A real estate agent says potential homeowners should try to purchase homes in neighborhoods with open garage doors. The reason why? She says they’re more “connected.”
Lynn Armstrong (@armly17), a social media content creator and Canadian real estate agent, posted a video about a common thing homeowners miss when they’re moving into a new community. That is, how open and accommodating the neighborhood actually is.
She suggests that potential home buyers do a drive-by to see whether there’s social buzz in the air. Specifically, she suggests they check how many open garage doors they can find.
But does it actually matter? Does it work?
Why Do Open Garages Matter?
The theory is that neighborhoods with more open garages are more social.
“Neighbours who are outside and connected … Kids playing, people working on projects, families spending time together … A neighbourhood where people actually know each other,” Armstrong says.
According to her, the more open garages, the easier it can be to integrate into a community.
“It’s not a perfect test—but it’s one of those little things that can give you a feel for the area before you make one of the biggest purchases of your life,” she says.
Some viewers agreed with Armstrong’s idea. However, a few commenters poked holes in the realtor’s strategy. Namely, multiple viewers said they’re not even searching for lively neighbors when they’re house hunting.
“I don’t want to be friends with my neighbors. I just want to be left alone,” one viewer said.
Another commenter said, “No no no I want closed garage and quiet privacy mind your business.”
Alternative Approaches to Gauging Neighborhood Desirability
Despite Armstrong saying that her tip was community-focused, commenters interpreted Armstrong’s suggestion as a “crime test.”
“Lol, my neighborhood is very safe and nobody leaves their garage door open,” one viewer said. “Why would they? I don’t need animals wandering into my garage, for starters. An open garage door is not some official neighborhood safety rating.”
A few commenters suggested alternative approaches to figuring out where to live with that in mind.
“[Go] to the nearest Walgreens and see if everything is behind glass,” one viewer said.
Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS are well-known for using anti-theft strategies, such as locking up products. Often, these stores will lock up products that are frequently stolen at that specific location. Seeing if there are many cases, then, can theoretically indicate whether theft is common.
Another commenter suggested the same thing.
“Nah go to Walmart and see if you have to call an associate to get deodorant,” they said.
Walmart, too, has anti-theft strategies that are different from location to location. But it’s unclear whether an anti-theft check could actually determine whether a nearby neighborhood is safe to live in.
Shoplifting, while a form of theft, is different in nature than a home break-in. For that reason, experts recommend that home buyers thoroughly vet their future neighborhood before move-in.
U.S. News reporter Devon Thorsby, for instance, says to visit a home at multiple different times throughout the day. A quick chat with neighbors can also illuminate whether the neighborhood is a good fit.
Subplot News has reached out to Armstrong via TikTok direct message for comment. We will update this if she responds.
@armly17 🚨 Before you buy a house, look at one thing most buyers completely miss… Count how many garage doors are open in the neighbourhood. 👀 Why? Open garage doors can tell you a lot about the community: 🏡 Neighbours who are outside and connected. 🚲 Kids playing, people working on projects, families spending time together. 🤝 A neighbourhood where people actually know each other. It’s not a perfect test—but it’s one of those little things that can give you a feel for the area before you make one of the biggest purchases of your life. Would an open-garage neighbourhood make you more or less likely to buy there? Let me know in the comments. 👇 #OrangevilleRealEstate #DufferinCounty #CaledonRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #OntarioRealEstate ♬ Pretty Little Baby – Connie Francis
