4 Ways to Research a Neighborhood Before Moving There

Written by Posted On Friday, 01 March 2019 08:26

When it comes to homeownership, the home itself isn't the only factor that matters. The neighborhood comes with the home purchase. Since neighborhoods can deceive the keenest eye, thorough research is paramount. Scratch bad neighborhoods off the list with these four methods. 

In-Person Visit 
Drive around the neighborhood in daytime and nighttime on weekdays and weekends. Riding at all hours of the weekday and the weekend notifies buyers what to expect in terms of noise, traffic, pets, and people, including children. This should give you an unfiltered answer that helps you determine whether the neighborhood is a good fit. Additionally, look at the condition of the homes in the neighborhood. Are there boards on windows and doors? Does graffiti exist? Is the home's appearance run-down? Are there homes for sale in large quantity? Two additional ways to scope the neighborhood is to walk in the area and commute to work from the home of interest. 

Obtain Crime History 
There are two methods to obtain crime history. Visit the police station for records at the home and in the neighborhood. Get a copy if possible and research the history thoroughly. Alternatively, use a crime-mapping service to research crime history online. Crime Reports and Spot Crime offer crime history committed within neighborhood limits categorized by type of crime and date. Don't forget the National Sex Offender website to discover sex offenders in the area. 

Learn the Neighborhood Vibe 
There are three ways to learn the neighborhood vibe. If you're a people person, chatting with the residents offers insight into the neighborhood and the people living in it. Ask about crime, safety, construction, coming and goings, and problems. A second way is to find a neighborhood newspaper, blog, or social media group. Local stories, police stories, concerns, issues, tips, and advice are examples of topics covered. A third way is to visit Realtor.com or Neighborhood Scout. Both offer statistics, demographics, and trends pertaining to the neighborhood in question. 

Lookup the Address 
The address of the dream home in question deserves thorough research. The address alone contains buying/selling history, neighborhood statistics, ownership history, and crime history among other things. To uncover it, do a reverse address public search on the home of interest. A different way to view the home is to type the address in Google and research the results. Additionally, view the home in street view on Google maps. 

Because it takes neighborhoods several years to change, buyers must accept the neighborhood in its present form. However, buyers can use the research above to prevent mishaps. Use the above tips to ensure you don’t move into an unsuitable neighborhood.

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Lizzie Weakley

 About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball.

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