Homebuyers

More Than Location: What Makes a Neighborhood Truly Feel Like Home

When choosing a place to live, many people start with practical concerns like cost, safety, and the length of their commutes. But what also makes a neighborhood feel like home may be the less obvious factors—those small details that bring comfort and connection.

It might be the local park where you take your kids, the friendly neighbor who waves hello, or the small shops you can walk to on a Saturday morning. These elements can transform a simple house into a home and make a neighborhood truly special.

About 79% of Americans say being within walking distance of parks and shops is key to feeling connected to their neighborhood, according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2023 Community and Transportation Preferences Survey.

"We prefer open spaces," said Charlene Adams, 38, a homeowner in Perkasie, Penn. "We like nature, being close to farms where we can support local businesses. Other things that are important to us are a good church, playgrounds, a library, and a community where I can find other moms like me."

Here are three less obvious things that can make a neighborhood truly desirable.

The importance of nearby amenities when buying a home

One big amenity that homebuyers look for is being close to places like grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops, which can make everyday life a lot easier.

"People want to live close to the things they need—grocery stores, pharmacies, and places to eat," said Wayne Curtis, a real estate agent in Baltimore, MD for Sotheby's International Realty.

It's about more than just convenience, though. Having easy access to amenities allows people to easily frequent local spots and connect with their community, even if they can't walk to everything.

Green spaces and nature are key for many homebuyers

After spending more time at home during the pandemic, many folks are prioritizing outdoor spaces more than ever.

"Many people still work from home several days a week, if not full time," said Curtis. "They do not want to feel trapped inside their four walls."

Remote workers and families alike want to be in a neighborhood where they can step outside and enjoy nature without driving far. Whether it's a park, a garden, or just a few trees on the street, green spaces help create a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.

In fact, 78% of people believe that sidewalks are important to making a neighborhood feel welcoming, according to the NAR survey, as they allow for more walkability and connection.

Homebuyers often seek out a sense of community

A true sense of belonging is often built on the relationships you form with your neighbors and the pride people take in their community.

"People want to feel connected with their surroundings and hopefully the neighbors that become part of an extended network of friends," said Curtis.

Whether it's chatting with neighbors on a morning walk or attending a local event in the community, having opportunities to connect with others makes a neighborhood feel more like home.

In the end, the elements that make a place feel like home may not be flashy or expensive. They're often simple things, like having a green space nearby, living in a neighborhood where you can easily get around, or being surrounded by neighbors who care about their community—and who will happily bring over that Amazon package that accidentally landed on their doorstep.