Much like how it can be tough to feel out how a new workplace is going to be when you land a new job, those looking to buy a home may be concerned with how to go about feeling out the neighborhood.
What’s the vibe? Are there are a lot of families and young people, or is it a predominantly retired crowd? Does it look like there’s a competition going on for the most perfectly manicured lawn? What’s the traffic situation going to be like on a daily basis?
Find nine solid tips below on how to best collect information that will inform you if this neighborhood and general area will mesh with your family and lifestyle.
1) Take a Look at Nearby Real Estate & Property Value Trends
Although property value trends won’t paint the whole picture as far as the feel of a neighborhood goes, it does give you valuable information about home prices in the area.
Are they going up, remaining stagnant, or decreasing? Have there not been many sales in the neighborhood in the past few years, perhaps indicating a strong presence of long-term residents?
Websites like Zillow, RedFin, and Trulia allow you to investigate recent real estate activity in the area you’re looking into.
2) Check WalkScore & Go Walk the Neighborhood Yourself
WalkScore is a great tool for determining the walkability of a particular place. The app takes into consideration not just how far away schools, grocery stores, and the like are from homes, but also what public transportation options are available.
However, there’s nothing like going in person and checking out the neighborhood yourself. This may give you a chance to chat with potential new neighbors.
3) Chat With People Who Live There (In Person or Online)
Neighbors tend to be honest about who doesn’t pick up after their dog or has raging parties every Thursday evening. While you’re exploring the area, try initiating a conversation with someone out for a walk if the opportunity presents itself.
You can also check out Facebook community groups for the area you’re exploring.
4) Do a Trial Run of Your Commute (Or to the Grocery Store, Or Park…)
Unless you work from home, it’s recommended to do a test run of what your commute will be like, ideally at one of the times of day you’d actually be driving.
If you do work from home, you might do a test run of your commute to the closest grocery store, pharmacy, school, park, and other businesses and attractions.
5) Scour Through Community Websites & Events Calendars
Websites like LakeGeorge.com, VisitLakeGeorge.com, BoltonChamber.com, Saratoga.com, Saratoga.org, DiscoverSaratoga.org, and so many more can provide huge insight into what’s going on in the local community, including business openings, events, and more.
Chambers of commerce, historical societies, and websites for the actual town or municipality are also prime places to check for insights into an area.
6) Look for Recent Improvements or Developments
This tip is especially important if you’re looking to move into a community that you’re hoping will flourish in the coming years (ideally with you still as a resident!).
Public improvement projects are a key indication that an area is up and coming, or constantly improving. For example, the recent infrastructure project in Lake George that received significant funding to improve water quality through wastewater treatment plant and septic system upgrades.
In fact, even smaller-scale renovations like your potential neighbor adding a back deck onto his house can be a positive indication of growth. His property value will go up with that upgrade – and in time yours likely will as well.
7) Consider the Crime Rate
Particularly if you have children, it’s always a smart idea to research the crime rate of a region or neighborhood. This is one of those data-driven methods of feeling out a neighborhood that will not tell the whole story, but it’s important information to have.
Check out CrimeMapping.com, CrimeGrade.org, CityProtect.com, City-Data.com, Nextdoor, or Neighborhood Scout.
8) Find Out About the Schools/Childcare Facilities (If Applicable)
The school district is always a top consideration for families looking to move with kids, and they allow yet another peek into what a neighborhood vibe will be like. How far away are the houses from the school? Do kids walk to school, take the bus, or get dropped off by parents?
And of course, school ratings play into the overall health and vitality of a region. By the way, Lake George, Queensbury, and Glens Falls school districts all offer a top notch education. The Queensbury Union Free School District in particular has made a number of capital improvements in the past couple of years.
If you have very little children, you’ll want to look into childcare resources, daycare centers, at-home daycares, and other options to ensure you have coverage. Resources like the Southern Adirondack Childcare Network can help.
9) Talk With a Skilled Real Estate Professional
Even if you’re a whiz at deciphering real estate trends and you check Zillow on a daily basis, these websites and data-driven information don’t provide the ins and outs of a particular region or neighborhood like a professional real estate agent, who is backed by a proven track record of successful transactions in that area.
I specialize in the Lake George and southern Adirondack region, as well as Saratoga Springs and parts of the Capital Region. If you’re looking to make a move to a neighborhood in the area, get in touch with me today!