You can build a house anywhere, but finding a neighborhood that truly fits your lifestyle is the key to loving your community. The desired attributes of any neighborhood vary based on your lifestyle. Many young professionals yearn to live in a maintenance free apartment in the middle of downtown, where they can enjoy an active nightlife. Whereas families with children often seek safe neighborhoods with playgrounds for kids, convenience to grocery stores and great schools. Seniors on the other hand, tend to look for quiet settings that are close to restaurants and shopping.

There are, however, some common traits that all great neighborhoods share. As you evaluate which neighborhood is the best fit for you, make sure to keep these characteristics in mind.

Community Pride

Homeowners that take pride in their community not only maintain their lawns and home, they also interact with their neighbors more often, develop social groups and safeguard each other’s homes. Not to mention, well maintained homes retain a higher resale values.

Low Crime Rates

Everyone wants to feel secure in their own home. The crime rate can be an indication of the stability of a neighborhood, as an increase or decrease in crime may be an indication of a neighborhood in transition. To quickly check the frequency and types of crimes reported in the area you’re interest in, check the SpotCrime report.

Outdoor Activities

The most desired neighborhoods don’t require you to leave to find things to do. Having amenities like walking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds help to build a sense of community. At Summer Lake, we are proud to offer all of these activities, plus a children’s splash park, outdoor volleyball court, basketball courts and a recreational field.

The Best Schools

Not only are good schools important to families with children, but neighborhoods that feed into high performing schools maintain higher property values and make the homes within more sought after. How do you know which schools are best? GreatSchools.org provides school ratings at a glance.

Chesterfield County Schools are repeatedly achieve some of the highest SAT scores in Virginia. High schools kids in Summer Lake attend Cosby High School, which is ranked in the top 10% of all U.S. high schools! Learn more about the schools surrounding our neighborhood here.

Proximity to restaurants, shopping and entertainment

Being close to local restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment add convenience to everyday life. Being close to area businesses is at the top of most home buyer’s want list and Summer Lake has a wealth of dining, shopping, grocery stores, entertainment and medical facilities all within a short drive. See what’s nearby here.