How To Choose the Best Neighborhood To Live in: 15 Useful Tips

Examine the area at different times. Driving through will give you a sense of what life is like in the neighborhood. Are there enough parking lots? Is there any interaction between neighbors and children? Is it well-lit on the streets at night? These visual cues might help you figure out whether or not you’ll fit in.

8. Spend Some Time in the Neighborhood

Spend days exploring the location. You’ll most likely spend years there, so it’s well worth the effort to make sure you’re satisfied wherever you end up.

• Visit parks, supermarkets, and stores
• Check if there is a large number of children running around
• Try the local transportation

9. Speak to Local People

This is one of the best ways of getting familiar with a neighborhood. Speak to the waiter in a restaurant or gas station attendant. Ask as many questions as you can. Locals will usually give you the most objective review of a neighborhood.

10. Beware of the Red Flags

Keep an eye out for warning signals that show the neighborhood isn’t good. Are there any abandoned buildings? Have you noticed any vandalism? Can you spot a lot of “For Sale” or “For Rental” signs? If the answer is, you might want to look at other neighborhoods.

11. Learn the Value of Housing

Find out how much houses in the area are worth right now, and then ask a real estate agent how that compares to the average value five and ten years ago. How much has the value of the property risen? Is the neighborhood any different now? This will give you a good idea about the housing market.

12. Inquire About the Prospective Developments

Future developments will alter a neighborhood’s character, raise taxes, and increase traffic. It’s a good idea to research the neighborhood’s long-term prospects before deciding whether or not that view is right for you and your family.

13. Listen to the Sounds

Pay attention to the sounds. Is there a lot of noise from the highway, train tracks, or the airport? Beware as these noises can be very disturbing, especially in the early morning. Also, check if there is any noise from bars and restaurants nearby.

14. Make a Search on Crime Rates

Enter the city’s name and “crime statistics by neighborhood” into a search engine. Depending on the size of the city, this should yield some data. Smaller towns may simply have generic information, whereas larger cities have thorough crime reports.

15. Still Unsure? Why Not Rent First?

Deciding where to live and purchasing a home is a major choice that should not be taken lightly. Especially if you’re buying in a foreign country, don’t hurry. If you have doubts about a certain neighborhood, you can go with a rental house as a start. Live in the area for a while and see if you like it. Once you feel that you’ve adapted, you can buy a house there.