{"id":2752,"date":"2025-10-23T00:29:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T00:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/?p=2752"},"modified":"2025-10-23T01:41:44","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T01:41:44","slug":"why-61-of-buyers-say-a-good-neighborhood-is-their-top-priority","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/why-61-of-buyers-say-a-good-neighborhood-is-their-top-priority\/","title":{"rendered":"Why 61% of Buyers Say a Good Neighborhood Is Their Top Priority"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"997\">When future home-buyers were asked what matters most, one stat jumped out: about <strong data-start=\"636\" data-end=\"707\">61% said that a \u201cgood neighborhood\u201d was one of their top priorities<\/strong>. According to <span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"><a class=\"flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[9px] font-medium transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]!\" href=\"https:\/\/listwithclever.com\/research\/homebuyers-survey-2025\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"relative start-0 bottom-0 flex h-full w-full items-center\"><span class=\"flex h-4 w-full items-center justify-between overflow-hidden\"><span class=\"max-w-[15ch] grow truncate overflow-hidden text-center\">Clever Real Estate<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>, that means more than half of buyers place location <em data-start=\"798\" data-end=\"806\">before<\/em> even specific home features \u2014 before number of bedrooms, finish-levels, or design trends. They understand that the house might change, but the neighborhood is where you live day after day.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"999\" data-end=\"1353\">Understanding that shift matters: it signals that what used to be \u201cnice to have\u201d for many buyers\u2014neighborhood quality\u2014is now a non-negotiable. In a market of tight inventory and high prices, one way buyers protect their decision is by picking a place where the surrounding community supports their lifestyle and the long-term value of their investment.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1539\">This blog explores what exactly \u201cgood neighborhood\u201d means to buyers today, why it matters so much, and how data-driven products like Local Insights help turn that priority into action.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1605\">What Buyers Meant When They Picked \u201cGood Neighborhood\u201d<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1607\" data-end=\"1960\">The 61% figure comes from a survey of prospective home-buyers who ranked their most important priorities. According to the report, while affordability (62%) and home features matter, \u201clocation\u201d in its broadest sense stood out: good neighborhood (61%), desirable location (58%), and safe area with low crime (51%).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1962\" data-end=\"2039\">From the survey, we can distill what \u201cgood neighborhood\u201d means in practice:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2624\">\n<li data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2190\">\n<p data-start=\"2043\" data-end=\"2190\">Stability and longevity: Buyers expect a place where residents tend to stay, houses hold their value, and the community doesn\u2019t fluctuate wildly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2326\">\n<p data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2326\">Safety and quality of life: Low-crime, well-maintained areas with clean public spaces, good schools, and dependable infrastructure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2327\" data-end=\"2485\">\n<p data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2485\">Lifestyle compatibility: Proximity to amenities, transit, green spaces, and the right mix of social and leisure options that match the buyer\u2019s life stage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2486\" data-end=\"2624\">\n<p data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2624\">Investment sense: Neighborhoods that show upward trends in housing and livability tend to protect the buyer\u2019s equity and satisfaction.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2626\" data-end=\"2782\">So for 61% of buyers, it\u2019s not just about the house\u2014they\u2019re effectively saying: <em data-start=\"2706\" data-end=\"2782\">\u201cChoose the right neighborhood and much of the rest will fall into place.\u201d<br \/>\n<\/em><strong class=\"ays-chart-shortcode-box\" title=\"Click to copy\" data-bs-toggle=\"tooltip\" data-bs-original-title=\"Click to copy\" aria-describedby=\"tooltip154327\" data-original-title=\"Click to copy\"><div class='ays-chart-container-google ays-chart-container-3' id='ays-chart-container69d28a551f0d5' data-id='69d28a551f0d5'><div class='ays-chart-header-container'><div class='ays-chart-charts-title ays-chart-charts-title69d28a551f0d5'>What were your home-buying priorities?<\/div><\/div><div class='ays-chart-charts-main-container ays-chart-charts-main-container69d28a551f0d5' id=ays-chart-bar_chart69d28a551f0d5 data-type='bar_chart'><\/div><div class='ays-chart-actions-container'><div class='ays-chart-export-buttons' data-id='3'><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2842\">Why Neighborhoods Are Winning Over Home Features<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"2895\">1. Homes Can Be Changed, Neighborhoods Cannot<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"3296\">The survey notes wisely that location and neighborhood are \u201cmuch more difficult to change than features of a home.\u201d You can repaint, renovate, or expand a house\u2014but you cannot realistically change the local park, the school district, the nearby amenities, or the crime stats. That permanence makes neighborhood quality an anchor for long-term living decisions.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3298\" data-end=\"3356\">2. Emotional &amp; Financial Stakes Are Higher Than Ever<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3357\" data-end=\"3652\">The survey also reveals that <strong data-start=\"3386\" data-end=\"3420\">82% of buyers made compromises<\/strong> during their search. The hardest compromise? Affordable home price. But location stood apart as a nearly non-negotiable. Buyers are cutting elsewhere but holding firm on neighborhood quality.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3654\" data-end=\"3888\">Less than 5% of buyers regret the location of their home; only 3% regret the neighborhood. \u00a0That\u2019s a telling statistic: good neighborhoods aren\u2019t just desirable\u2014they\u2019re protective against regret.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3955\">3. The World Is Changing: Remote Work, Mobility, Priorities<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3956\" data-end=\"4274\">Post-pandemic shifts changed how we live, work, and connect. With more flexibility, buyers are choosing neighborhoods less for commute length and more for lifestyle quality. Neighborhoods with access to parks, walkable streets, strong community bonds\u2014and good schools\u2014even for those without young kids\u2014are in demand.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4435\" data-end=\"4481\">What Makes a Neighborhood \u201cGood\u201d in 2025?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4483\" data-end=\"4670\">With the survey\u2019s headline in mind, what actual factors make up a \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/usa\/\">good neighborhood<\/a>\u201d? Below are the top dimensions\u2014each of which can be measured, compared, and used in decision-making.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4672\" data-end=\"4692\">Safety &amp; Crime<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4693\" data-end=\"4866\">If 51% of buyers flagged \u201csafe area with low crime\u201d as a top priority, this dimension clearly matters. A low crime rate drives comfort, peace of mind, and long-term value.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4868\" data-end=\"4911\">Housing Affordability &amp; Market Trends<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4912\" data-end=\"5158\">Affordability (62%) was still the most-commonly prioritized metric. A neighborhood that feels good but is wildly unaffordable may become a liability. Conversely, an affordable area with rising value creates both lifestyle and investment upside.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5160\" data-end=\"5190\">Schools &amp; Family Support<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5191\" data-end=\"5347\">Even buyers without children often look at school quality\u2014because strong schools indicate community investment, stable demand, and future resale strength.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5349\" data-end=\"5378\">Amenities &amp; Walkability<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5379\" data-end=\"5633\">Access to caf\u00e9s, parks, shops, grocery, transit\u2014these features shape day-to-day life and social connection. Walkability in particular has emerged as a clear priority (84% of respondents value it, in a survey by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhg.com\/walkability-in-home-buying-nar-report-7555269?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Better Homes &amp; Gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5635\" data-end=\"5667\">Local Economy &amp; Job Access<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5668\" data-end=\"5857\">A vibrant local economy and employment choice matter especially to younger buyers and investors. Even remote-friendly buyers want neighborhoods with growth potential and quality services.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5859\" data-end=\"5891\">Community Vibe &amp; Diversity<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5892\" data-end=\"6193\">People increasingly understand that a rich community\u2014not just demographics but connections, cultural outlets, neighborhood identity\u2014contributes to long-term satisfaction. As neighborhoods diversify and evolve, the right social environment becomes the intangible \u201cgood\u201d part of the good neighborhood.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"6200\" data-end=\"6284\">How to Turn the Survey Insight (\u201cGood Neighborhood = 61% Priority\u201d) into Action<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"6286\" data-end=\"6307\">For Home Buyers<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"6308\" data-end=\"6787\">\n<li data-start=\"6308\" data-end=\"6418\">\n<p data-start=\"6310\" data-end=\"6418\">Begin by ranking neighborhoods rather than homes: treat neighborhood quality as your filter, not optional.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6419\" data-end=\"6558\">\n<p data-start=\"6421\" data-end=\"6558\">Use data-driven platforms (like Local Insights) to assess neighborhood quality\u2014walkability, crime, schools, etc.\u2014at a hyperlocal level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6559\" data-end=\"6688\">\n<p data-start=\"6561\" data-end=\"6688\">Compare multiple neighborhoods head-to-head on the key dimensions above instead of jumping into a listing that \u201clooks right.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6689\" data-end=\"6787\">\n<p data-start=\"6691\" data-end=\"6787\">Consider future lifestyle: will the neighborhood serve you 5\u201310 years from now? Trends matter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"6789\" data-end=\"6827\">For Real Estate Agents &amp; Brokers<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"6828\" data-end=\"7303\">\n<li data-start=\"6828\" data-end=\"7002\">\n<p data-start=\"6830\" data-end=\"7002\">When you pitch listings, emphasize neighborhood story: \u201cHere\u2019s how this neighborhood ranks across safety, schools, lifestyle\u201461% of buyers say that\u2019s their top priority.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7003\" data-end=\"7147\">\n<p data-start=\"7005\" data-end=\"7147\">Provide neighborhood data reports (via Local Insights) as part of your marketing toolkit\u2014it builds credibility and matches buyer priorities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7148\" data-end=\"7303\">\n<p data-start=\"7150\" data-end=\"7303\">Use the survey data as a content piece: blog posts, email campaigns, social graphics highlighting that \u201cgood neighborhood\u201d is more important than ever.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"7305\" data-end=\"7324\">For Investors<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"7325\" data-end=\"7657\">\n<li data-start=\"7325\" data-end=\"7426\">\n<p data-start=\"7327\" data-end=\"7426\">Don\u2019t just pick the house\u2014pick the ZIP code or block group that aligns with long-term livability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7427\" data-end=\"7538\">\n<p data-start=\"7429\" data-end=\"7538\">Use neighborhood quality as a hedge: areas with good schools, strong amenities, low crime still outperform.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7539\" data-end=\"7657\">\n<p data-start=\"7541\" data-end=\"7657\">Look for early signals\u2014amenity growth, transit investment, school upgrades\u2014that indicate a neighborhood improving.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"7664\" data-end=\"7711\">Why Local Insights Is Vital for This Shift<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7713\" data-end=\"7908\">When 61% of buyers say a good neighborhood is a top priority, having access to <strong data-start=\"7792\" data-end=\"7819\">reliable, granular data<\/strong> becomes critical. That\u2019s exactly where <strong data-start=\"7859\" data-end=\"7877\">Local Insights<\/strong> shines. Here\u2019s how it helps:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"7909\" data-end=\"8419\">\n<li data-start=\"7909\" data-end=\"8001\">\n<p data-start=\"7911\" data-end=\"8001\">Address-level data within a <strong data-start=\"7939\" data-end=\"7956\">1-mile radius<\/strong> gives real context\u2014not city-wide averages.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8002\" data-end=\"8181\">\n<p data-start=\"8004\" data-end=\"8181\">Over <strong data-start=\"8009\" data-end=\"8028\">300 data points<\/strong>\u2014covering crime, schools, housing affordability, amenities, commute and more\u2014let you assess a neighborhood across all the dimensions buyers care about.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8182\" data-end=\"8304\">\n<p data-start=\"8184\" data-end=\"8304\">Comparative reports let you stack neighborhoods side-by-side, turning survey insights into visuals and decision tools.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8305\" data-end=\"8419\">\n<p data-start=\"8307\" data-end=\"8419\">With Local Insights, you don\u2019t just know if a neighborhood is \u201cgood\u201d in general\u2014you know <em data-start=\"8396\" data-end=\"8401\">why<\/em> and <em data-start=\"8406\" data-end=\"8416\">how much<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"8421\" data-end=\"8508\">In short: when neighborhood quality is the priority, data becomes the differentiator.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"8515\" data-end=\"8562\">Challenges to Watch &amp; How to Navigate Them<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"8564\" data-end=\"8662\">While the 61% figure is powerful, there are a few caveats buyers and agents should keep in mind:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"8663\" data-end=\"9229\">\n<li data-start=\"8663\" data-end=\"8795\">\n<p data-start=\"8665\" data-end=\"8795\"><strong data-start=\"8665\" data-end=\"8702\">\u201cGood neighborhood\u201d is subjective<\/strong>\u2014the features one buyer values may differ from another. Use data to align what <em data-start=\"8781\" data-end=\"8786\">you<\/em> value.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8796\" data-end=\"8895\">\n<p data-start=\"8798\" data-end=\"8895\"><strong data-start=\"8798\" data-end=\"8816\">Trends can lag<\/strong>\u2014data may show improvement or decline over time; look for multi-year metrics.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8896\" data-end=\"9090\">\n<p data-start=\"8898\" data-end=\"9090\"><strong data-start=\"8898\" data-end=\"8926\">Compromises still happen<\/strong>\u201482% of buyers made at least one compromise. The key is to compromise <em data-start=\"8996\" data-end=\"9005\">outside<\/em> neighborhood quality, not <em data-start=\"9032\" data-end=\"9040\">within<\/em> it.<span class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]\" data-testid=\"webpage-citation-pill\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"9091\" data-end=\"9229\">\n<p data-start=\"9093\" data-end=\"9229\"><strong data-start=\"9093\" data-end=\"9117\">Neighborhoods evolve<\/strong>\u2014transit expansions, zoning changes, demographic shifts can all influence long-term livability. Stay informed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"9236\" data-end=\"9253\">The Takeaway<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"9255\" data-end=\"9500\">The takeaway is clear: when more than six in ten buyers list a good neighborhood as their top priority, investing in neighborhood analysis is no longer optional\u2014it\u2019s essential. The home may be important, but the neighborhood is the foundation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9502\" data-end=\"9766\">For anyone buying a home, working with buyers, or advising investors, the message matters: \u201cStart with neighborhood quality, then evaluate the home within that context.\u201d And with tools like Local Insights, you\u2019re not guessing\u2014you\u2019re making data-driven decisions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9768\" data-end=\"9956\">In today\u2019s market, the neighborhood you pick might matter more than the house itself. The 61% figure tells you that. The deeper question is: <em data-start=\"9909\" data-end=\"9954\">Will your data help you pick the right one?<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When future home-buyers were asked what matters most, one stat jumped out: about 61% said that a \u201cgood&hellip;","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2764,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[142,144],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2752","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-livability","8":"category-real-estate","9":"cs-entry"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2752","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2752"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2752\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2763,"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2752\/revisions\/2763"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proximitii.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}