The First Questions to Ask About a New Neighborhood

Buying the house itself is only part of home buying. When you buy a new home, you choose a brand new place to live. In some cases, that place might be unfamiliar or far away from where you lived before. So, it's important to keep the local area in mind during your search. But how can you determine whether a neighborhood is right for you? Here are some basic questions to ask to learn more about your new neighborhood:

Is it Safe?

It's quicker than ever to find an area's crime statistics on the internet or through local law enforcement, but that will only tell you so much. When trying to determine how safe a neighborhood might be, you can ask questions like:

• Are there "neighborhood watch" signs or official neighborhood security?
• Is there enough street lighting at night?
• Do the home's exteriors seem generally well kept?
• Are there a lot of other properties for sale or rent?

These are only a few of the details to consider, but a great place to begin when trying to learn about neighborhood safety. If possible, try visiting your new neighborhood a few times to get an in-person feel of the area.

What Schools Will I Have Access To?

If you have children in your household or are planning to in the future, school districts will make a big difference. The quality and choices of schools nearby is a great thing to research to see where your new neighborhood would fit among the options. Try comparing statistics like dropout rates, test scores and reviews from both parents and students.

If you're interested in adult education or specialist training, check to see what options your new neighborhood provides. While you won't be restricted by districts in the same way as primary schools, ease of access can make a significant difference in your education and overall quality of life.

These are only a few things to keep in mind when researching a potential new neighborhood. The more you can learn about an area before you move, the more likely you are to feel at-home.