Your name saw this post on The ActiveRain Real Estate Network and thought it might be of interest to you. Please see the link below to review the post.

Real Estate Q&A: Is This a Good Neighborhood?
Real Estate Q&A: Is This a Good Neighborhood?
 
You've decided you want to be closer to family, or you want less of a commute to work, or perhaps you want better schools for your kids.  Whatever your reason, you have an idea of where you want to live. You may have narrowed it down to a few towns or areas, but you haven't researched the neighborhoods.
Of course, you can go online and Google or Bing information.  This would be a good place to research crime data.  
Here are a few links for more information:
Neighborhood Scout SpotCrime Crime Map Family Watch Dog School Digger Great Schools  
The best way to get good data?  Spend some time in the neighborhood!
Drive through the neighborhood early in the day, midday and at night Take notice of the other houses/yards in neighborhood.  Notice any junker cars?  Poorly kept yards? Outrageous paint colors? Do you hear any barking dogs?  Airplanes flying overhead?  A garage band next door? Visit the neighborhood or community park or pool and talk to the neighbors How far are you from conveniences? Grocery store? Gas station? Library? Church? Restaurants?  How do you know if the neighborhood is ... more

__________________________________________________
Are you on The Rain? Grow Your Network!