Know Your Neighborhood
Identifying and buying homes in walkable communities
Since the dawn of time, buying or selling a home has been about “location, location, location,” as the old saying goes. Buyers want to know a home’s proximity to good schools and commercial districts. Sellers want to utilize every possible plus available to market their homes and attract interested buyers.
But in a time of economic downturn and a new era in environmental awareness, a home’s location takes on a whole new dimension. More and more buyers are asking for — even demanding — homes in walkable neighborhoods. Sellers are crafting sales pitches about the ease of a stroll to the local patisserie. And REALTORS® are looking for new tools with which to showcase a home’s walkable location.
How can a REALTOR® or home buyer know when a neighborhood is truly walkable? Is there an empirical way to prove walkability? Why would someone selling or buying a home even care?
“To me, walkability is a quality of life issue,” said Kirsten Kaufman, a REALTOR ®with Prudential Northwest Properties in Portland, Ore.
“When people can walk or bike their kids to school, walk or bike to the store, etc., they get to know their neighbors and their neighborhoods. This instills a sense of community that has an intrinsic value and makes people want to live there,” said Kaufman, who calls herself “Portland’s Bicycle REALTOR®.”
“In my own experience in Portland, my clients are willing to pay more for a home — or accept less in terms of square footage and amenities — in exchange for proximity to shopping, entertainment, work, and school.” READ MORE
The Importance Of Finding The Perfect Neighborhood
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Why is Choosing the Right Neighborhood so Important?
Are you thinking of buying a home? If you are then there are a lot of things that you need to consider. Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Selecting the best neighborhood for you is important for a lot of different reasons. When you buy a home you have to think ahead to the future because you will be committing yourself for quite a few years. So how can you choose the right neighborhood?
One. Do some research on the different neighborhoods that appeal to you. Once you know more about these areas, choosing a house to buy will be that much easier. Here are a few of the things that you want to learn about, as they will help you when you are ready to select the best neighborhood for you.realOne: Do you have kids? If you do not, then are you planning on having kids in the future? This is a very important factor to consider when buying a home, as you will want your children to have access to a good school district. If you do not look into this ahead of time then you may end up getting an unpleasant surprise when your kids are old enough for school. So, always research the school district and the available schools.
Two: Find out about the crime level in the area. When buying a home you want to make sure that the neighborhood you choose is safe. You do not want to move into a new home without first knowing what goes on around your area. This is very important when choosing the right neighborhood. You can contact the local police station for this information.
Three: Make sure that the neighborhood has everything you need to live a comfortable daily life. In other words, how close are the stores to you? Do you have everything you need within easy walking or driving distance? Take a drive or a walk around the neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the area…
Ralene Nelson, REALTOR®
PENDING SALE – 649 Pinehurst Dr, Rio Vista
$405,000 – Stop the car Honey!! This gorgeous home is move in ready, just bring your clothes & toys to start living an active retirement life. You step into this home located on a corner lot, and beautifully landscaped and know this is the one. Two bedroom & two bath home has tile flooring with carpet in the bedrooms. Kicthen looks fresh with white painted cabinets & granite counters with all newer stainless appliances & tiled backsplash. Counter provides a bar for entertainment/dining. Primary bedroom has wall to wall closet & bay window that makes a spacious room. The upgraded bath has granite counters, sink & a barn door for privacy. Seller is using the 2nd bedroom as a den with mounted TV & hideaway couch for your guests. Stepping out to the patio area provides you additional space for entertaining & is fully fenced for your pets. Laundry is in the garage, & the garage is deeper than most. Furniture is optional & can be purchase with exception of bed. The Trilogy development offers homeowners 2 swimming pools/spas (1 indoor), bocce ball & tennis courts, full gym, billiards, computer room, golf course, restaurant/cafe & over 40 clubs to join. Whats keeping you from making this your next home? READ MORE
Pending Sale – 295 Sage Meadows Drio Vista
3bed/3.5bath/2,367sqft/6,669sqft lot
NEW PRICE $549,000 – Calistoga model, with private courtyard, located on a corner lot. New interior paint (including garage) & tile/grout cleaned, gives this home a fresh look. Island kitchen with granite tile, black appliances, w/5 burner gas stove top & maple cabinets. Open floor plan makes this a great home for entertaining & the fireplace makes it cozy. Large master bedroom has bay window, upgraded tile in bath (walk in shower & tub). Den has been enclosed as well as another room, so this could be 4 bedrooms. One can be your den, other can be your craft/sewing room. 2nd bedroom has full bath, with courtyard entrance. Laundry room has sink, cabinets & folding space. Full patio & fencing secures this backyard for your family pet. Trilogy offers many amenities, from tennis, bocce, billards, pickle ball, golf, 2 pools & spas and even playground for grandchildren. Just bring your furniture & make new friends.READ MORE
OPEN HOUSE – Saturday 12-2pm
FOR SALE – 181 Cedar Ridge Dr. Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1,433sqft
New Price $519,500 – Look no further!! This Clipper model is like a new home, completely renovated, from new sheet rock to all new cabinets throughout, new baths, laminate flooring, quartz counters, appliances, and new interior & exterior paint. Located on the 11th fairway, bring some patio furniture & enjoy the scenery. This model provides a living room/dining room & a nook/great room. Trilogy provides so many amenities, including 2 swimming pools/spas, bocce courts, billiards, tennis courts, pickleball, gym & more. READ MORE
FOR SALE – 731 Turnberry Ter Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1410 sqft
$405,000 – NO BONDS-Spinnaker model with private backyard. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home feels like a very relaxing cottage for a retirement home. The patio provides a quiet place for morning coffee & afternoon beverage. Den has built-in book/curio shelves & bay window. The Master bedroom has a bay window, which creates room for a sitting area. New hot water heater. Enjoy amenities such as golf, tennis, bocce, pools/spas & a new gym, and more. READ MORE
Pending Sale – 1392 Lichen Ct, Concord
4 bed/3 bath/1,761sqft/7,980sqft lot
$889,000 – Look no further, as you enter this beautiful move-in ready home, you know this is the one, & it is located in a well-established neighborhood & close to shopping. Double front doors welcome you to this cheerful home that includes 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and features a bedroom & bath on the main floor. This is perfect for a nanny or family member living with you. The home has new interior paint and new LVT plank flooring/carpet throughout. The kitchen was refreshed with open space with newer cabinets, granite tile counters, a sink, a built-in oven/electric cooktop, a garden window & sliding door to the patio. The chef will be delighted with the walk-in pantry. The kitchen/den features a mobile prepping block with storage. Also, the upstairs hall bath was remodeled to include a new tub/shower & tile floor. The majority of light fixtures are new & fireplace has a pellet stove insert. RV/boat parking, storage shed & backyard can accommodate a swimming pool/spa. The backyard has a few fruit trees & room for a garden/play area. Room for a large BBQ with all your family & friends. This home has so much potential for the next homeowner. Solar leased 3/2020 for 25 yrs. Don’t miss out!! READ MORE
JUST SOLD – 689 Waterwood Dr, Rio Vista
Breathtaking views as you step into this beautiful home, located on the 11th green & pond. Popular Reflect model with quartz counters, white cabinets, 5 burner gas stove top & refrigerator are included. Tile floors with carpet in bedrooms. A double-sided gas fireplace makes for a cozy den & living room. The primary bath has double sinks with a walk-in shower with w/bench seating. Shutters throughout the home. Walk out either slider onto the covered patio that is the full length of the home. Small piece of turf for your pet, low maintenance landscape (front & back) & fenced. The backyard is lovely & a great place for a BBQ. Washer/dryer are included & there’s a laundry tub in the garage. Prepaid solar lease, transferrable to the buyer for the remaining years of the lease. Just bring your furniture and enjoy all the amenities, such as 2 swimming pools/spas, bocce ball courts, tennis & pickle ball courts, horseshoes, billiards, a library, a computer room, etc. So many activities to enjoy, you can be as busy as you want or idle. There is a club for just about all your hobbies. READ MORE
PENDING SALE – 700 Michelbook Ln. Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1,579sqft/5,693sf lot
$455,000 – Beautiful Atherton model, located in the Active Adult Community of Trilogy. Corner lot, 2 bedroom/2 bath home, with beautiful wood flooring, carpet in bedrooms & den. The kitchen has an island with granite counters, oak cabinets, some with glass fronts to show off your china, & gas range. Lots of counter space for the chef & has a pantry. The great room has built-in custom cabinets, a gas fireplace & overlooks the backyard. 65-inch mounted TV conveys with sale. Den also has built-in cabinets. The primary bedroom overlooks the backyard, the bath has double sinks & large walk-in closet. Fenced & private backyard with a roomy patio with all-weather cover. READ MORE
JUST SOLD – 710 Pinehurst Dr. Rio Vista
$439,000 – Solar owned & No Bonds!! Can’t get much better, this Hatteras model located in the Rio Vista Active Adult Community, Trilogy, offers drought-resistant landscaping & cozy back yard. Start the day with coffee on the patio & watch the sunset on the front porch. This home has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with blinds throughout. The home has a living room/dining room combo and a family room/kitchen with tile floors in the kitchen/nook. Full patio with cover & is very private. The laundry room has a sink, washer/dryer convey with the sale, as well as refrigerators. Walking distance to Delta clubhouse, pro shop & Monarch Restaurant. Trilogy offers 2 swimming pools/spas, a cafe & restaurant, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickle ball, billiards & more. Just bring your furniture and enjoy your retirement life. READ MORE
Events in Northern California this Weekend
BrewBash at the Basin 2023
Saturday, April 22 · 12 – 4pm
Sheldon Plaza, Driftwood Drive Suisun City, CA 94585
Enjoy great microbrews and support the community at BrewBash at the Basin. Hosted by the Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club and Suisun City.
Please join us for the Sixth Annual BrewBash at the Basin.
Hosted by the Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club and City of Suisun City Parks and Recreation, with 100% of proceeds benefitting local projects supporting youth in Fairfield and Suisun City.
Early Bird Tickets: $30 General Admission, until April 7, 2023, 11:59 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $40 General Admission. Tickets are available online until 11:59 pm Friday, 4/21/2023, or until sold out.
VIP Tickets: $60 includes early access at 11:00 am and a meal ticket. Tickets are available online until 11:59 pm Friday, 4/21/2023, or until sold out.
Event Day Entry: $40 General Admission ~ READ MORE
Reggae On The Delta @ Windmill Cove!
Saturday, April 22 · 11am – 7:30pm
Windmill Cove Bar & Grill, 7600 Windmill Cove Road Stockton
Enjoy great microbrews and support the community at BrewBash at the Basin. Hosted by the Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club and Suisun City.
Sponsored by @SpaceGramsBayArea, Gates open and music will Kick off starting at 11:00 in the am on April 22nd. Having two Great DJ’s from two different dynamics, promises a mixture of flava and a blend of creativity with a finished product of Good times, good drinks , and good company! This is a Reggae Themed event so bring out that inner RASTA in you and come have some fun… Were dancing from beginning to end whether you come via marine vessel or you drive and walk up to the cove. There are Food/Dessert vendors, Merch Vendors, complimentary Pasties and so much more! Come and find out why this will be an Annual function for the books! Hosted by The Blowing Smoke Podcast (feel free to check YouTube), this is a 420 friendly event so feel free to BYOW! READ MORE
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
Sat, Apr 22, 8 PM
Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA
For the seventh year, the Freight & Salvage celebrates incredible talent with the Berkeley Bluegrass Festival, April 21-April 23, 2023. With concerts programmed by Grammy-award winner Laurie Lewis and the Freight’s Artistic Director Peter Williams, plus instructional workshops curated by Ms. Lewis with Freight Education Associate Leah Wollenberg, Berkeley Bluegrass Festival brings together leaders of the genre, up-and-coming artists, and music fans for three days of concerts, jams, workshops (free for ticket holders!), and good old-fashioned merriment to kick off the summer music festival season.
MC’d by Allegra Thompson
Free workshops, jams and other activities will be offered throughout the weekend. READ ,MORE
SPRING SOUL JAM, UNITY & HARMONY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sat, Apr 22, 11 AM – 6 PM
River Walk Park, 651 2nd St, West Sacramento, CA
The hottest bands begin the weekend of soul followed by legendary singing groups to complete this showcase of soul when Unity meets Harmony
About this Event
Get ready…cause here they come! It’s the ever-popular Temptations Review led by Paul Williams Jr., the son of The Temptations founding member Paul Williams. This supreme group has the Temptations legacy with them as they perform all the hits, the dance steps, and the powerful voices that make the brand last forever in American music. Everything from “Pappa Was A Rolling Stone,” “My Girl,” “Treat Her Like A Lady,” Just My Imagination,” and the songs you know and love are part of what these amazing entertainers bring to the stage. If you like The Temptations you will love this exciting group straight from Detroit. Talk about great voices, the Greg Hill Delfonics Tribute will bring back those memories of love and house party slow dances. Greg Hill was a member of the Delfonics and he has now created the best tribute version of the group. You will sing along as they perform “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind,” “Hey Love,” “Break Your Promise,” and La-La Means I Love You.” But wait, your ticket on Day 2 of the Voices Of Soul at the Spring Soul Fest happening Sunday, April 23 will also allow you to hear the world-famous recording stars The Intruders! That’s right The Intruders are coming to Sacramento to sing “I’ll Always Love My Mama,” “Cowboys To Girls,” “I Wanna Know Your names,” and “Together.” If you are a lowrider bring the whip and have a sip because you don’t want to miss this trip. Also on Day 2 Sacramento’s very own vocal group the legendary Foe Deep will open the Sunday Show with songs by the Stylistics, Ojays, Blue Magic, and more. That’s just Day 2 of the Voices Of Soul, on Saturday, April 22 the weekend begins with our Bands Of Soul. If you enjoy soul bands and singers make sure you come on Saturday so you can party with the hottest bands in the region. Bands from Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas and Stockton will rock the park all day. Get your two-day pass for just $40 or reserve a VIP table for 10 people for only $500 for both days! This is the most soulful weekend event in the country and you are invited. READ MORE