You have saved and prepared for this milestone for so long and now you're finally ready to buy your own house – congratulations are definitely in order! But as you begin the process, you realize the bigger question isn’t what kind of house you want — but rather where do you want to live And that's where we come in, don't worry, we got you covered with this practical guide. After all, the old real estate adage “location, location, location” still rings true. Choosing the right neighbourhood after all can mean a heavy difference between a life of daily convenience and peace versus a life of small but persistent frustrations. Here’s how to assess a potential neighbourhood and make sure it aligns with your value, lifestyle and long-term plans:

1. Amenities: Everything you need at your fingertips.

What do you consider essential to have nearby? Priorities vary from person to person — perhaps you’re a parent looking for good schools, someone with medical needs who needs proximity to a hospital or a foodie who enjoys discovering new cafes and eateries on the weekend. Common must have amenities can include:

• Supermarkets/ grocery stores
• Medical Facilities such as clinics, hospitals and pharmacies
• M-pesa Agents
• Schools

Proximity to these conveniences can significantly improve your quality of life while saving you time and transport costs. So, ask yourself, what do you need within reach?

2. Commute and Connectivity

Your daily commute might seem like a small concern — until you get stuck in traffic for hours every day. Imagine going home after a long, tiresome day of work, and thinking, wow, I’ll be home in 2 or 3 hours. It can be very daunting and discouraging. One can consider the following:

• If you rely on public transport, consider neighbourhoods that have reliable matatu, boda boda or bus routes.
• If travelling by car, one can think of whether the location has easy and quick access to main roads or bypasses such as the Southern Bypass or Thika Superhighway as well as the condition of the roads to reduce vehicle wear and tear.

Pro-Tip- Visit the neighbourhood you are thinking of settling in during peak hours to get a closer feel of what your daily commute might be like. It might also help to talk to one or two people from the neighborhood. Speaking with locals when considering buying a home is invaluable - it offers firsthand insights into the neighborhood’s safety, community culture, noise levels, infrastructure and hidden issues that may not be visible during a visit or listed in official documents. Their lived experiences can help potential homeowners make a more informed, confident, and realistic decision

3. Safety and Security

Personal and property safety is a basic need and a top priority when choosing where to live. Evaluate:

• The presence and level of street lighting, perimeter fencing and security patrols.
• Presence of gate askaris and CCTV Surveillance
• Local crime reports or feedback from current residents via neighbourhood WhatsApp groups or conversations with them.

A good neighbourhood should give you tranquility, not anxiety.

4. Affordability and Cost of Living

Owning a home comes with on-going costs beyond mortgage or rent. The other charges can include:

• Service charges or estate fees in gated communities.
• Costs of utilities such as water, electricity and such are equally important.
• Transport costs should also feature in the budget thus one should strive to live next to their workplace or necessary amenities to lower these costs.

One should also consider property value trends. Areas such as Kilimani or Kileleshwa, at the heart of the city have seen price increases due to rapid development while satellite towns such as Kitengela, Rongai and Ngong offer more affordable options with promising growth potential. One should compare areas before committing, see which locations offer value for money — not just lower rent, but lower overall living expenses.

5. Environment and Cleanliness

A healthy environment is essential as it affects both physical and mental well-being. One should look into:

• The cleanliness of roads, drainage systems functionality, open sewage and public spaces surrounding the property.
• Proximity to noisy hotspots such as clubs, factories and transport stages.
• Pollution levels such as smoke from industries.
• The waste management system in the location of your liking.

A healthy, quiet and clean setting adds to your long-term comfort. Moreover, poor drainage, waste disposal and unclean environments are major contributors to disease outbreaks and environmental degradation.

6. Lifestyle and Community Fit

Finally, choose a place that suits you, that calls you. Think about it:

• What is the general vibe and demographics of the location – is it family-oriented, youth-driven or laid back? What would you prefer and what would meet your needs? Living, for example, with a young family in areas with a bustling nightlife such as Westlands can prove difficult and disruptive due to the noise and other factors.
• Are there any entertainment spots, gyms, churches/mosques nearby, and if not, do you need them?
• Are you allowed pets?
• Are the people friendly and welcoming?

No neighbourhood is perfect or completely suited to ALL your needs.
However, the right one should meet your most important needs — whether that's proximity to work, school or peaceful surroundings.
Take your time, there is no rush, your perfect home and location will be waiting.
A good neighbourhood should help you thrive, not just survive. Sources and Further Reading:
Kenya Homes: How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood for you
KOCH Properties: How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood in Kenya
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity: Where should I live? 6 Factors to Consider when Choosing a Neighbourhood