So, you’re moving to a new city? I’ve been there. It’s so hard to try to figure out where the best place is to look for housing, regardless of if you are renting or buying. I wish that someone would’ve been able to give me some tips when I went through this, so I have put together some helpful tips to *hopefully* help you narrow down which neighborhood you want to live in when you move.
Identify Your Priorities
You want to consider how close you’ll be to things that are most important to you in making this move. Whether that is work, schools, parks, nightlife, shopping, etc. Think about your lifestyle and the must-have amenities that are close by to where you are thinking about moving to. This was pretty much how I picked where I would live when I first moved to Pittsburgh – looking at how far my commute was from work in relation to still being able to get downtown quickly if I wanted to.
Online Research
We have the ease of using the internet to find out just about anything these days, so use it to your advantage to research potential neighborhoods. Websites like NeighborhoodScout and City-Data give you insights into crime rates, schools, and demographics of an area. Google Maps can give you a closer look with street views, local amenities, and traffic patterns, too. Lastly – take to social media. Join local Facebook groups in the city you are moving to and ask for their opinions. I feel like no one tells it best like a local will!
Get a Feel for the Community
It may not always be feasible, but if you have the option, plan a weekend to visit and spend the day driving & walking around neighborhoods you are interested in. Visit the local parks, coffee shops, & restaurants. Doing this will usually tell you everything you need to know about an area!
Check School Districts
Research local school district ratings on websites like Niche.com or GreatSchools.org. Even if school district doesn’t matter to you, it’s something you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes to resale value of your home (if you’re buying) in the future.
Keep Future Development in Mind
Research any planned projects that might positively or negatively change the area. Look into home value trends to see if they have been appreciating or depreciating to see if it’s a smart long-term investment for you (again, if you’re planning on buying a house).
If you’ve moved before, what helped you figure out where to put down some roots? Share your wisdom with us in the comments below!
If you’re thinking about moving to Pittsburgh, I’d love to help you figure out where! Schedule a discovery call with me or visit my website for more info & free downloadable guides to help you every step of the way.
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