Know Thy Neighborhood

If you're considering a move to a new area, be it in a whole new state or just a new part of town, you'll want to know what you're getting into well before you buy real estate there. But it can be hard to get to know a place before you live there. Luckily, there are quite a few resources, some obvious and some more creative, that can help you get a better feel for a place without spending a lot of time there.

Many cities have online forums, sometimes even divided into discussions about specific neighborhoods. If you find one for the area you are looking for, or even a nearby area, you can often get a sense of the type of community it is by reading what those who live there are talking about with each other. You can also post a specific question to the members about a local neighborhood, or asking them to compare a couple of areas you are considering. They can tell you things that you could never find out on your own.

Another way to find out about neighborhood safety is to contact the police department in the area and ask them what the crime statistics are. It can be good to know what the most common crimes are, and how many, so you have an idea of whether or not you would feel comfortable living there.

If the community you are considering is close enough to visit easily, go there during the day, and at night, to see if there is a difference. What is the nightlife, if any? Sometimes, people come out at night who don't come out during the day, and it's best to know this before you live there. While you are visiting, stop into the local shops and ask people how they perceive the area. Most business owners will be happy to spend some time talking with a potential new customer about the area they live and work in. Also, just seeing the types of stores in the area will give you an idea of the area demographic. Take a walk through the parks, too. Are they well kept? Who is using them? Investing even just one full day hanging out in the neighborhood will tell you a lot about it.

If it looks great, but you're wondering what might be planned for future development, the city planning department will be able to tell you about any planned construction or zoning change applications.

If you can afford to, consider renting in a neighborhood before you buy. Even in one area, different streets can have completely different atmospheres. Renting gives you a chance to really get to know exactly where you want to buy, and plenty of time to find the best place for you. However, if there are a lot of rentals available, it might not be a good sign. A community full of homeowners is more stable, and the people will have more of a sense of responsibility towards the area.

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