Neighborhood vibes are important to nearly 90 percent of Americans

How important is the ‘vibe’ of a neighborhood to would-be homebuyers?

Apparently, very. According to a survey from Ally Financial Inc., 49 percent of Americans say it is “very important,” and 39 percent of Americans reported that the vibe of a neighborhood is “important.” So what kind of vibe are people looking for? Well, 80 percent want a neighborhood that fits their personality, and 82 percent said they would move if they didn’t like their neighborhood. Seventy-three percent would be willing to compromise on the size of their home or pay more than they would like for a house in a neighborhood they liked.

Those aged 30-39 were the most likely to care about neighborhood vibe, followed by those aged 18-29 and then 40-54.

The most popular type of neighborhood desired by Americans is one with curb appeal and friendly neighbors, according to 36 percent. Twenty-eight percent said they want a walkable neighborhood, near restaurants, bars and coffee shops, this is mostly the millennial generation. A quarter of respondents desire ample outdoor space and a healthy lifestyle, like closeness to hiking and farmers markets, while 21 percent want a family-heavy neighborhood, near schools and playgrounds.

“Our survey reminds us that where you live remains just as important a consideration as the house you live in,” said Diane Morais, president of Consumer & Commercial Banking Products at Ally Bank. “The homebuying process can feel overwhelming at times, and it can be easy to lose sight of the important factors. If consumers think ahead of time about the characteristics that make up their ideal neighborhood – whether it’s an area with a close-knit community, a place that’s walkable to stores or restaurants, or even a neighborhood that is guaranteed strong cell phone coverage, it can help them target which neighborhoods would be the best fit for them and put them in a stronger position to find that perfect home.”