Do you have an eye on a certain neighborhood that you'd like to live in? How much do you know about this area? Buying a home is a big commitment and investment, so it's important to do some research before spending your time searching for a home only to later find out you really don't like the neighborhood! Besides, there's much more to a neighborhood than first meets the eye.
Items to Check Out and Useful Links:
Buyer Advisory:
The Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) created the Buyer Advisory to help buyers investigate a property and the surrounding area. It has great suggestions, information, and resources for buyers. Click below to access a PDF of the AAR Buyer Advisory.
AAR Buyer Advisory
Home Prices:
Check out what homes are selling for in a neighborhood. Are you getting enough home for your money in this neighborhood, or will you need to make some compromises? A Realtor can send you the range of home prices in a neighborhood to help you decide if it is a good fit. You may choose a home just outside your target neighborhood to get more square footage for your money.
Market Statistics:
A Realtor can also provide you with a snapshot of how home values have increased or decreased in the neighborhood and where it looks like the values are headed. Other important market statistics include how fast homes are going under contract, how fast they are closing, how much competition you will face, and other current market conditions that can affect your home-buying experience.
Taxes and Assessments:
While you are investigating the prices, take a look at the property taxes as well as any assessments. Most assessments show up on the county tax records, but I have a title company that can also see if a property has any assessments or restrictions attached to the title.
Crime Reports and Statistics:
It is also a good idea to research the crime in a neighborhood. Here are some resources to get you started:
Schools:
For home buyers with children or ones who plan on having children while living in the new home, the school district is important. It's also a common fact that homes in good school districts typically sell for more and hold their value better. Here are some tips for investigating the schools in the area.
- Check out the schools in the area at www.greatschools.org. You can find ratings for schools as well as other useful information.
- Jump on Facebook and look for the school or district page, as well as the community's page
- Google the school to find out any negative or positive news.
- Consider a charter school; they continue to grow in popularity in Phoenix's West Valley. Do a Google search and find out if there are any Charter schools in the neighborhood as well.
Drive By:
There is a ton of information on the internet that can help you investigate a neighborhood, but sometimes it's better to see an area in person to get a more objective view. It's crucial to drive through a neighborhood at different times of the day to see what traffic and pedestrian activity are like. It's also a good idea to drive through the neighborhood on the weekends or during your commute times.
Amenities:
Want to know the best pizza place? Or a great place to hang out for a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning? Use Yelp to find restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, grocery stores, and more nearby. Be sure to check out the reviews. Use Google Maps to see nearby parks and activities.
City and community info:
Check out the city’s or community’s Facebook page, website, and blog. Go to the city’s website and check out any useful news or upcoming events. Here are the links to websites for some of the cities in the West Valley:
Demographics:
It's also a good idea to investigate the demographics of a neighborhood. Click the links below to see a report for these cities in the West Valley (reports updated 8/28/2025):
Climate and Weather:
Arizona is famous for its overall mild temperatures and sunny days. Of course, it gets hot here in the summer! But most people feel it's worth the trade-off to not have to deal with the cold winters and shoveling snow! The Weather Channel website is a great place to learn about Arizona weather.
Future Freeway/Highway Projects:
The Arizona Department of Transportation website provides information on statewide projects and future projects. The Maricopa County Department of Transportation website also has information about their current and upcoming projects.
Researching a particular house or street:
When you narrow it down to a particular house or street, there are a few more things you can do. First, Google the street address of the home. Check to see if there are any home businesses registered nearby that would be a deterrent. Call your insurance agent and make sure the property is insurable. Have your Realtor do some research about the property or properties on that street for you. Your Realtor will have access to tax records, the MLS, and other resources that can provide you with more information about a property. A local Realtor can be a great source of information for buyers.
SUMMARY
By investigating a neighborhood thoroughly, you can save yourself time and money. And don't forget, the Buyer's Advisory is an amazing tool to use when doing your investigations! Doing your due diligence and investigating the neighborhood is just one more step in helping you set yourself up for a successful road to homeownership! Contact me if I can help in any way!
