Obviously every individual has his or her preference for selecting a neighborhood. But the Homebuyers E-Guide (http://recenter.tamu.edu/pdf/1044.pdf) offers several key considerations:

• How close will you be to your employment? Driving a long distance may get old in a hurry, and with the cost of gasoline these days . . .
• How close is the neighborhood to shopping?  If it's a 20-minute trip to get buns, will your children have to eat their hotdogs without them?
• How close is the neighborhood to other important places in your life - houses of worship, schools, parks, medical services?
• If you need public transportation, does the neighborhood have it?
• How do neighborhood schools rank in areas important to you? The school district and the Internet are good resources for information.
• How will your children get to school, and how long will it take them to get there?
• Are municipal services available? I own a lot that's in College Station, but homes a block away are not.
• Is there a homeowners' association, and what are its fees? Are there other fees or user charges for public services?
• What is the tax rate for the area?
• Is the neighborhood clean?
• Are streets and other public facilities well maintained?
• Do homeowners exhibit pride with well kept homes?
• What do police statistics show about crime in the area?
• Is the neighborhood well regarded by those familiar with the area?
• Are there deed restrictions? What are they? Are they enforced?
• What are the city's or county's long-range plans for the area? You don't want to be the last one to find out a freeway is coming through.
• How is the area zoned? Don't forget, however, that zoning can be changed.
• What are the plans for any nearby open spaces?

This information is presented by: