IDEAL HOME

After narrowing down your ideal neighborhood, it’s time to narrow your search down to several prospects that are close to your desired ideal home.

GET IN TOUCH

IDENTIFY THE PROSPECTS

With your area of the city in mind, start digging up information. Find interesting neighborhoods online, ask local real estate agents for recommendations and compile all the background information you can, including:

  • School Information. Look into the local public and private elementary, junior and high schools, as well as daycare programs.
  • Crime Statistics. Most real estate sites have statistics that tell you how the zip code’s crime rates measure up to the national average. If you want specifics, call the local police station.
  • Parks and Recreation: How far is it to the closest park or recreation center?
  • Neighborhood Associations: Does the community you’re looking at have one, and, if so, are there lawn or construction restrictions? Is there a yearly fee?
  • Tourist Attractions: Get a guidebook or check out the convention and tourism bureau’s Web site to see all the city has to offer.

VISIT LOCATIONS

Awaken your senses and be very intentional about recording your first impressions.

Sights & Sounds

Do the streets have curb appeal? Are the houses well-maintained? Observe the neighborhood at different times of the day.  Do the roads turn into a parking lot after school or during rush hour? Are people using grills or decks in the evening? Are neighbors and kids socializing or do people keep to themselves? Are the streets well-lit at night? Bird and nature sounds are generally pleasant, but what about noise from the highway, airport, hospital, train tracks or nearby clubs and bars? Talk to your future neighbors and ask how they like the area. Talk to more people. You’ll get the best information from regular people who aren’t trying to make a sale. Hit up your waiter for information when you’re checking out the local food, or ask a gas station attendant to spill what they know about your chosen neighborhood.

Smells & Tastes

You can’t experience unpleasant smells on the Internet and they’re not advertised in tourism brochures, but they can certainly affect your decision to live in an area. Take a big whiff of the air, and ask around if you smell any bad odors. Does the neighborhood match your taste in a living environment. Just because it’s a nice neighborhood doesn’t mean it’s the one for you. If the neighborhood meets your list but still feels wrong, search out another area. Trust your gut feeling.