QUESTIONS TO ASK
Where you live should reflect your lifestyle. These questions will help you find the best community for you.
Is
it close to my favorite spots?
Make a list of activities you engage in and stores you visit frequently. See
how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to
engage in your most common activities.
Is
it safe?
Contact the police department to obtain neighborhood crime statistics. Consider
not only the number of crimes but also the type and trend. (Is crime going up
or down?). Pay attention to see where in the neighborhood the crime is
happening.
Is
it economically stable?
Check with your local economic development office to see if household income
and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the ratio
of owner-occupied homes to rentals? Apartments don’t necessarily diminish
value, but they indicate a more transient population. Are there vacant
businesses or homes that have been on the market for months? Check news sources
to find out if new development is planned.
Is
it a good investment?
Ask a local REALTOR® about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although
past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give
you a sense of how a home’s value might grow. A REALTOR ® also may be able to
tell you about planned developments or other changes coming to the neighborhood
— such as a new school or highway — that might affect its value.
Do I like what I see?
Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go and get a feel for what it might be like to live there. Take notes: Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets bustling or quiet? How does it feel? Pick a pleasant day if you can, and chat with people working or playing outside.
What’s the school district like?
This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. The local school district can probably provide information on test scores, class size, the percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, visit schools in neighborhoods you’re considering.