When you are searching for a property to rent or buy, location is important. Your new home may need to be close to public transit links or a good school. Your commute time may also be a factor. There is a lot to think about, but as no two neighborhoods are the same, it’s vital that you spend some time scoping out the area before you pack up and move in.
In this article, we are going to offer some handy tips to help you choose the right area for you and your family.
Research the area online
The internet makes it incredibly easy to learn more about any area, regardless of whether you have ever visited. Use Google Street View to take a virtual tour of the neighborhood from the comfort of your armchair. Some details might be out of date, especially in rural areas, but it can offer some useful insights, especially when used in conjunction with other checkpoints on our list.
Research local crime statistics – Statista is a useful source of crime facts and statistics, as is Wikipedia. For example, Wikipedia tells us St Louis in Missouri is #15 on the list of cities with the highest murder rates in the world. But this is not the whole story – some areas within St Louis are probably perfectly safe whereas others you wouldn’t venture out into without a Kevlar vest and a team of close protection officers monitoring your every move.
Visit the area at different times of the day
Some areas are delightful in the day, but no-go zones after dark. Take Central Park in NYC as a good example. The park is lovely during when the sun is shining, but at night, it’s best not to venture in there on your own.
It’s a good idea to visit a neighborhood at different times of the day and night. That quiet street you like the look of might turn into party-central after dark, once the various bars and clubs open their doors to patrons.
Drive around to see if anything seems amiss. Does the area give off a dangerous vibe at night? If so, it might not be a safe place to raise your family.
Stay for a few days so you can learn more about the area
Never move to a new area without having spent a few days there. Sure, this might not be possible if your company is sending you half-way around the world to live for a year, but it’s hard to make a sensible judgment about an area without having lived there first.
Book a hotel or rent a room via Airbnb. Check out the sights, test local transit links, see if you feel safe wandering around in the evening. If you feel out of place now, remember, that feeling probably won’t change if you do decide to settle there later.
Speak to the locals
Make a point of chatting to the locals to glean some useful insights on what the neighborhood is like. Pick up supplies in a local store and start a conversation. Older people who have grown up in the area will usually be more than happy to tell you everything you need to know.
Speak to local realtors. They can let you know which areas are most suitable for your needs.
Meet the neighbors
Try to find out more about your neighbors. It’s good to know if these are the kind of people you’ll get along with. Is there a strong sense of community or are the properties all within gated perimeters? Ask the vendors of the property you are buying (if applicable) but be aware they might not be honest.
Take advantage of tech tools like Nuwber to research your new neighbors. Type in their address into the search field and the search engine will check police records, lawsuits, and more. Remember, it’s always good to know if your neighbor is a convicted felon before you move in!
Listen to your gut
Finally, listen to your gut. If there is something about the neighborhood you don’t feel comfortable with, perhaps it’s not the place for you. For more information about rural living visit this site.
Don’t move into a new neighborhood without conducting some research, both online and offline. From high crime rates to violent neighbors, there’s a lot that can go wrong when you switch addresses!