How to Conduct a Background Check on Any Neighborhood

Before you move into a new neighborhood, you’ll obviously want to know what it’s like to live there. The common way people used to answer this question was to visit that neighborhood at different times of the day and week. Now there is a better way to do a background check on any neighborhood.

Starting Your Background Check

Today, there is an assortment of online resources you can use to conduct your own background check on any neighborhood. With a little research, it’s easy to uncover lots of information about the new place you want to call home. It could also save you from buying a home in a location you’d regret living in.

Use Census Bureau Data to Learn About Demographics

Every decade the Census Bureau tallies demographic data including population density, age, race and average work commute times based on neighborhood. Check out the 2010 Census to find out the demographics in your current neighborhood or one you want to move into.

Discover What’s Unique About the Area

Use NeighborhoodScout to plug in an address and get data about crime rates, home values and commute times. You can also learn about unique traits of the area such as nearby parks, or homeowners who don’t drive.

Find Out How Easy it is to Get Around

Most people, especially Millennials, want to know about “walkability” or how easy it is to get around town. That’s where Walk Score comes in handy. Simply plug in a locale and get a comprehensive walking score. If you’re more inclined to travel by bike, you can get answers at Bike Score.

Learn About the Local Schools

Moving to an area with a strong school system is a definite motivator for parents who want to make sure their children are getting the best possible education. Look no further than GreatSchools to get the rundown on how the school system you’re considering fares against neighboring communities.

Research Crime Rates

Safety is always a top concern when settling into a new area. In addition to asking people in the neighborhood about crime, you can also obtain a variety of crime-related data at My Local Crime. After entering your location, you can view a map that details exactly where there have been reports of crime.

This is a great way to arm your family with the knowledge of what streets to avoid late at night.

Neighborhood Background Check: Do Your Due Diligence

Thanks to these websites and many others not listed, you can easily learn about the different aspects of living in a different neighborhood without ever leaving your house. By doing some thorough research upfront, you’ll know just what to expect when moving to a new location.

Be sure to check out all of our local Boston apartment pages to get the best local info on each neighborhood in Boston:

• Allston Apartments
• Back Bay Apartments
• Beacon Hill Apartments
• Cambridge Apartments
• Dorchester Apartments
• Fenway Apartments
• North End Apartments
• South End Apartments
• South Boston Apartments