How To Research A Potential Neighbourhood

Whether you are in the market for a new home or only looking to rent, choosing a neighbourhood is one of the best things you can do. That’s because the neighbourhood can make or break your experience of living in any given place.

For instance, if you value your peace and quiet, the last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of a noisy neighbourhood. Similarly, if you have a family, you don’t want to raise your kids in an area teeming with drug users and where all kinds of social vices abound.

But even good neighbourhoods can sometimes be made untenable by factors like crime rate or even something as overlooked as the culture of the place – unfriendly and unwelcoming people, for example (not ideal if you value community service), nosy neighbours, etc.

Considering your next move

When moving to a new home, a lot of people are preoccupied with other things – finding an ideal apartment or house, for example, searching for reputable movers to execute the move, what to sell, donate, or move with to the new home, and so on.

But don’t overlook the importance of researching a neighbourhood before you move in. Here are a few considerations you should think about to be sure you’re making a smart decision before signing on a lease or making an offer on a home.

1. Determine housing prices

Knowing how much it will cost to put a roof over your head (literally speaking) is probably the first thing you want to know about your neighbourhood. Take advantage of both digital and analogue resources such as property listing websites, private listings on real estate websites, physical newspaper listings and local classified ad sites.

This interactive chart from Zillow can prove handy in that regard. It can give you home values and rental prices over the past decade.

2. Check the cost of living

But housing prices do not tell the whole story. The cost of living – which varies depending on region – can make life uncomfortable for you if it is too high.

No one wants to be caught in a financial rat race whereby you’re forced to make lifestyle changes to reduce the strain on your pocket. This is why you should factor in the cost of commodities like food, energy, health care etc. as the value of the dollar will vary depending on the place.

3. Know what to expect in taxes

This is another critical financial-related factor to consider when moving to a new neighbourhood, but one that many people overlook.

The amount you fork out in income taxes can really add up over time. It also never hurts to know what to expect in terms of sales and property taxes for your new home, never mind state taxes on gasoline, inheritance, cigarettes and what-not.

4. Research the weather

The weather may seem inconsequential (unless you’re a retiree), but it does matter. For example, if you’re one of those who find it hard to function in scorching weather, states like Florida and Louisiana may not be the best places to find a neighbourhood to settle in. Unless, of course, you don’t have an option in the matter.

Similarly, anyone who suffers from arthritis or difficulties in walking may not find cold areas with ice and heavy snowfall the most ideal. That aside, being privy to the kind of weather a place experiences can aid in deciding on the type of insurance to take on your home and other assets.

5. Look at local school districts

School districts can help give you a feel for local communities and give you an idea of what sort of community you’re looking at moving into next. You don’t necessarily have to have a school-going child.

A good source of this data (taxes included) is the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) whose SDDS (School Districts Demographics System) provides a general view of the community’s makeup at a macro level. It can give you data on race, economic and social demographics.

6. Consider the crime rate 

Checking the local crime rate is one way to get a general sense of your new city as it gives you an idea of what you’re up for when protecting yourself and your family.

For example, in The USA, each year, the FBI releases four publications that shed light into the general crime rate of a given area. You can also check the social media accounts of the local police department (most have them these days).

If your area does not have crime statistics readily available, then it would be a good idea to speak to the local police department, local newspapers or neighbourhood watch and community Facebook groups to source some opinions.

7. Don’t forget your transport options

It is essential to know the transportation options available at your disposal, even if you own a car. Every public transport service runs a website (or app) that can be a good source of this information.

If you are looking at different areas at once, Google Maps is another excellent resource. All you need to do is zoom in until you see small blue icons that resemble the front of a bus. These can direct you to that area’s specific transport options once you click on them.

8. Evaluate the job market

Looking at the job market data is an excellent way to gauge how the area is doing economically. No matter where you’re at in your life at the moment – job seeker, employed, business owner, or retiree – this should be an essential element of your research. Living close to a vibrant economy makes generating an income easier if you're looking for full time or part-time work.

Regarding the source of the data, the local Chamber of Commerce, classified ad sites, job placement websites, and local newspapers are the right places to look.

Big purchases should come with the conviction

For many of us buying a home will be the biggest purchase we ever make and when you're leveraging either your savings or future income to secure a property, you need to be committed to the home. Make sure you know every one of the pro and cons of the areas you are considering and weigh up which options are most important to you before deciding on where to settle down.

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