New Home Hunting!

[sporky_rat]

So, I'm hunting a new home. Let's all share ideas and tips on finding yourself a new burrow!

-Check the police. Here, I can call the non-emergency number and say, 'Dearest Copper, how often have you had to visit this area for break-ins, robberies and other crime?' and they can tell me!

-Visit the neighborhood you're thinking about, both during the day and at night. Is it noisy? Dangerous looking? Streetlights in good repair? Sidewalks, even? Are the people friendly around the area? For example, several of the places I'm looking are what are considered the slightly dodgy areas, but they're full of older retirees and college students these days, not the dodgy folk who moved to SE Burg.

-Find out who your electricity/gas/water would be with and get ideas on what it would cost.

-Make sure you've made sure that you can fit your moving vehicle in the driveway or parking lot. Yeah, I made that mistake once. Never again.

-Craigslist, if possible. They have pictures sometimes!


Anyone else?

Comments

[primsong]

Check to be sure basic services are available in the area - especially some type of grocery store. If you're snowed in or lacking transport for a while, a grocery within reasonable walking distance is a huge bonus. Consider whether any of the nearby businesses/schools/etc. may generate noise and whether that would be an issue for you. (we have a high school nearby with very loud football game announcements/cheering/marching band, for instance - we don't mind, but have heard others complain. Likewise a golf course in the area hosts amplified rock concerts on occasion which irritate their neighbors.)

Also give thought to whether it is under a flight path, as the constant airplane noise can be a detriment to some.