Figure Out What You Really Want

Before you dive in to touring properties, think about what matters most to you. Here are some things to consider:

• Commute Time: How long are you okay with driving or taking public transit to work or school? Test your commute during peak hours to see if it’s manageable. Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic info.

• Schools: If you have kids (or plan to), reviewing ratings on GreatSchools can help you determine if you'll be happy with the kind of education they'll receive.

• Safety: While it's hard to know for sure based just on data points whether a community will feel safe to you, you can start by looking up crime rates on sites like NeighborhoodScout.

• Amenities: Need parks, grocery stores, or coffee shops nearby? Make a list and make sure you confirm if those amenities are nearby.

• Vibe: Do you love the hustle and bustle of the city, or would you prefer something more suburban or rural?

Do Some Sleuthing

Before committing to a neighborhood or specific home, it’s time to get your detective hat on! Here’s how:

• Online Research: Homa can provide in-depth insights, but websites like Zillow can help you identify properties you're interested in.

• In-Person Visits: Walk or drive around the area at different times of the day. Just don't go on the seller's property without permission!

• Chat with Locals: Talk to people who live there and ask the neighbors what they do and don't like about their community. You can also do this kind of research online with local social media groups and sites like NextDoor.

• Local News: Check out community news and upcoming events on sites like Patch to see what's going on in the community.

Check Out the Real Estate Scene

Knowing the real estate market helps you make a smart investment. Here’s what to look at:

• Home Prices: See what homes are selling for on Realtor.com, and compare recent sale prices to get an idea of market trends.

• Trendy Areas: Use Redfin to check if the neighborhood is hot or not, looking at how fast homes sell and if prices are rising.

• Future Developments: Use Google to search for any planned projects or new developments, as new infrastructure or businesses can impact property values.

Get to Know the Community and Amenities

A great neighborhood has a lot more than just nice houses. Look for:

• Community Fee: Is there a neighborhood association? What do those fees cover? And are you willing to pay them to live there?

• Parks and Recreation: Explore local parks and trails. Google Maps is great for this, and user reviews can give insight into safety and maintenance.

• Shopping and Dining: See if there are cool shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby on Yelp, and check their reviews to gauge the local vibe and quality.

Think About the Future

Plan ahead to make sure your new neighborhood will still fit your needs down the road:

• Family Plans: Thinking of starting or growing your family? Look for family friendly areas or neighborhoods zone for your preferred school district.

• Retirement: Nearing retirement? Check for amenities that cater to older adults like being close to public transit or near robust medical centers.

• Resale Value: Picking a neighborhood with good resale potential can help protect your investment, though this isn't the only thing you should base your decision on if this is going to be your personal home.

Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, no amount of data, reviews, or expert opinions can replace your intuition. A neighborhood may check all the right boxes on paper, but if something feels off, it’s worth paying attention to. Your gut feeling is an important piece of the puzzle, so here’s how to tune into your instincts:

• Pay Attention to First Impressions: Does the neighborhood feel welcoming? If you get a sense of unease or something just doesn’t sit right, don’t ignore that feeling.

• Imagine Your Daily Life: Can you see yourself living there day-to-day? If it’s hard to visualize a happy and comfortable life in the area, it may not be the right fit.

• Energy and Atmosphere: Walk around and take in the environment as the overall vibe can tell you a lot. If you just don't like how the neighborhood feels, it may not be for you.

• Notice How You Feel at Night – A neighborhood may seem great during the day, but what about in the evening? Visit at different times to get a full picture.

• Don't Ignore Small Red Flags – If you notice something that bothers you, like heavy traffic noise or a weird smell in the area, trust that it might become a bigger issue over time.