For the past several years, the top factor influencing where a buyer purchased a home was the quality of the neighborhood. Convenience to work was the second most significant factor with just under half of buyers citing its importance. Affordability of homes was also very important, with 39 percent citing it as a factor in their neighborhood choice. By family type there are variations in the importance of neighborhood factors. Single females place a higher priority on convenience to friends and family than other family types. Both single males and single females value affordability of homes. Married couples and those with children in the home place more priority on the quality and convenience to schools than other buyers. Unmarried couples and single males place a higher value on convenience to entertainment and leisure activities.
Data from the 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
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