There’s so much to consider when choosing a community. And even though Caroline and Spotsylvania Counties have their own general personalities, each subdivision has it’s own feel.
Caroline still tends to be more isolated and rural. The prices are lower for the square footage. But there are more HOAs with fees to go with it. Even the two gated lake communities of Lake Caroline and Lake Land’or have different feels.
Spotsylvania is closer to shopping and community activities but the individual communities do not offer as much within themselves.
What are you looking for in a community?
Here are some items to consider when looking for the right community to make your home:
- How far from work do you want to be located? Don’t just consider mileage. Actually take the drive during rush hour traffic and see how long it takes to get “home.”
- How far from civic organizations (church, community …
- What needs need to be met for your family? (Price, size of home, solitude or neighbors for companionship)
- What type of activities do you like to participate? If you like to go horseback riding, how far is the closest equestrian center? If you have an RV, is there parking for your RV?
- Do you like to garden, do you like to dry you laundry outside on the line? Some communities have restrictions on what you can do to or on your property.
- Water and sewer: Do you want to be on community water and sewer or do you want to be on your own well? Do you mind working within the restrictions of an alternative septic system (there’s lots of these in Caroline now!).
- Do you have to have high speed internet?
Other things you can do to help you find the right community.
- Travel though the community at different times of the day – after school, after dinner, on weekends. This will help you get a feel for the age of the members of the community and the noise level.
- Review the HOA Docs. Often you can pick up a copy of the HOA docs for $10 – $20. You may even be able to view them online at the community’s webpage. It’s time well spent before making an offer. Once you make an offer on a home and the full HOA disclosure package is received, you only have about 3 days to review. So the more you can review in advance, the better.
- Check the annual dues and compare to how useful they are to you.
When looking at specific homes in the community of your choice, look for
- Standing water and proper run off
- Check out the neighbors – yards, pets, playground equipment for kids
- Parking
- Size and usefulness of the lot
There’s so much to consider when looking at communities. Don’t get overwhelmed. Focus on your top 3 needs and how this area makes you feel, and I’m sure your next place will feel like “home!”
