Better safe than sorry: Before you buy a house, do a neighborhood check

A little neighborhood research can save years of regret and aggravation

The last thing you want is to spend the time searching for a home and the money to purchase it, only to discover that you’ve moved to a neighborhood that’s unsafe, inconvenient, or about to be sitting next to a big box store.

Invest some time scouting the area before you sign the mortgage, and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re putting your family in a place that has low crime, good schools, plenty of amenities like parks and playgrounds, and public services—not to mention good neighbors.

We’ve put together a simple guide to help you gather the right information to make an smart decision on where to buy.

Security first: Check neighborhood safety

The only thing worse than moving in next to bad neighbors is moving into a sketchy neighborhood. It’s pretty easy to check local crime statistics. These websites are a good place to start:

• NeighborhoodScout – Offers neighborhood reports and a search function
• AreaVibes – Provides real estate demographic data and analysis in American and Canadian cities
• CityProtect – Connect to public safety data, explore crime data on the map
• SpotCrime – Find crime by exploring a map in your area or browse by state to find recent crimes near you
• Trulia – Provides comprehensive school and neighborhood information on homes for sale and much more
• City-Data – Access detailed data about every city in the U.S. from crime rates to weather patterns and more
• ADT Crime Map – Helps you understand potential crime in the neighborhood you are interested in

Most will ask you to simply type in the address you’re interested in and let you see the crimes committed in the area, broken down by date and type of crime, such as violent crime, property crime, even organized crime.

In addition to the above resources, modern home buying apps like Zillow, apartments.com, provide useful neighborhood safety stats.

There's more to neighborhood safety than statistics

No set of numbers can give you a complete picture of how truly safe a neighborhood is. Another important way to do a safety check is to simply take a walk around the neighborhood—at different times of the day and night. You can learn quite a bit:

• General condition of properties
• Well-lit streets
• Sidewalks and bike lanes
• A nearby fire station nearby
• Fire hydrants
• Access to medical care

While you’re evaluating the neighborhood safety, stop and talk to some of your potential neighbors. It’s not a bad way to introduce yourself, and your interest can signal to them that you’d be a good addition to the neighborhood.

The next step in neighborhood research: check the community website

Most towns—and many neighborhoods—have their own dedicated website. Nextdoor is a useful app for neighborhoods where you can get local tips, get “insider” information from people who live there and more. You can glean some useful insights about things like local parks and recreation, community events, and local government. You may not get the whole picture, but it can provide a few pieces of the puzzle.

Do your homework on the schools

If you have kids—or you’re planning to—a big part of your neighborhood research is educating yourself about the quality and proximity of local schools and day care centers. It’s important to start the process right away. You don’t want to fall in love with a house only to find out it’s in a poorly rated district. GreatSchools.org can help you find reviews, school curriculum and athletic program ratings. Don’t be shy about visiting local schools and asking questions. And don’t forget: Great schools are good for property values.

Check the route on your commute

Unless you work remotely, when you move to a new neighborhood you’re looking at a whole new drive to and from work. You could be shaving some time off your commute or adding to it—and you can’t always tell just by looking at a map. Take the time to make some test drives to and from your workplace—especially during peak rush hour. And while you’re out and about, see how easy it is to get to the grocery store and other retail destinations, parks and playgrounds, and schools; all the places you’ll be driving, biking or walking to.

Are you OK with an HOA?

Before you buy any home, make sure you know whether there’s a neighborhood homeowners association. An HOA means you’ll be paying monthly or annual fees on top of your mortgage and other expenses. Some HOAs have community swimming pools or tennis courts, while others are just for general upkeep and landscaping and maintaining private roads. Understand exactly what’s covered by the HOA before you move in.

More things to research about the neighborhood

Beyond neighborhood safety, schools and other important items, there are a few other things to research before you make a move.

• Check with the city’s planning commission or zoning board on any future plans for development of vacant lands in or adjacent to the neighborhood you’re considering.
• Do a sound check. Walk the neighborhood at night and listen for loud music and parties, garage bands, barking dogs, drag races, motorcyclists, or any other disturbing sounds nearby. Also listen for the telltale sounds of highway traffic, train whistles, and industrial noise.
• Find out whether the homes are connected to a municipal sewer system or if each home relies on a septic tank, which would require maintenance on your part. The easiest way to find out about sewer access is to ask the seller of the land or a real estate agent.

Neighborhood safety and livability are crucial

Taking the time to do your neighborhood research helps you make informed decision before investing in a home. Scouting ahead will help you choose a neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities—and can make the difference between finding your dream house and living a nightmare.

It’s all about peace of mind – so is a home warranty from American Home Shield®

Just like doing a neighborhood safety check, choosing the right home warranty can help take worry out of owning a home, too. A warranty plan from American Home Shield offers coverage for parts of up to 23 home systems and appliances can help make for a more care-free, enjoyable homeowning experience.

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