Moving into a new neighborhood is a risk in any circumstances, especially if you don’t know the area well. This is especially true if you’re looking for a home to buy, where you can raise a family. Once you commit, you’re stuck for quite a while. However, there are some practices you and your partner can employ to ensure you find the right St. Louis neighborhood to call home. Here are some tips for scouting out the right neighborhood from St. Louis moving companies:
Rent First
Even if you’re already pre-approved for your loan, there’s no reason you have to buy right now. Take your time to get the lay of the land. If you’ve found a particular neighborhood that appeals to you, rent a home in the area. It may be worth it to sign a year-long lease and get to know the people in the community.
Research Taxes
You’ll want to look up average property tax rates in the area for a couple of reasons. First, low taxes indicate a depressed area, which means the home you buy may significantly depreciate. Secondly, taxes that are too high can place a financial burden on your household. Look for a happy medium.
Tour Neighborhood Amenities
Take a ride around the St. Louis to tour the various neighborhoods that most appeal to you. This can provide deep insight into what you can expect in each community. Is public transportation available? If so, do the bus stops look well-maintained? Check out the condition of area parks as well. Find out what events and activities are available for children. An area that offers more services and amenities will likely take the extra effort to care for those facilities.
Don’t Rely Solely on Crime Statistics
Safety is definitely going to be a major factor in terms of choosing a neighborhood in which you’ll want to raise your family. While it’s a good idea to contact the police department and ask for crime statistics for the neighborhood, those numbers can sometimes be inaccurate. Supplement that information by talking to the people living in the neighborhood. Ask about their experiences and find out if they feel safe in their homes.
Look at Area Businesses
When a small business owner is going to set up shop in a neighborhood, he, or she, does extensive research. If there are a number of businesses, such as cafes and antique shops, in the neighborhood, this is a good indication that the area is on the rise. However, a number of empty storefronts can often serve as an early warning sign of decline.
Observe Activity in the Neighborhood
Look at the activity in the area, as well. Are children playing outdoors frequently? Driving around after sunset can also help you evaluate the neighborhood. If it seems the streets suddenly become abandoned and quiet, this is a strong indication that there may be a bad element in the area.
While these tips can help you identify more desirable neighborhoods throughout St. Louis, you’re ultimately going to have to rely on your gut instinct. This is why you should learn as much as you can about the neighborhoods that interest you. The more you learn about each area, the better prepared you’ll be to select a promising place to raise your family.