When you’re apartment hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the search for the perfect space that includes everything on your wish list of amenities, but the neighborhood where your apartment is located can make or break your experience in that home. Your time spent searching for apartments should also include a thorough exploration of each apartment’s neighborhood. Run down a checklist of services, entertainment options and businesses in the area that you feel are important to your lifestyle by using the following search.

Businesses that may be important to your lifestyle could include:

- Supermarket or alternative grocery stores that carry the foods you love.

- Pharmacy for easy prescription pick-up and early-morning or late-night emergencies.

- Gas station so you won’t be stranded on the way to work.

- Dry cleaner with pick-up and delivery service or one that offers convenient hours that fit your schedule.

- Specialized animal services nearby such as a groomer, veterinary clinic, long-term boarding care or long-term boarding care.

- Medical facilities, such as a clinic, dentist or optometrist.

You’ll also want to think about how you spend your off-work hours while you’re searching for apartments. Are there facilities for your favorite recreational activities nearby? What about shopping and nightlife options?

You might want to look for these amenities during your check through the neighborhood:

- Golf courses, jogging trails, bike paths, rock-climbing walls and local beach access.

- Shopping area of fun boutiques and/or a conventional mall.

- Nearby shops for those last-minute hostess or birthday gifts.

- A variety of restaurants, bars and nightlife options, such as trendy bistros, ethnic cafes and comfortable coffee shops.

- Movie theater complex, live theater productions, art museum or galleries, and book stores.

Now that you’re sure this neighborhood meets all your needs, one last thing to look for is easy access to transportation routes out of the area. Some possibilities include:

- Easy and quick access to freeways, especially if you need to use one commuting back and forth to work.

- Public transportation, such as bus lines or light rail.

- Bike paths, particularly if you use a bike to get to work or school.

- Convenient routes to the schools you or other family members attend.

Some apartment locations offer all of the above amenities, while others have only a few nearby. While you are apartment hunting, be sure to focus on those options that are most important to you. You’ll be sure to find a new home that fits your lifestyle.