When you move into a new neighborhood, there are multiple things to take into consideration. Each one should be researched carefully, so you can be confident that you’re moving into a good area.
Safety
Of course, safety is at the top of the list. You will want to keep your family, your home, and your possessions protected. Your local neighborhood watch organization can advise you about that. They know what the safety levels are in each area. They can also give you important information about connecting with neighbors, so everyone can help look after one another.
You can also check out the crime statistics for the neighborhood you plan to move into. Naturally, you want to live somewhere that has very low crime levels. If there are good security measures in place, that will help too. Security measures can include police patrols and a private security team as well. The more the better, since no one will steal your stuff if security personnel is guarding it.
Schools
Especially if you have young children, you will want to look at the quality of schools in your new neighborhood. Most schools provide that information directly, with data on their websites about academic success rates. They’ll also tell you about honors programs and athletic opportunities.
If you feel that the school might be biased about itself, it’s a good idea to check out third party sites like Great Schools. Those sites can provide excellent data on demographics, diversity, test scores, and more. They offer a great way to understand the kind of education available for your sons and daughters. For example, if you’re looking at NYC apartments, you can get a whole list of schools for that area. Whether you prefer public or private, information on all of the schools is there for you.
The Chamber of Commerce
No matter what neighborhood you’re moving to, the Chamber of Commerce there is a great way to find out more about it. To start with, they can give you basic info like numbers for police, fire, and medical. They will also have maps, which are very convenient when moving somewhere new. Clubs, activities, and meeting times will be listed to. Knowing about those gives you a head start on getting involved in your new neighborhood.
Just for Fun
After exploring all of the most important details – from safety to schools – you’ll want to make sure that day to day life will be enjoyable as well. For that reason, it is important to find out where local grocery stores are. Some might have better prices, while others have a better selection. You can decide which consideration is more important. On a related note, a new neighbor can tell you all about local shops and malls. This will give you key shopping information while letting you bond with your new neighbor.
Other fun things to find are the local movie theater, and an aquatic center or local pool. Parks and running areas can also add to the quality of life in your new neighborhood.