How to Check Out the City and Neighborhood You Will Be Moving Into

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If you find yourself in a situation where you are moving to a new area, there are ways to check out the city and neighborhood into which you will be moving. Being prepared with your list of needs will make your move easier. You can find out everything from the best area, best schools, recreation, crime rates in advance of your move if you are prepared.

Instructions

1. 

   Make a list. List your criteria for a neighborhood for your family. Also list the minimum and maximum you can spend. Make it thorough. Your list should include crime rate, registered sex offenders, school district scores if you have children and amenities you desire, such as shopping centers, pools, nearest hospital and any other thing that is important for you and your family. Once you have completed your list, you may want to rewrite or type the list for future reference.

2. 

   Contact the Chamber of Commerce in the city in which you will be living. Depending on the size of city, the Chamber may have books and maps it will send you free of charge. Often the booklets will list important information such as telephone numbers for the police, sheriff, hospitals and other services. The booklets often list clubs and activities with contact people, times and days of the week they meet. Ask the Chamber to send you all the information it has. If your area is unincorporated, there may still have a Chamber of Commerce. If you plan to live in a rural area, be sure to contact the Chambers of Commerce for the neighboring communities. If you do not have the time to call, then e-mail the chamber for materials. Most large cities have online sites that will also be helpful.

3. 

   Call the Police Department or Sheriff's Office in the area where you plan to live. Ask about crime rates. Some departments are very helpful in pointing you to lesser crime areas or, if you are fortunate, a crime free area in their community. This will give you a neighborhood or two to begin your search.

4. Check the Meghan's Law online for your new area. This will tell you if and where sexual predators live in your area. Be sure to look at the crimes that put the person on the list. "Sexual predator" is a term that applies to crimes which may not be a threat to you or your child. It is important to read what crimes the person has actually committed. Each state has a free site so you can go to the state government site and type in Meghan's Law. Research may also have to include visiting potential neighbors to find out if there are any halfway houses in your chosen area.

5. 

   Check online for school district scores for public and private schools in the area. This may enable you to make a decision that might save you money if the public schools rate higher than the private schools.

6. 

   Find a house to live in. To select a Realtor, you need to go to the Board of Realtors in the state in which you plan to live. Each state has its own board and regulations. Be sure you go to a Realtor and not a real estate salesman. In some states you may need a real estate attorney. A realtor usually has a pin and a license. You should always ask to see the license. If you are interested in senior housing, make certain you inform the Realtor and address which type of Senior Housing you are looking toward purchasing. Purchasing in a facility which provides nursing services may be handled by a specific Realtor or may be handled by the individual facilities. Be sure to ask.

Tips & Warnings

• There are a couple of other lists you might compile at the same time you do your neighborhood list. A list of what you desire in your home might include three bedrooms, at least two full baths, large yard, garage and those things you cannot live without. Your third list should be your list of to-do's to make the move as efficient as possible and could include such items as notifying the post office, your credit card companies and the practical gas, electric and phone companies. Doing these lists before you actually launch into the work of moving will make it easier to complete the things that need to be done and to find what you really want in your new home. Googling Board of Realtors and the various states will give you their sites.

• Do not ask your Realtor about half-way houses. In some states they may be constrained from revealing that information. Once you have selected a house you like, go visit the neighbors to see what they know. Do not expect to get everything on your wish list for your house. You may need to decide whether it is more important to have a third bathroom or a neighborhood with a good school. If you are purchasing a condo or in a gated community, make certain you check to see if there are association fees and ask how much. This charge may change your mind about a particular property. Also check with the association to see what services the association provides.

Resources

• School Scores
• Information on the Chamber of Commerce
• List of Sexual Predators