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Gosh...it would be SO nice if there were a sure-fire way to "test drive" a neighborhood. We previously lived (rented) on the same street (12 years) on which we later bought our current house just a block east and *thought* we pretty-much knew all the neighbors and any issues. All I can say is, you never really know until you are living right next to it, what sort of freaky is going on till you're exposed to it day-to-day. And home exteriors can have absolutely nothing to do with it. When we did ask neighbors on this end if there was anything to look out for, they said no, and couldn't wait to have us move in! In hindsight, we realize they couldn't wait to have us move in to dilute the crazies. So not so sure you can trust other neighbor opinions..... :/
Gosh...it would be SO nice if there were a sure-fire way to "test drive" a neighborhood. We previously lived (rented) on the same street (12 years) on which we later bought our current house just a block east and *thought* we pretty-much knew all the neighbors and any issues. All I can say is, you never really know until you are living right next to it, what sort of freaky is going on till you're exposed to it day-to-day. And home exteriors can have absolutely nothing to do with it. When we did ask neighbors on this end if there was anything to look out for, they said no, and couldn't wait to have us move in! In hindsight, we realize they couldn't wait to have us move in to dilute the crazies. So not so sure you can trust other neighbor opinions..... :/
That's the kind of stuff that worries me. I vetted my three houses out pretty well. Or so I thought. I looked at the demographics, practically camped out in the neighbor hood random times of the day, weekends, etc. I talked to neighbors, etc. I looked at the sale history, and I still ended up realizing I made a mistake not long after moving in. And even if you DO find the perfect neighborhood, neighbors change over time.
My first house has new renters behind it, and both houses that flank me were foreclosed and sold, and now one of them is for sale again. My second house, one rental across the street was sold and is now owner occupied, but the house next to me foreclosed and is now a rental. Guy who had loud parties in the summer, two houses down, sold this summer (thank goodness). But you never know who is moving in. And even if you have it good for a while, bam, someone crappy will eventually move in. Maybe the other poster is right, I should find a compromise and get used to hell.
Take a walk during busy times and see if anything is unacceptable. Look for the salvage yards and hoarders, dog collector, ratty houses, talk to the older folks around the neighborhood for the bad news.
Hate to say it, but one reason HOA (home owner association) homes are popular is it cuts down on neighbor problems. Lots of rules, lots of restrictions, but at least some benefits. If you don't need a lot of land, that may be the way to go.
All properties have cons. I have witnessed many home shoppers eliminate every house they view based on negatives. Its important to do one's homework but also accept that we are sharing the planet with others and this isn't heaven. So, if seriously shopping for a place I recommend identifying the target area and then comparing a few properties that meet the purchase criteria. Some tradeoffs we usually have to balance:
Good schools/longer commute vs. Marginal schools/shorter commute
Great price/busy street vs. Market price/tucked away on quiet street
Great price per sq ft. /weird floor plan/need remodeling vs. Highish price/updated
Wonderful terrific price/concerning crime rate vs. Market price/average crime rate
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