Amenities are wonderful little “extras” that a great community will provide to its residents. Often paid for through your neighborhood’s HOA fees, it is important that you will actually use these amenities in order to maximize your enjoyment of your community. As such, it is integral that you pick a neighborhood that offers the amenities that you want. Here are a few things you might be interested in looking for while searching for the perfect new house—and community—to call home.
Tennis: A Great Group Game
If you are interested in maintaining an active lifestyle and love the idea of playing a game of doubles on a warm afternoon, you might want to look into communities that offer tennis courts to their residents. Tennis is a great game that offers a social and physical outlet for individuals who enjoy this sport. Additionally, it can provide a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know other members of your neighborhood! If you are interested in playing competitively, try to find a community that offers both social and league programs that will allow you to play in organized tournaments.
Fitness: Turning to the Gym for Physical Activity
A well-equipped fitness center is a must for a community that houses an active population. If you are looking for a new neighborhood, ask about the sports center to find out more about the equipment, classes, and other resources that are available. The best neighborhoods will offer professional fitness training as well as group classes, allowing you to engage in the physical activity that will keep your body in shape while allowing you to socialize with other members of the community.
Swimming Pool: The Quintessential Amenity
When visiting different neighborhoods, one of the most popular questions that house hunters ask is if there is a pool. A swimming pool does more than provide a place for residents to get a bit of exercise and relax under the sun—although these activities are essential to your ability to enjoy your community. A great pool environment fosters social gatherings, allows families to enjoy an afternoon together, and prompts the meeting of friends at various times of the day.
But remember that there is more to a great swimming complex than the pool itself. You should look for a community that offers the opportunity to swim laps, relax in the water, change clothes, and shower. Additionally, a clubhouse with a kitchen and meeting area is a great asset to any neighborhood, as it allows you to truly enjoy an entire day in the sun with friends and family members!
Amenities are often thought of as the extra features that a community provides to its residents, but it is important to remember that you do, indeed, pay for these features through your HOA dues. As such, it is extremely important that you choose a community that offers the amenities that you will actually use in order to get the most out of the investment you make when you purchase your new home.
