Moving can be stressful, especially if you’re relocating to a new city or state. When you’re trying to scope out the best places to live, choosing the perfect neighborhood is as important as finding the right house or apartment. Many families opt for neighborhoods that are safe, affordable, and full of friendly neighbors. So, how can you find a new neighborhood that’s perfect for your family?
Ask Questions
Before you start searching for a new place to live, ask yourself what the perfect neighborhood means to you. What makes a neighborhood special, and what features are non-negotiable?
Decide whether your family would thrive in a quiet neighborhood or a busy, more active location. Ask yourself if you’d prefer to live in a newer neighborhood or an older development. Additionally, decide whether a tight-knit community or anonymity will be optimal for your family.
When you ask yourself these questions, make sure to consider the needs of your family. If you’re moving with younger children, research public school options. If you don’t have access to a car, consider prioritizing access to public transportation or proximity to amenities. Creating a list of the features that are most important to your family can facilitate the search for your ideal neighborhood.
Research Crime Rates
For many families, safety is a key factor when choosing a neighborhood. To research city crime rates, use a search engine to look up neighborhood crime statistics. Information lookup sites like GoLookUp provide immediate access to just busted mugshots, background checks, and criminal records. Go Look Up is updated daily, so you’re guaranteed to find the latest mugshots from neighborhoods you’re interested in.
Keep in mind that larger urban areas often have more detailed reports, while smaller towns may have limited crime statistics. Also, different parts of the same town or city may be more dangerous than others. Consequently, asking residents and reading local papers can help you decide whether the neighborhood would be a good fit.
Visit
Set aside some time to visit different neighborhoods. Visiting at different times of the day can help you get an idea of what’s happening in the area. Take note of the conditions of the houses, yards, streets, and sidewalks. If residents make eye contact and interact with you, it’s safe to assume the neighborhood is friendly and secure.
Additionally, observe the type of homes in each neighborhood. Is your ideal community composed of condos, single-family homes, or apartment buildings? If you’ve prioritized a specific type of home, a real estate agent can make your search easier. For instance, if you’re interested in log homes, Ashe High Country Realty offers a selection of authentic log homes for sale in Ashe County, NC. Since each log home has a unique architectural style, their team can help you find the log home of your dreams.
Consider Your Commute
If you’re relocating due to employment, ask yourself how long it will take to get to work and whether you’ll be driving with or against the traffic. If a short commute is important to you, opt for neighborhoods within a few miles of your place of employment. If you’re not sure what to expect, trying the route during rush hour can help you figure out if it’s manageable.
Also, figure out whether public transportation is an available alternative to driving. Is public transportation in the area reliable, and how often does transit stop during peak times? Finally, if access to the airport is a priority, determine how long the drive is and determine whether public transportation is an option.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town or state, choosing the perfect place to live is essential. Ultimately, following these tips can help you find a safe, affordable, and well-kept neighborhood that best meets the needs of your family.
