How To Check Your Neighborhood Is Safe

If you are considering moving home, then something you are likely concerned with is that your new location is going to be safe for you and your family. We are lucky that with the help of the internet, there are sites like the Memphis Shelby crime commission that display all of the stats that you really want to know about. There are some other things that you can do to make sure you are moving to the safest neighborhood possible. 

Rent First

Instead of buying a home straight away, see if you can find a rental in the area that you want to move to. This will give you the opportunity to get a feel for the area. It is an unfortunate truth that you won't know if somewhere the right place for you is until you have had the chance to be there for a while. This is a try before you buy on a larger scale. 

If you choose to rent before buying, you will also be in the prime position to make quick decisions when houses come on the market. You will be purchasing properties from the point of experience rather than travel a lot and hoping for the best. 

Cost of Living

You can compare the cost of living in the areas too. Gas prices, utilities, and the price of food will be higher or lower based on a range of factors. Local, regional, and economic considerations come into play. In a higher-tax state, the prices will be higher than average, and in places where the people may be considered affluent or wealthy. The same will be reflected in areas where there aren't top earners or highly educated demographics. 

Research

You can find almost anything online. So as well as living there, and using websites, you can search for news items. Local newspapers will cover the area more thoroughly than nationals unless there have been crimes of note. Go through the archives for the last few years. 

Schools

The school performances tend to be a direct reflection of the area. If an area is putting funding into the school system and the parents are involved, it can be a sign that the area is relatively safe, and the economic standing is medium to high. You can book appointments to view most schools and read their school ratings and reviews. 

General

During your average weekday, take a drive around the local area. If you see a lot of work aged people, who seemingly have nowhere to be, or you don't see anyone, and it feels a little like a ghost town - then ask yourself why. There should be a healthy mix of people around. The houses and other buildings should look like they are taken care of and ideally little to none boarded up or dilapidated. 

Checking your neighborhood is safe takes time, planning, research, and knowing what to look for. Finding the right area for you and your family shouldn't be rushed. So, use the tools at your disposal to get it right. 

If you have any other tips or experience you want to share, please feel free.

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