Relocating to another state, another country or even another county within the same state can be a scary prospect. Whether it's your first time moving to another area or you are a veteran of the relocation process, you can benefit from this information.
Check the local scene through community blogs and the new city's website. The city's website will offer a wealth of information regarding, demographics, job growth, average income, average sales price of homes and more. Many blogs incorporate residents of a given area as well as real estate professionals. Local blogs also can link you to other websites which have helpful information about the area.Log onto CNN Money Magazine to use the relocation calculator. This tool allows you to compare cost of living expenses from area to area. If you are thinking about renting a place, Rentometer is great source of information to insure you are getting the best value for your rental. Don't forget the Chamber of Commerce websites which can also provide valuable insight about the area.
Drive through the neighborhoods at different times during the day and the evening. Look around you--are the homes well kept? Do the neighbors have trash lying in their yards or junked out vehicles in the driveway? In general, does the neighborhood appear to be clean and well kept? Are there people around during the day or is it deserted? What about the local transit system? Where are the stops? Are you close to shopping and major roadways?
Check out the local schools. Even if you don't have children, a good school system is a reliable indicator of desirability of the area. An area that has good schools will be demand, this is especially important if you are thinking of buying a home and might need to re-sell it again in the future.
Call the police department. Most local police departments are helpful in answering questions about crime in the neighborhood. Some even have information on websites. You can also check the local sex offender registry which is available online.
Talk to the residents. While a real estate professional can give you great information on comparable properties and local customs, there are many things that agents are prohibited from talking about, so your best bet is not to rely solely on an agent for information when moving to a new area. Ask the residents questions; most are happy to talk with you and they should be able to give you an idea of this move would be a good fit for your needs.
