They say buying a home is similar to finding the right wedding dress – when you see the right one, you’ll know it immediately. But when it comes to neighbourhoods, it’s a bit harder to be so sure so suddenly that it is suitable for you. There are many different factors you’ll need to consider to decide, and often you don’t have that much time to do it. These tips for researching a neighbourhood before moving will help you choose the one you will feel comfortable in.

1. Start with a classic – the internet search

In today’s world, it is impossible to imagine any decision being made without at least a little bit of Googling. The one that involves exploring a new neighbourhood before relocating is no different. You can start by researching internet articles that deal with the subject. Also, there are countless forums on the web, of which at least a dozen are dedicated to whatever you can think of. Just type the name of the neighbourhood you’d like to know more about into the search bar and see what comes up. Social networks are an excellent place to get information about this topic too. Search for locations within the neighbourhood you are interested in and read the comments below.

Apart from generally exploring the neighbourhood of choice, you could narrow the search a bit to find out the specifics. For that, you’ll need to have the answers to a few questions first. Is this going to be your forever home, or are you looking for something just for now? Do you want to find an area that is just like the one you are coming from, or is it OK to choose an altogether different location now? These and other answers will help you determine whether a neighbourhood is good for you or not.

2. Talk to the locals in the popular bar

Local bars are where the locals socialize and have a drink or two. If you are serious about moving there, go to one such bar that is the fullest, and sit at the counter. The people there are surely more willing to speak than if you approached them in the street. The moving experts from Evolution Moving Company DFW say that most of their clients decided to move to a certain area after talking to their future neighbours. Nothing beats the advice you get from someone with experience with whatever you are inquiring about.

3. For researching a neighbourhood before moving, visit local businesses

Every neighbourhood offers its inhabitants a set of products and services in local businesses. If you are going to live there, you might as well find out what you will be able to buy locally and what services will be at your disposal. Rarely anyone has the luxury to drive for miles to do grocery shopping or to visit a hair salon. You will most likely be visiting the stores and salons close by, so you want to know what is available.

4. Pick up the local newspaper

The local newspaper is like an old lady that knows all the village gossip. Only this one comes in paper form. Pick them up and see how things are going, the local issues, and what the locals care about. The journalists write about what people want to read, and you might even catch an interview with some of the locals, giving you further insight into the neighbourhood. The articles will tell you what your neighbours are like so you’ll know what to expect when you move there.

5. Look up the statistics related to crime and education

To determine how safe a neighbourhood is, look up the statistics when it comes to crime. Although it doesn’t predict the future with utmost certainty, the statistics can roughly give you an idea about what awaits you there. If safety is your biggest concern, the numbers and percentages related to crime rates are something you should know.

Parents and those who intend to become one may find it of utmost importance to check the quality of local educational institutions. This type of data will surely be on their checklist when buying a house, which is understandable. Every school district provides data detailing the positive features of its institution. Check that out and see if this is the school you want your child to attend.

6. Visit the area at different times of the day

Ideally, you should visit the neighbourhood of your choice at different times of the year. That way, you would get familiar with the climate and traffic, and it would help you find the right moment to relocate. It is hard to know when is the best time of year to plan a move when you have been there once or twice. But unfortunately, barely anyone has the time to do this kind of thorough exploration. You can visit the area at different times of the day and discover the dynamic of people’s lives there. Also, that will tell you a lot about the traffic and when the rush hour strikes.

7. Consult a real estate agent

The best way of researching a neighbourhood before moving is to consult a real estate agent. This is because good agents have all the answers you need. You can even tell them your preferences and let them suggest a good neighbourhood for you. Working with them will shorten the time you’ll otherwise spend looking for the right home and neighbourhood on your own.

Final thoughts
Researching a neighbourhood before moving is essential because you don’t want to end up living somewhere where you don’t fit in. With these seven tips, you will find the right area for you in no time. All it takes is a few days of talking to the right people and a bit of walking around, garnered with some online browsing, and you are good to move for good!

7 Tips for Researching A Neighbourhood Before Moving by Shally Norton