6 steps to find a community where you really belong

The most important factor when finding a home is being somewhere that you want to live, not somewhere that ticks the boxes.

“You want something that corresponds with your everyday life,” says Marion Allard, community development manager at Frasers Property Australia.

“If you have kids, you want somewhere that has green space with a park nearby and roads that have been designed to be a little bit safer.

“Retirees will want to feel safe, maybe have a dog park or somewhere to meet other residents. She explains that younger buyers are more likely to prioritize access to restaurants, transportation, and entertainment. Picture: The Waterfront, Shell Cove

Every buyer will have different lifestyle needs making it vital to know exactly what you want before you start hunting, adds Anne Flaherty, economist at realestate.com.au.

“You have to think about how you enjoy spending your spare time and then find a suburb that fits you — not the other way round,” she says.

2. Do you identify with the theme?

The overall vibe of a neighbourhood is important because the theme is what you’ll experience every day.

If you love nature, fresh air and plenty of peace and quiet, then a green-themed development is most likely for you.

Alternatively, if you love hustle and bustle, modern amenities at your door and a vibrant village-style hub, then a trendy urban neighbourhood is probably more your style.

“People know what they want — it’s about finding it,” Allard says.

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“It’s about seeing as many developments as you can and then it will just feel right when you find the right one.”

3. Has it got the amenity you want?

Perhaps you like to start each day with laps at the local pool, or you love to grab a coffee at your local cafe.

Or, it might be schools, connectivity to the CBD, or a shopping centre.

“Amenity is everything,” says Sarah Melody, community development manager at Frasers Property Australia.

“It brings ease to your life, with the convenience of having shops, schools and transport nearby.

“Amenity also acts as a ‘bumping ground’ where you meet your local neighbours and like-minded people within your community. Shopping centres, schools and public transport are all important amenities for your daily life. Picture: Burwood Brickworks

Think long and hard about the amenity you want and look for a development that can offer everything you need and more.

4. Are there community foundations?

Community spirit doesn’t just happen. There needs to be opportunities for residents to spark connection.

This is why many developments incorporate central areas as part of the design to foster connection.

But Melody says keep an eye out for developments that go even further to promote relationships.

“At Frasers Property, we run social connection programs to activate the relationships between residents,” she explains.

“These are based around the passions and interests of the residents. The programs are based on the passions and interests of residents. Are the communal spaces engaging?

Most new developments include a park or some kind of communal space for residents to hang out in.

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But these areas need to be useful, not an afterthought. Are the communal spaces engaging?

Most new developments these days will include a park or some kind of communal space for residents to hang around in.

But these areas need to be useful, not an afterthought.

“Place activation is really important,” explains Melody.

“The space can be a park or an open space, or an urban streetscape, but they have to be comfortable, practical and have a good vibe about them to make them valuable.

“People have to actually want to be there and stand around and have conversations and interact. The communal spaces will not be used if they aren’t engaging. The communal spaces were created for socialising. Does it inspire pride?

“How you see your community is very important because as soon as you step out of your house every day, You want to feel that “you’ve made the right choice,” Allard explains.

“This is where you chose to build your home and are happy with that.” Does it inspire pride?

Let’s face it, the neighbourhood we all want to live in is an area that gives us a sense of satisfaction and joy.

“How you see your community is very important because as soon as you step out of your house every day, you want to feel that you’ve made the right choice,” Allard explains.

“This is where you’ve chosen to build your home and you’re happy with that.”

If you don’t feel pride in your postcode, you may find yourself discouraging friends and family from visiting or telling people you live in a more desirable postcode nearby, so it’s crucial to make the right choice before signing on the dotted line.

Pictures are courtesy of Frasers Property Australia. This article was first published in January 2010.
18 February 2023 10:28am
The information has been updated regularly to ensure that it is current.