Looking for a new home in the DMV is an exciting time, but with the number of options available and the sheer size of the area and different neighborhoods, the search can quickly become overwhelming. Minimize distractions by knowing what to prioritize as you look and how, as a quiet type, your preferences and criteria may differ. Here are a few things to consider as you evaluate what you need and what you don’t in your new home.
Narrow down your neighborhood
The DMV is expansive, but odds are you know the general vicinity in which you’re looking. However, every neighborhood in the area has its own flavor. For example, living in Dupont Circle is bound to give you a very different experience from life in Adams Morgan and, if you’re the quiet type, you’re likely to be far happier in the latter.
Consider your lifestyle and how that pairs with your preferences in location; then look deeply into an area to confirm things like noise levels, amenities, and convenience.
Must-have home features
It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of beautiful open concepts, soaring lofts, and two-story living spaces—but as a quiet type, these stunning features may seem less amazing as you live in them. As you search for your new home in the DMV, consider life in each space.
Open concepts are great for lines of sight on growing children and for blending in social gatherings, but quiet types often find they’re happier in cozier spaces. Consider looking for rooms that place some distance between communal areas and the master bedroom and feature doors on dedicated office spaces, for example. Looking at floor plans designed to minimize shared noise and spaces will likely put you in a happier environment.
Remember to also consider life outside your walls. While large lots close to the city are hard to come by, you might find a cozy outdoor area with lots of trees for privacy or other noise-buffering features do the trick. If you’re looking at more suburban areas, consider sightlines with neighbors and what you might need to make your space feel your own—and whether you’ll be able to achieve it in a given space.
Other area considerations
While avid nightlife seekers might enjoy quick access to live music and social hotspots, a neighborhood with a quiet café, library, bookshops, and smaller scenes may be more up your alley. Make sure your search factors in the area surrounding your new home in addition to the home itself.
Beyond the general neighborhood makeup, it’s always a good idea to swing by any property you’re considering at varying times of day and the week. What may appear to be a sleepy, quiet street mid-afternoon can present a different view around 6 p.m., just as what you see on a weekend is not necessarily indicative of the weekday environment.
Every home search is unique, and only you know exactly what you’ll need to feel comfortable and happy in your new home. As you start your search, consider geographic and environmental locations, the home’s individual features, and how what’s just outside of a property’s walls will affect your satisfaction in your potential new space.
