How to Choose the Best Neighborhood When Moving to a New City

A lot of people spend so much time searching for the perfect house that they forget to ask— is this the right place to live? The reality is you can change almost anything about a home, but you can’t pick it up and move it to a different neighborhood. 

If you already know which city you’re relocating to, the smartest move is to start by identifying neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle before you begin looking at homes. Otherwise, you could end up with your dream home—just in the wrong area. By taking a systematic approach, you’ll find a neighborhood that feels like home, too.

1. Define What Matters Most - Not every neighborhood will have homes that meet your needs. Some areas sell plenty of homes that match your criteria, while others might never have what you’re looking for. That’s why getting clear on your must-haves is essential. Start with the basics—how many bedrooms, bathrooms, and garage spaces do you need? What about square footage, lot size, and price range? Then, consider your lifestyle. Do you need a short commute? Proximity to schools, grocery stores, gyms, or hiking trails? If you have kids, school district boundaries might also influence your decision.

2. Work With a Local Real Estate Expert - A great real estate agent can make this process much easier by helping you identify neighborhoods that consistently sell homes meeting your criteria. Instead of aimlessly browsing listings, ask your agent to pull past sales data and compile a list of neighborhoods that fit your needs.

3. Visit Neighborhoods in Person - Online research is helpful, but nothing beats experiencing a neighborhood firsthand. Take time to drive through each neighborhood on your list. If an in-person visit isn’t possible yet, use Google Maps Street View to explore virtually.

4. Talk to the Locals - Hearing from current residents can provide valuable insight into the area. Join local Facebook groups or neighborhood forums and ask what people love—and don’t love—about the community. Their feedback can help confirm if a neighborhood is right for you or reveal deal-breaking concerns.

5. Research Crime, Commutes & More - Before making a final decision, check crime statistics and the sex offender registry for safety concerns. Also, test out your daily commute during peak hours to see if the drive aligns with your expectations. Google Maps can estimate commute times for different days and times, helping you gauge traffic patterns.

6. Review Market Trends - Once you have a shortlist of top neighborhoods, ask your agent for a report on recent sales, active listings, and market trends. Look at how quickly homes sell in each area, the typical price range for homes that match your criteria and the overall housing style and condition. Set up an MLS alert with your agent to receive notifications when new homes in your chosen neighborhoods hit the market.

7. Try Renting First - If you're still unsure, consider renting before buying. Short-term rentals or month-to-month leases can let you experience the area before committing long-term.

Now that you know how to choose the best neighborhood, it's time to take action. Start by downloading our Home Priority Checklist—a free resource to help you organize your home search. And if you need help finding a trusted real estate agent, visit our website to get matched with a vetted professional today. Your perfect neighborhood is out there—you just need the right plan to find it!