Choosing a New Neighborhood to Live In

Has the time come for you to move and find a new place to live? Do you think that you know how to go beyond the obvious when choosing a new neighborhood to live in? Let's look at how to find the right neighborhood for you; it doesn't have to be a daunting task. Other than price, most people will take a look at where the prospective neighborhood is located in proximity to other family members and work location. Then, maybe, they will take the step of driving around the area to determine whether or not it "looks" safe. But did you know that in our time of real estate expansion there may be hidden nuisances? Here are some great questions to ask your realtor or topics to research in your new prospective community.

Is There an Airport in the Neighborhood?

Everyone knows where the nearest airport offering airline service is located in relation to where they live. However, most people do not think about their local general aviation airport. As you look at prospective places to live, find out if there are any small airports nearby. If so, contact the airport administrator to ask some key questions such as: What is the local flight pattern? Does the airport offer flight training schools? If so, be aware that there will be much single-engine aircraft activity during the day which could disturb those that work the third shift and sleep during the day. Also ask if there are any cargo operations. While this does not necessarily mean UPS and FedEx, it can mean the possibility of corporate jet aircrafts operating between midnight and 4 a.m. Small cargo companies do very well by offering overnight priority package service with items such as checks and accounts payable items for companies. These services are also used for high dollar items that need security. Either way, you may unknowingly move to a home where your slumber will be disturbed by nightly jet activity.

Check Crime Statistics

Find out the Web site for your local police precinct. Generally, they provide updated information on a weekly or monthly basis with general information on how many crimes occurred in the area. Just because your neighborhood looks safe upon first glance does not mean that it is not a regular target for assaults, break-ins, amphetamine production or other less-than-savory activities. This includes a search for registered sex offenders and known pedophiles.

Hospitals and Medical Help

When searching homes for sale, most people will think to research the proximity of their local hospital. It is also important to find out where the nearest Urgent Care facility is located. In the current day and age, hospital emergency rooms regularly have waiting times of three to four hours for those with non-life threatening emergencies. Also contact your local rural/metro fire station or ambulance operator to find out the average response time over the last year to homes and businesses in your area.

Are There Farms in the Area?

As communities build and expand further and further away from metropolitan areas, builders typically encroach on or near farming areas. So ask if there are any hog or cow farms in the vicinity. While everything is great in the winter time, the heat of the summer and a little wind might make for some interesting, nose-hair-curling smells lingering in the neighborhood for months at a time.