10 Questions to Help You Find the Right Home Location

Finding the right house can really make a place feel like home, but it isn't just about the physical building itself. It's also about the location. Real estate agents talk about location all the time, and about how important it is for most people. There's a reason for that. Location matters.

Wondering how to find the right house to buy? To find the best location for your new home, ask yourself these questions:

Prioritize These Home Location Factors

Review these factors and rank them from 1 to 10. It'll help you narrow down the best place to live.

• School access and quality
• Affordability (is squeezing your budget okay?)
• Overall atmosphere and amenities
• Time spent commuting to your job
• Access to and quality of amenities
• Amount of land
• Crime rates and statistics
• Area’s overall cost of living (groceries, utilities, etc.)
• Proximity to family and loved ones
• Real estate market outlook (new developments, price trends, etc.)

Are Schools a Factor in Your Search?

Having children is a big responsibility, and sending them to good schools can help give them the right start in life. Because public school assignments are based on address, your home's location is vital if you want to send your child to a specific school. (Location matters less if you plan to send your child to a private school, but travel distance is still a factor.)

Carefully research the types of schools in all areas you are considering to get a better understanding of their benefits. Asking local parents what their experiences have been with local schools is one way to get second and third opinions.

Even if you don't have (or plan to have) school-age children, school assignment matters for resale. Families with children are a huge portion of the buyer pool, and they compete for homes zoned for desirable schools.

How Much Are You Comfortable Spending on Housing?

The smart play is to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes. That way you know your hard upper limit before you fall in love with something too expensive. But that's not the only affordability factor.

Look at your monthly payment. Is that a comfortable number that works for your lifestyle? Or should you look at cheaper houses? Sometimes, like in a high-rise condo building, you can find units at various price points in the same location. Other times, you'll have to look at a different neighbourhood. Include annual maintenance costs, utility bills, homeowners insurance, and condo fees (if applicable) when you're comparing home prices.

If you're looking on a city level, don't forget about property taxes. They vary between cities depending on city budgets.

You might decide it's okay to be "house-poor" for a while if it gets you into a neighbourhood you adore. Or you might decide it's not worth the stress on your lifestyle. Either choice is valid.

What Kind of Atmosphere do you Like?

Your personal preferences on atmosphere can play a large part in where you ultimately decide to live. Some like spread out areas with low foot traffic, while others like busy, dense areas where they can socialize. City or small town? Nightlife central or quiet neighbourhood? Is walkability vital, or would you prefer a big yard?

Noise is everywhere, but the amount and type of noise can really vary from one place to another. Being right in a city means noise traffic and nightlife. Living in a cul-de-sac in the suburbs may mean children playing outside during the day. Being in a more rural area can mean sounds from nature and wildlife.

Identifying what neighbourhood aspects you enjoy can help you prioritize which neighbourhoods to check out in-person. Finding a home is about finding a place that makes you happy, and this should not be forgotten when choosing between locations.

How Much of a Work Commute is Acceptable?

Unless you work from home, there will be a need to commute to and from a place of employment. Some people don't mind spending an hour each way in traffic, while others look for the closest possible place to live.

Generally speaking, employment centres cluster near city centres, while larger houses with bigger yards tend to be on the outskirts. If a short commute is vital, you might need to make compromises on housing size or type (single-family homes are rarer and more expensive near city centres). If a long commute is okay, you might be able to buy more house for your dollar.

Type of commute should also be considered. Many people find that commuting via public transit is far less stressful than driving in traffic, even though it generally takes longer. A house in the suburbs near an LRT station combines the best of both worlds for some buyers.

What Amenities Do You Need Nearby?

A master-planned community is designed to have shopping areas, community centres, playgrounds, parks, and sometimes even amenities like private lakes within a short walk or drive. Urban neighbourhoods like Beltline are spoiled for choice when it comes to walkable amenities; it's entirely possible to live car-free.

In suburban areas, you might choose likely neighbourhoods by how close they are to nearby shopping malls, major parks, or other attractions you expect to use regularly.

In rural areas, amenities are more scarce. Very small towns might require you to travel a significant distance if, for example, you need specialized medical care. There might be a limited selection of restaurants or foods at the grocery store. Nightlife might be next to nonexistent.

What kinds of amenities do you use frequently? Which would you feel the lack of?

Is Acreage Important to You?

For some, it's important to live on a big piece of land. Others don't want the upkeep, and would prefer a small city lot. There are always choices and trade-offs to think about when it comes to the land surrounding a new home. It can help to know your preferences and have an idea of how much you are willing to deviate from those preferences when finding a house.

Acreage homes are nearly always found in more rural areas. Land in urban areas comes at a premium!

If you want an acreage for a specific reason—for example, to keep horses or run a hobby farm—don't forget to check zoning. Some communities don't allow these activities.

Are You Concerned About Crime Rates?

Safety is an important consideration when choosing where to buy a home. Higher crime rates can affect your sense of security and may also impact property values, potentially making a home harder to sell in the future. Before deciding where to purchase, it’s a good idea to review crime statistics for the towns and neighbourhoods you’re considering. In Calgary, resources like the CPS Community Safety Dashboard can help you research local crime trends.

However, it's important to remember that the perception of safety differs from person to person based on a variety of factors. Consult multiple sources—crime statistics, local opinions, driving through the neighbourhood at different times of day, etc.

What's the Area’s Cost of Living?

The cost of living can vary significantly from one city or neighbourhood to another. Everyday expenses—such as groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare—should fit comfortably within your budget to keep homeownership affordable over time. While lower costs can leave more room for savings or other goals, it’s also important to consider factors like safety, services, and local amenities. Cost-of-living calculators can be helpful for comparing cities before deciding where to buy.

On a neighbourhood level, does the community have an HOA, and if so, what are the fees? How much would it cost you, in gas or transit passes, to commute to work?

Will You Be Close to Loved Ones?

Living close to relatives and friends can provide a valuable support system. Being nearby can make it easier to coordinate childcare/elder care, attend family gatherings, and maintain strong personal connections. When choosing where to live, think about how important proximity to loved ones is to you and how far you’re comfortable being from them.

What Is the Area’s Real Estate Outlook?

Understanding local housing trends can help you make a more informed decision. Areas experiencing growth—such as new housing developments, business expansion, or infrastructure improvements—often attract new residents and may see rising home values over time. However, growth can also bring higher home prices and increased traffic. Meanwhile, areas with slower growth may offer more affordable housing and less congestion, though they could also reflect a softer local economy.

Get Your Home's Location Right

You can do a whole lot to adapt a house to your needs once you've bought it, but one thing you can't change is the location.

With careful thought, and by assessing what you really want, you will have a higher chance of finding the home location that is right for your needs. Then it's possible to really enjoy a new place, and really feel at home with your choice.