How to research a potential neighborhood
Finding the right neighborhood to move to is not simple. There are a number of factors that will determine what neighborhood you pick and there is a lot that goes into researching it. However, Master Moving Guide is here to help you research a potential neighborhood and remind you of things to consider while researching. Read carefully and take notes, because you will need them in order to find your perfect new neighborhood.
Start with online research
It’s a good idea to research a potential neighborhood online first. This can help you get a sense of the neighborhood and its amenities, services, and overall character without having to physically visit the area. Local movers advise you to do these things as part of your online research:
- Search for information about the neighborhood on the internet, including news articles, blog posts, and local government websites. This can give you a sense of the history and culture of the area, as well as any current or planned developments.
- Look at real estate websites to get an idea of the types of properties available in the neighborhood and their prices. This can help you understand the housing market in the area and whether it is within your budget.
- Check out online reviews of local businesses and services. This can give you a sense of the quality and variety of amenities available in the neighborhood.
- Use online mapping tools to get a feel for the layout of the neighborhood and its proximity to other areas. This can help you understand the location and transportation options in the area.
- Look at photos of the neighborhood online, including on social media, to get a visual sense of the area.
Overall, online research can be a helpful starting point for learning about a potential neighborhood. However, it’s important to also visit the area in person and speak with current or former residents to get a more complete picture.
Check out the neighborhood in person
When you are planning to move and you’re checking out a moving guide, each one will suggest you visit the location. It’s a good idea to take a tour of the area in person. This can give you a more complete and accurate sense of the neighborhood, and help you get a feel for the atmosphere and character of the area. Here are a few specific things you might want to do as part of your in-person tour:
- Walk or drive around the neighborhood to get a sense of the layout and surrounding area. Pay attention to the condition of the streets, sidewalks, and buildings. Check out the landscaping and overall upkeep of the area as well.
- Look at the types of houses or apartments available in the neighborhood. Consider the size, style, and age of the properties.
- Check out local amenities, such as parks, libraries, and community centers. This can give you a sense of the recreational and social opportunities available in the area.
- Observe the activity and traffic in the neighborhood. Are there a lot of people out and about, or does the area seem quiet and empty? Is the traffic heavy or congested, or is it relatively easy to navigate?
- Take note of any potential red flags, such as graffiti, abandoned buildings, or a high level of litter.
When you’re planning to research a potential neighborhood, an in-person tour can be an important part of evaluating, as it can help you get a more comprehensive and accurate sense of the area.
Local schools and education options
When researching a potential neighborhood, residential movers remind you that it is important to consider the local schools and education options. This can be especially crucial if you have children or plan to start a family in the near future, as the quality of the local schools can have a significant impact on your child’s education and future opportunities. To evaluate the education options in a neighborhood, you might start by researching the school district and looking at test scores and graduation rates to get a sense of the academic performance of the schools.
You may also want to consider the curriculum and extracurricular activities offered by the schools, as well as the size and diversity of the student body. It can also be helpful to look into the availability of advanced placement courses. Also, check for support or enrichment programs for students who need extra help or are advanced learners. Finally, talking to parents or students who have experience with the local schools can provide valuable insights. Overall, evaluating the quality and fit of the local schools can be an important factor in making this decision.
Local amenities and services
You will have to evaluate the availability and quality of amenities and services in a particular neighborhood. When researching a potential neighborhood, it can be helpful to consider factors such as the proximity to grocery stores, retail shops, restaurants, etc. You might also want to consider the availability of parks and other recreational facilities, cultural attractions, and community centers. This information can give you a sense of the types of amenities and services that are available in the area. You can find information about the local amenities and services by looking online, talking to local residents, or simply exploring the neighborhood on foot.
What amenities and services are most important?
Some people may place a high value on amenities such as parks and recreational facilities, while others may be more interested in the proximity of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Others may place a higher priority on access to quality healthcare or educational institutions. While some may be looking for close-by cultural attractions. Some common amenities and services that people might consider when evaluating a potential neighborhood include:
- Grocery stores and other food-related amenities
- Retail shops and other types of businesses
- Restaurants and other dining options
- Parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities
- Cultural attractions, such as museums or performing arts centers
- Libraries, community centers, and other public facilities
- Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals or clinics
- Educational institutions, such as schools or universities
Evaluate the safety and crime rate of the area
Evaluating the safety and crime rate of a potential neighborhood is important when you research a potential neighborhood. This can help you determine whether the area is a safe and secure place to live, work, and raise a family. To assess the safety of a neighborhood, you might start by looking at crime statistics. Then you can check out reports from local law enforcement agencies, too. You can also decide what the best cities to move to in 2023 are based on these reports.
This can give you a sense of the types and frequency of crimes that occur in the area. You may also want to consider the presence and visibility of law enforcement, such as police patrols and surveillance cameras, as well as any community-based crime prevention programs. In addition, it can be helpful to talk to current or former residents of the neighborhood to get their perspectives on the safety and security of the area. If safety is extremely important for you, check out the best US suburbs to live in, based on this factor, among others.
When you research a potential neighborhood, you also have to research the local economy and job market
This refers to the process of evaluating the economic conditions and job opportunities in a particular neighborhood. When researching a potential neighborhood, it can be helpful to consider factors such as the local unemployment rate and the types of industries and businesses that are prevalent in the area. Also, check for the availability of job opportunities. This information can give you a sense of the economic vitality of the neighborhood and whether it might be a good place to live and work. If you are wondering what the fastest-growing occupations are, check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to looking at statistics and data, you can also talk to local business owners, and chamber of commerce representatives.
Don’t forget about the zoning regulations and building codes
This refers to the process of researching and understanding local laws and regulations. Zoning regulations specify which types of buildings and activities are allowed in different areas of the community. It also provides the building codes that outline the requirements for the construction, safety, and maintenance of buildings.
By familiarizing yourself with these regulations, you can get a sense of what kind of development is allowed in the area. You will also understand whether the neighborhood is likely to change significantly over time. You can find information about zoning and building codes from the local government planning department or building department. It’s also a good idea to check with a local real estate agent or attorney for additional insights. This is especially useful if this is a last minute relocation and you don’t have a lot of feedback.
Traffic and Transportation
The process of evaluating the transportation options available in a particular neighborhood is crucial. This is because traffic and transportation will affect your daily life. When researching a potential neighborhood, it can be helpful to consider a few factors. These include the availability of public transportation, the distance to major roads or highways, and the availability of ride-sharing services. This can also include the proximity to airports or other transportation hubs.
This information can help you understand how easy it will be to get around the neighborhood. Also, it will help you decide whether you need to rely on a car for your daily transportation needs. You can find information about traffic and transportation options from a variety of sources. These include the local government transportation departments, ride-sharing apps, and online mapping tools.
Talk to current and former residents
Speaking with people who have lived in a neighborhood can be very helpful when researching it. You can ask about their experiences with local schools, amenities, and safety, as well as other important factors. You can find residents through social media, online groups, or by walking around and talking to people.
This is beneficial for a few reasons. You can ask the people who no longer live there about the reasons behind it. You will know if they left because they were unhappy or if there were other reasons. It will make you feel more relaxed. Also, you can ask the ones that still live in the neighborhood about the things they like and don’t like. You will be able to conclude what the pros and cons are right away. If you are moving from a different state, don’t forget about the questions to ask before you move out of state, this will help you adapt better.
Trust your gut and make an informed decision
When you research a potential neighborhood, you must trust your gut! Therefore, after considering all of the relevant factors and gathering as much information as possible, you should trust your instincts and make a decision that feels right to you. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore or discount the information and data you have gathered, but rather that you should use your personal judgment and experience to weigh the pros and cons of different neighborhoods and make a decision that is based on your own values and priorities. If you are wondering what made people choose where to move last year, check out the 2022 moving trends report and find out.
The best way to find a good neighborhood is to do thorough research
To conclude, it’s important to research a potential neighborhood before moving there. Make sure you follow the steps provided above. This can help you understand the neighborhood and decide if it’s right for you. Trust your gut and use your judgment to make a final decision. By researching the neighborhood, you can increase your chances of finding a good fit. We wish you the best of luck!