I need some house hunting tips...

[Jeff7181]

My girlfriend and I are starting to think about house hunting again and I'm sort of at a loss when it comes to finding a good area. In general I know the good/bad cities, but when it comes to neighborhoods and actual crime rates I'm at a loss. Was wondering if there's a good website that shows accurate crime rates and details about neighborhoods such as average household income, average number of people per home, etc.

 

[edro]

https://www.crimereports.com/

 

[Vic Vega]

http://www.spotcrime.com/

http://www.realtor.com

http://www.zillow.com

http://www.city-data.com

My wife and I just purchased a home, all the research done by myself without the assistance a realtor.

 

[lxskllr]

I'd use Google Maps if you can't drive there yourself. Nothing beats feet on the ground for scouting an area. Look at the house, the cars parked out front, and trash on the ground. If you've been in iffy areas before, you should be able to spot one when you see it. I wouldn't trust statistics. High end+shithole=acceptable numbers on average.

 

[DesiPower]

Look for areas with "exemplary" middle schools, they will, generally speaking, be the good areas...

 

[slag]

I need some house hunting tips...

I would use at least a 12 if not 10 gauge or elephant gun.

Construct a blind to look like a street light or possibly a tall oak tree.

Be aware of motion lights at the front and rear entrances. Approach from the garage side if possible.

Aside from that, use instincts and aim carefully.

 

[drum]

I need some house hunting tips...

I would use at least a 12 if not 10 gauge or elephant gun.

Construct a blind to look like a street light or possibly a tall oak tree.

Be aware of motion lights at the front and rear entrances. Approach from the garage side if possible.

Aside from that, use instincts and aim carefully.

you are assuming he even has a hunting license you thoughtless twit!

 

[EagleKeeper]

you are assuming he even has a hunting license you thoughtless twit!

Since when does that matter.

Put a blue light on your car
Tape three letters (Yellow or white) on a dark blue jacket.
LEO will leave you alone

 

[tfinch2]

Tip #1: Don't buy a house with a girlfriend

 

[Jeff7181]

Tip #1: Don't buy a house with a girlfriend

I'm not, I'll be bringing my own girlfriend.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Tip #1: Don't buy a house with a girlfriend

This.

And to the OP - unless you are brand new to the area - how do you NOT know what the good/bad areas are? Should be pretty obvious. If not, ask some coworkers.

 

[EagleKeeper]

I'm not, I'll be bringing my own girlfriend.

How long have you had her?
Is her income the same level as yours?

 

[Jeff7181]

This.

And to the OP - unless you are brand new to the area - how do you NOT know what the good/bad areas are? Should be pretty obvious. If not, ask some coworkers.

I live 40 miles from where I work. I'd like to move at least 20 miles closer. As I said, I know good cities and bad cities, but there can be some bad neighborhoods or areas along specific roads even in a generally good city.

 

[Jeff7181]

How long have you had her?
Is her income the same level as yours?

That's irrelevant. I'm not going to buy a house I can't afford on my salary alone and her name won't go on the mortgage or title.

 

[ichy]

Tip #1: Don't buy a house with a girlfriend

+1 to this. Truly awful idea.

 

[EagleKeeper]

That's irrelevant. I'm not going to buy a house I can't afford on my salary alone and her name won't go on the mortgage or title.

What I asked was completely relevant and you have the correct answer in your second sentence. :thumbsup:

Too many start strucks jump into the pool without measuring the depth.