One of the most important decisions a home buyer must make is choosing the right neighborhood. While this is a very personal decision that often hinges on hundreds of different factors, you should always keep in mind the following...

If you're considering buying in an unfamiliar neighborhood and aren't working with a local REALTOR just yet, there's no reason why you shouldn't take matters into your own hands to scope out neighborhoods of interest.

Take the time to walk or drive around your area of interest, during the day and ESPECIALLY in the evening.

Make a list of amenities that are most important to you and then check out the availability of these in the neighborhood(s) you're considering.  For example, if you commute, where and what is the best mode of public transportation?  Where is the closest park?  How about stores, churches and schools? If you have school-age children you can always visit the local schools and daycare centers.  Contact the main office of the facility you're considering and ask for an interview with the Principal or Proprietor.  They should be happy to accommodate you.

It's a great idea to travel the new driving route to and from work during the appropriate times to see what traffic is like.  Don't rely on what anyone else has to say about commute times!  One person's 'reasonable commute' may seem like torture to you! 

The quality of neighborhood planning, any future development plans and local zoning will also have a significant effect on a neighborhood's desirability. Re-sale values and even future property taxes are likely to be affected by any significant neighborhood changes. Are developers interested in the neighborhood? If so, find out what kind of projects they have planned. You should remember that attractive tree-covered empty spaces often become the location of new development in desirable areas.

Find out if there are any major infrastructure projects planned for the area. Major construction projects, which could be anything from building a new mass-transit station to widening the area's major roadway, are usually part of a long-range city, town or county plan and will be available to you if you ask. And, while construction can be disruptive, you need to determine if it will have a positive or negative long-term effect on the neighborhood and its property values. Find out all you can before you decide to buy.

Finally, take time to talk to the neighbors. They could be one of your most valuable sources of community information.  People are always ready to be forthcoming about township news...ESPECIALLY when they're UNHAPPY about a change!  Why not find out if you're compatible with the neighbors BEFORE you buy?