I and my husband are considering relocating across the country. We know nothing (practically) about the state/area where we want to move, except demographics, geology, etc.
What is the best way to find out about an area honestly? A realtor could sell you anything if they're good, even really horrible neighborhoods can be sold like gold.
We are thinking northwest US.
2007-03-13 11:33:45 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I would highly recommend renting for at least 6 months when you first get into town just to get your bearings and to find out what neighborhoods work for your lifestyle. If you come from an urban area you might not be happy in a less urban neighborhood where its "just a short drive to town...".
There's just too many variables to leave the decision to someone you don't know well. If you had a relationship with the Realtor I could see moving more quickly and putting your trust in him, but in your case I would rather see you take some time and get to know the area first. You will likely find out about a dozen neighborhoods and pockets you hadn't known about from listening to new friends at work, church, and school (if you have kids).
Take your time. Buying the wrong neighborhood isn't an easy problem to fix...
2007-03-13 11:48:46 · answer #1 · answered by sdmike 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can do some research on the internet regarding the city you are moving into. Usually if you call and talk to someone at the city, they will tell you the crime rate for that particular area of the city. If a newspaper in the area has their papers posted on the internet, you might find some info that way. Also, TV stations usually will have a website and give a lot of local news. Good luck on your move...:)
2007-03-13 18:45:42 · answer #2 · answered by Tara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do some online research about the area. Area newspapers and Chamber of Commerce sites are good, but they may also be biased toward the good points. Any sites you can find objectively rating areas are better.
If you can afford it, visit the location yourself before committing to moving there. When my wife and I moved to TX, we took a trip there first and decided we liked what we saw. When we were looking for a house in CA, we drove ourselves around different areas first to get a first impression. Then we refused to look at houses in areas we didn't like.
2007-03-13 18:45:11 · answer #3 · answered by Brian G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm from the Northwest, I've lived in Oregon and Washington. I think you should ask people on here who live there how they like it. I hated it, so I moved to California, but some people love it there. Just know that it rains a lot.
2007-03-13 18:50:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you own research
newpapers ( online ) are excellent data on crime and house values
and you correct about a realitor
it's there job like a cheap used car salemen to make a pig poke look like cinderellas castle
2007-03-13 18:39:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋