So, you’re looking to move to a new neighborhood in Florida – how exciting! But beyond the available statistics and information online, how are you really supposed to get acquainted with your new area? This is an issue that many buyers don’t know how to handle or overlook completely; however, being familiar with the neighborhood you’re moving to is critical. That’s why our experts at Evergreen Home Buyers have compiled a list of 5 ways to research a neighborhood before you move there to help you make the best-informed decision with your next real estate transaction.

1. Taking a Walk
If you’re completely new to a neighborhood you’re looking to purchase a home in, one of our first suggestions is taking a walk around to get more familiar with the area. Beyond walking around to get a feel for the place, you can also check out the property’s walkability score, which will give you some excellent insights into nearby businesses and amenities. We also recommend visiting the prospective neighborhood as much as possible before making your final decision.

2. Testing Your Commute
You’ve probably already checked your GPS to see how far away your workplace is from your new neighborhood, but have you actually tested the drive yourself? Although your GPS may say 20 minutes, that’s not accounting for any traffic, construction, or adverse road conditions you may hit on your commute to and from work. That’s why testing your commute is so important so you can get a feel for the road (or bike or bus route) and ensure that you’re satisfied with it.

3. Speaking with Neighbors
One of the best ways to get acquainted with the neighborhood is to begin speaking with neighbors to hear their perspectives and thoughts. Not only is this a great time to introduce yourself, but they can also give you valuable insights into what it’s truly like to live in this area and anything you may need to watch for. You can pick up a lot of valuable information this way – information you may not have been able to learn any other way.

4. Reviewing Crime Rates
Something that’s important for anyone looking to move into a new neighborhood is researching and reviewing the crime rates in the area. Although you’re unlikely to find a neighborhood where no crime exists ever, it is critical to be aware of the type of community you’re hoping to move into. Utilize sites such as CityProtect, AreaVibes, Neighborhood Scout, Family Watchdog, and even just a general Google search to find this information.

5. Looking at Property Value Trends
Finally, we always recommend looking at property value trends of the prospective neighborhood to see whether home prices are going up, remaining consistent, or trending downwards. Before making an offer on a home, have your real estate agent pull up this information for you – or, conversely, you can look it up yourself on websites like Zillow or Realtor.com. Finding and reviewing this information is critical when making such a significant investment, and it helps you learn about the history and potential of the area.

Final Thoughts
Following these steps will ensure that you’re well on your way to making the best-informed decision for your next real estate transaction. However, what if it turns out that you’ve found your dream home in an amazing neighborhood, but you’re struggling to sell your current house? Well, there is an alternative solution.

At Evergreen Home Buyers, we will purchase your home for cash AS IS, making the process entirely hands-off for you with no repairs, inspections, appraisals, or contingencies necessary. Plus, we can close in as little as two weeks! So, for a completely quick and painless way to sell your home for cash faster, visit www.selltoevergreenjax.com today.