8 ways to explore a new neighborhood before moving in!

Before buying a home, you may wish to dig a little deeper to learn more about the neighborhood. After all, factors like safety, proximity to amenities, and the friendliness of your neighbors are likely to have a significant effect on your quality of life in your new home.

Your Real estate agent can be an information goldmine; still, it’s wise to learn everything you can before making your move. A few key elements to explore:

1.Crime rates. Read local papers, ask local police, check My Local Crime and/or pinpoint area sex offenders.

2.Problematic neighbors. Stroll around and observe the neighborhood at different times. Chat with a few neighbors and ask them to name pros and cons. Inquire specifically about rude, loud or otherwise obnoxious residents; ongoing disputes; annoying animals; environmental, municipal or traffic issues and other red flags.

3.Family friendliness. Seeking others with children?

4.School quality. School & District Navigator displays area options; narrow them down through school visits or by checking data at Greatschools.org.

5.Walkability. Check Walkscore.com for overviews of bike routes and whether errands typically require car or bikes.

6.Access to public transportation.

7.Area amenities. Fine tune businesses and organizations that may be important to you, then consult Google, Google Maps and/or Yelp.

8. Neighborhood turnover. Search listings to determine whether people seem to be moving out en masse — and if so, ask neighbors for insight