5 Ways To Research Your New Neighborhood

Here’s my best advice for those of you moving to a new city or neighborhood

Moving anywhere can be an exciting adventure. However, making a move to somewhere you know little to nothing about can also feel a bit daunting. Here are a few tips to help you settle on what neighborhood or city is right for you:

"Social media gives you insight into what matters in a community."

1. Look on social media. Reading from social media and user forums will give you insight into things that matter in the community. You may even find some new friends along the way.

2. Do your commuter math. While it’s easy to look at a map and see how long your prospective neighborhood is from work or school, Google or Apple can show you traffic patterns and transit routes to give you a much better idea of how long it will take to get from point A to point B.

3. Check local school reviews. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s still a good idea to find a neighborhood with an attractive school system to increase your resale value. Sites like niche.com and GreatSchools.org publish guides that rank schools based on test scores and college readiness.

4. Consult neighborhood databases. Sites like citydata.com can help you determine the cost of living, home values, crime rates, and more. Walkscore.com also rates neighborhoods based on their proximity to schools, stores, and parks.

5. Consult your broker. Speaking to a local agent can help you gain even more insight into what neighborhood is right for you.

I hope this list has been helpful to you if you’re thinking about moving near or far. If you have questions about moving to the Seattle area or anything else related to real estate, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.