Unlocking the Perfect New York Home: Top Features and Considerations

New York State is a dream home location for many, for several excellent reasons. You’ll have access to some of the best healthcare, economies, cultural hubs, and scenery. Upstate New York has dense forests and rich small-town culture, while areas near New York City will immerse you in one of the largest cities in the world. Buying a home here can be intimidating, with volatile and diverse markets and many aspects to consider. It’s good to learn the best options for a New York property before making a decision.

Walkability

Even if you have a car for travel, a city’s walkability can provide more amenities, flexibility, and higher property value. If your car breaks down, you can still navigate through a city easily. There are many walkable areas in New York, including New York City. NYC suburbs like Westchester Rivertowns or Dobbs Ferry offer scenic and walkable homes, along with access to plenty of public transit. Outside of the big city, cities like Port Chester earn nearly top scores in terms of walkability. Access to sidewalks, buses, trains, and pedestrian-friendly areas can boost your enjoyment of any home.

Noise Level

New York is far more than The Big Apple. If you want to live in New York City, expect a lot of noise during all hours of the night; they don’t call it The City That Never Sleeps for a reason. If traffic or noisy neighbors bother you, you’ll need to consider this in your homebuying search. You’ll want to be decently outside New York City for a quieter time. Rural areas, particularly in upstate New York, will generally be more tranquil. You can find beautiful secluded park model homes in Lancaster or quiet neighborhoods near Lake Placid in the northern part of the state. The outskirts of major cities, even New York, can lower the sound level a lot. Be sure to tell your agent about any noises that might bother you. Single-family homes are a lot quieter than multi-family units like townhomes.

Commute

New Yorkers are known for lengthy commutes; it’s not unusual for hour-long commutes for those who work in New York City and live elsewhere. However, your home should give you the shortest possible commute. If you’re torn between two properties, opt for the shorter commute. A long commute can add stress and hours to your lengthy workday. In areas with high traffic, public transit access can cut commute time significantly, especially if you’re considering New York City.

Multifunctional Living Spaces

Sacrificing square footage can save you a lot of money in New York, especially in NYC. However, a lack of space can be detrimental to your enjoyment and growth in a new home. A good compromise is a multifunctional floor plan. This usually includes open-concept living spaces with built-in storage, retractable or temporary walls, and more. You can also make any space multifunctional with foldable or expandable furniture. Guest bedrooms can function as offices. If you’re really desperate, closets can function as offices, too! Make sure the space can fulfill multiple purposes to save money.

Energy Efficient Systems

Older homes can often save money, but you’re going to want updates in air conditioning, heating, roofing, and other systems that wear down easily. Energy efficiency lowers your monthly utility bills and reduces environmental harm. Make sure the home you’re looking at has energy-efficient appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. The HVAC system should be fairly recently updated as well. A new HVAC system alone can cost thousands of dollars. Pay attention to the type of heating the home uses. Winters in New York are nothing to joke about, and an efficient heating system will keep you—and your wallet—comfortable.

Outdoor Space

A place to connect with nature outdoors is an ideal feature in most homes. With an outdoor space, you have access to more room for entertainment, work, and enrichment for your pets or kids. If you have a dog, outdoor spaces are even more valuable. You can compromise on private outdoor space in areas like New York City, but you’re going to have to go through a lot more effort to take your dog outside. You may have to compromise on an outdoor space as well, such as a shared garden or a rooftop garden. Any greenery is better than no greenery!

Room for Growth

An oversized home can cost you more than you can handle, but you shouldn’t get a home that is too small, either. You should have decent room to grow into the space, especially if you plan on adding to your family. If there isn’t sufficient room, you’ll likely have to squeeze into the small space or buy another home again soon, costing you more money. Is there room for home additions and upgrades? Are zoning laws compatible with your needs?

Neighborhood Vibes and Ratings

You will want a safe and friendly neighborhood in which to hang your hat. The quality of New York neighborhoods can vary, even within one city like NYC. Check and compare crime rates, school district ratings, and community reviews to other neighborhoods to get a better perspective on what goes on. How do other houses look? Are neighbors friendly? Is there diverse culture and access to high-quality parks, stores, and other amenities? You shouldn’t dread coming home or be nervous to head outside. You need a comfortable area to live in.

Environmental Hazards

Some areas of New York are prone to flooding, like the Hudson River Valley or Staten Island. Not only can flooding cause major safety issues and home damage, but it can also skyrocket your home insurance premiums. Understand the flood risks of all properties you’re considering. Check flood maps to see how you fare with other properties. Inquire about the history of the home, including previous water damage. You may need to pay extra for flood insurance if you’re set on a property near water or in a risk zone.

Conclusion

Before choosing any home, make sure you get a thorough inspection to identify any problematic areas or required repairs. Make a budget and stick to it; going over your budget can cost you your home. New York City is a very popular and connected place to live, but it can be noisy and stressful. Consider all factors, good and bad. Work with a real estate agent for the best experience. When you do your research and compromise where you can, you can find the home of a lifetime in New York State.