When you’re on the hunt for your first home, it’s easy to focus on the amenities that are inside it, like square footage, countertops, or the number of bedrooms. But what’s outside the home—the neighborhood amenities—can matter just as much as what’s inside.

You may not hit the gym or have kids in school, so why care about those neighborhood amenities? Think of them as silent boosters—features you might not rely on every day, but future buyers or renters will. That means greater resale potential, long-term marketability, and a higher quality of life all around.

Whether you're eyeing your forever home or thinking smart for future investment, NHC communities put you near the best neighborhood amenities—offering the most affordable homes with the most square footage on the market.

This blog breaks down six examples of neighborhood facilities that deserve a spot on your radar—even if they're not on your personal wish list.

Top-Rated Educational Facilities

Even if you don’t have children, does it matter where the district line falls? The short answer is yes. Buying a home within a highly sought-after school district not only increases your property value but also your neighborhood’s reputation. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, for every dollar spent on public schools within a community, home values increase by $20.

Even if your kids are grown, nearby schools are one of the best neighborhood amenities for boosting a home's long-term value.

NHC Community Spotlight

At NHC, we prioritize building affordable homes within great school districts so you can get more bang for your buck.

River Oaks at Sawmill Road in Chandler, TX, offers access to some of the state’s strongest local schools—perfect for families now or in the future and a major asset to your investment.

Chandler offers residents a quaint and tranquil lifestyle with a strong sense of community. As a small town in Henderson County, Chandler embodies the charm of rural living while providing easy access to nearby cities like Tyler and Athens.

With floor plans starting in the $220s, you won’t find a more affordable home with the most square footage in the area. Don’t delay, though. Homes in this community are selling fast!

Shops, Cafes, and Restaurants

You might prefer to cook at home or shop online, but being near retail and dining options still pays off. Neighborhoods with walkable or easily accessible commercial areas tend to be more desirable and price resilient.

These areas tend to develop faster and often have better infrastructure, too—another tick in the “good investment” column for buyers.

NHC Community Spotlight

Not only are our communities built within great school districts, but they’re also nestled close to some of the best new home community features around.

The Villages of Mayfield in Cleburne, TX, combines small-town charm with easy access to a wide range of neighborhood amenities. The city's historic downtown area features charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and family-owned restaurants, while nearby shopping centers offer larger retail options.

Floor plans for this community start in the $265s, with square footage between 1,804 and 4,000 square feet.

Public Transportation Access

If you’re firmly team car, public transit might not be at the top of your mind. Don’t overlook it, though. Access to bus lines, trains, or commuter routes increases your home's marketability to students, professionals, and car-free households.

It’s also a sustainability win, which is becoming a bigger priority for younger homebuyers.

NHC Community Spotlight

Looking for public transportation when commuting to work? NHC has affordable and spacious new-build homes that are perfect for your vision.

KC Scattered in Kansas City, MO, offers quick access to major roadways and bus routes—great for commuters and a big plus in areas without robust transit systems. Ideally located within walking distance to Gillham and Hyde Park and just minutes from major highways, the Plaza, Westport, and Downtown Kansas City, these homes offer the perfect blend of affordability, convenience, and modern living.

Floor plans for this community start from the $275s and boast 1,209 - 1,600 Square Feet, giving you and your family plenty of space to enjoy.

Parks, Green Spaces, and Trails

Maybe you're not into early-morning jogs or weekend picnics, but living near parks or greenbelts enhances your daily experience. Green space contributes to better air quality, scenic views, and lower stress levels.

When it comes to examples of amenities that improve both lifestyle and resale, green space is at the top.

NHC Community Spotlight

With NHC, you get the best of both worlds: access to the great outdoors and proximity to popular cities. We have the most affordable prices, so you never have to sacrifice price for quality of life.

Highland Park in Roxboro, NC,  is surrounded by lush forests, scenic lakes, and winding rivers—providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With so many activities locally, you'll never have to go far for things to do, but if that’s not enough, you are also within 60 miles of Greensboro, Raleigh, and Durham. We make it easy to call Highland Place home.

Current listings start from the $240s. Your dream home is just around the corner!

Fitness Centers and Club Houses

Even if you’re loyal to your home workout routine or local yoga studio, nearby fitness centers are a selling point. They suggest a community that prioritizes wellness, recreation, and social interaction—all of which matter to today’s buyers.

This is one of those neighborhood amenities that add a sense of vibrancy to a community, which is something buyers notice, even subconsciously.

NHC Community Spotlight

We understand that lifestyle habits influence your next move. At NHC, we offer homes at the most affordable prices so that you don’t have to cancel your gym membership.

Hannah Heights in Seguin, TX, gives residents access to nearby fitness centers and community amenities that promote a healthy, connected lifestyle. With its convenient proximity to San Antonio, Seguin truly is a hidden gem in the Lone Star State.

Homes in this community start from the $255s, with the most value per square foot your dollar can buy.

Healthcare Facilities

Let’s be honest—no one wants to need a hospital nearby. But when emergencies happen, having one within a short drive can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s a major draw for retirees, multigenerational households, or those managing chronic conditions, making it a critical neighborhood amenity for a wide range of homeowners.

Whether you use it or not, nearby healthcare is one of the smartest amenities near a house you can have.

NHC Community Spotlight

Unexpected life events happen, and with an NHC home, you’ll never be so stretched on mortgage payments that hospital bills become a huge stressor.

Heather Heights in Itasca, TX, places you close to a variety of healthcare facilities, making it a community that supports wellness in every sense. One of the main advantages of living in Itasca is its strategic location. Situated along Interstate 35W, the town offers easy access to major regional cities.

With floor plans starting in the $200s, emergency costs don’t have to be as scary as they sound.

How NHC Checks All the Boxes For Neighborhood Amenities

When it comes to home buying, it pays to think like a future seller. Choosing a home that is also rich in neighborhood amenities, like schools, transit, shops, parks, and healthcare, has never been easier with an affordable home builder like NHC.

At NHC, we not only offer the lowest prices per square foot on newly constructed homes across Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, but we also help our homebuyers secure fair, affordable financing. We also offer tools like our mortgage calculator so that you can easily understand mortgages and plan for your future, which is not a distant dream.

With our extensive list of floor plans, you won’t find $500,000+ price tags for tiny homes—but affordable homes with the MOST square footage out of any other community.

Ready to secure your dream home with the best new home community features? Shop our available homes now!

FAQs

What types of facilities are available in your neighborhoods?
NHC communities offer well-rounded neighborhood amenities such as fitness centers and parks, healthcare facilities, restaurants and shops, financial institutions, educational facilities, and public transit access.

Do neighborhood amenities increase home value?
Yes—neighborhood amenities can significantly increase home value. Amenities examples such as top-rated schools, parks, public transportation, nearby shops, healthcare facilities, and fitness centers enhance the overall desirability of a location. Even if you don’t personally use them, these features attract a wider pool of potential buyers and often lead to quicker resale and higher property appreciation.