)
    • bbarick
      10 years ago
      We live in rural Ohio, chose the neighborhood based on proximity to our jobs in downtown Cleveland....as far out in the country as we could be and still have a reasonable commute. We wanted land that didn't look like it was a farmers field last year (ie flat, no trees, no character), something that had texture to the landscape, trees, creek and very important far from any developments. It took alot of searching, in the end I think our property chose us, not the other way around....husband was not so sure at first, but I saw it, walked its entirety and was hooked in spite of the very wild state it was in. Covered with a 6 ' high tangled mess of wild roses, blackberry canes, wild grapevines, but lots of trees, a creek and a sloped site to plant the house. Its perfect now! Our neighbors are nearby but distant enough and it seems everyone is here for the same reason, to escape the city's noise and craziness.
    • Tatiana T
      10 years ago
      I chose my neighborhood for convenience. I didn't have a car (still don't) and I wanted to be in a place near easy public transportation. I'm planning on moving in January to somewhere even more convenient though.
    • wifemothergoddess
      10 years ago
      last modified: 10 years ago
      Our current neighborhood we chose because the schools are within walking distance and at the time I thought that was important to me, now not so much, Also the area was relatively quiet and surrounded by trees, however now over the past several years most of the trees are gone to make way for new subdivisions and mini malls.....hate it.

      Truthfully, I'm not a neighborhood type person. I was raised on a farm and I've been longing to get back to that lifestyle. Our next and hopefully last home will be on many acres with no neighbors or mini malls in sight.
    • edithsmom
      10 years ago
      We bought a condo on Cape Cod...not near the beach but a block from the Main Street of the largest town. Since this is our "final resting place" my husband and I wanted a well-built condo, within walking distance of the Main St. with the library, restaurants and public transportation ( we both have eye problems and as we age, may not be able to drive). We drive out daily with our dog for birding trips, walks in the woods or along the beaches. We have lived here for nearly three years and moved from Philadelphia, where we lived for six years in an apartment on a noisy, crowded street ...and loved it. Everything we needed or wanted was within walking distance in that city.
    • clementsbeth
      10 years ago
      Our area is great because all of the neighbors are friendly and block parties occur often
    • Jeannie Nguyen
      10 years ago
      CONGRATULATIONS to Paul D'Amico of Period Design for winning his very own pair of Houzz slippers! If you missed out on this poll, you still have 1 day left to enter our Annoying Noises poll! Get your comments in and you could win your own pair of Houzz slippers too. ;)
      https://www.houzz.com/discussions/poll-annoying-home-noises-dsvw-vd~643949
    • PRO
      Paul D'Amico - Period Design
      10 years ago
      Thank You Jeannie, I think it's the first time I win something! I will wake up every morning, slip them on and think.. morning! And then coffee...
    • PRO
      mayflower
      9 years ago
      All of them add all the choices together you get the perfect neighbourhood and best ever but then it would get boring because every neighbourhood needs some oddities and oddballs for them or else it would be horrible
    • PRO
      mayflower
      9 years ago
      So I'd say everything plus people that have variety you know to spice up the neighbourhood and bring it all together nicely.
    • PRO
      J Design Group - Interior Designers Miami - Modern
      9 years ago
      Its a combination of factors really. If you have children its something to consider for good schools - proximity to hospitals - stores shops . All are important to think about


      J Design Group, Modern Interior Design Firm in Miami, Florida - Contemporary Miami Interior Designers http://www.JDesignGroup.com
    • Mark Beaty
      9 years ago
      A Conservative!!!
    • tricia824
      9 years ago
      I'm with you Mark Beaty!!!!!!
    • Mark Beaty
      9 years ago
      I say that jokingly but, some good friends / neighbors were like us and conservative and we got along well in many areas.
    • flannel flower
      9 years ago
      Peace and quiet, trees and native birds
    • PRO
      Circle Goods Reclaimed
      9 years ago
      flannelflower great response, maybe no neighborhood and just out in the country:)
    • rugrats3
      9 years ago
      Country living is my neighborhood! Fresh air, wild turkeys, red fox and deers are our neighbors!
    • cindy8w
      9 years ago
      I moved into a condo association because of its amazing architecture, ponds, wild animals, walking paths, and peaceful setting. It is a little community within a few miles of restaurants, quaint shops and a downtown centered around river activities. The city's population is only about 45,000, with tourists during the summer months. Love it!
    • Angela Hutchison
      7 years ago

      What make a neighborhood DIVERSITY! Not cracker box houses of the same style and shape. Just like the neighborhood I live in. If you come home slightly high from drinking to much, you might pull into the wrong driveway.

    • thymewarrior
      7 years ago

      A home should be a peaceful place. A place where we can get away from the noise and craziness of the city. A place we feel safe and where we can relax and enjoy solitude and quiet. Our home was that until the neighbors on all three sides decided they had to have dogs but never train them to not bark. Now I can't even go out to my garden without being harassed by their dogs. We are moving.

    • Angela Hutchison
      7 years ago

      I belong to a HOA. There are too many RULES. There is No Indivuality. I believe in rules. I also believe you have rights to show yourself inside and outside your home. After all you are paying for it. Some associations are beyond rediculous.

    • PRO
      Vant Panels
      7 years ago

      Safe and friendly neighborhood.

    • User
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      Different stages of life bring different priorities. I currently live in a city center neighborhood that is walking distance from downtown, live music venues (major ones), two big, expanding restaurant districts, live theatre and move theaters that serve me drinks and dinner as I watch. As an empty nester, heaven, but the neighborhood is pretty cool- very quiet street, no natural traffic and full of great people. I don't think I'd have raised children here, though...

      When my son was 2- I went looking for something very different than current home. Truly spent hours on the street of a house for sale, at different times to day and night, to see who was "out", whether their were children around- whether their were parents. Bingo, found it. Two cul-de-sacs split by a 3 acre small city park. Nobody but our kids really every used it. Imagine having your own soccer/football/baseball area...

      Parents all over the place. Lol- full of a bunch of hospital-based medical specialists. Cool, as there were men around all the time- good for the kids. Stay at home, very educated moms. Nobody ever felt lonely in this area, and to this day, three of the families and their grown-up children are still among our best friends.

    • PRO
      Gerety Building and Restoration
      7 years ago

      I think safety is key, especially if you're raising a family. Distance to shops and restaurants is a close second, as you don't want to experience cabin fever being stuck in your home.

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