Does location still matter most? Should you remodel your home to suit your tastes or for resale value? Are starter homes still a thing? We all have plenty of questions about the ever-changing world of real estate.

When buying a house, one of the most important factors to consider is the neighborhood. A great house in a bad neighborhood can lead to years of regret, while an excellent neighborhood can enhance your quality of life and investment value.A house is only one part of a daily living experience—the yard, school district, distance from work, and neighbors all factor into a house-buying decision. While most of these elements can be experienced while walking through the home or seen on paper, neighbors can be unpredictable. Do they have a dog that barks all night? Are they difficult to get along with? Do they drive recklessly through the neighborhood? Knowing these things before purchasing a home will help you know exactly what to expect before it’s too late.

Here’s how to effectively vet the neighbors and the neighborhood before making such a significant commitment.

1. Research Crime Rates

One of the first steps in evaluating a neighborhood is to check its safety. Websites like CrimeMapping, NeighborhoodScout, or local police department websites provide up-to-date crime statistics. Pay attention to the types of crimes, frequency, and any trends that might indicate an increase in crime or areas that are becoming unsafe. Visiting the neighborhood at different times of day can also give you a sense of its safety, as some areas may feel more dangerous at night.

2. Visit the Neighborhood at Different Times

A neighborhood can feel very different depending on the time of day. It’s important to visit at various times—during the morning rush hour, midday, and at night. During your visits, observe the activity level, noise, and general environment. Are people walking their dogs or jogging? Is it quiet and calm or loud and chaotic? This will give you a sense of whether the neighborhood aligns with your preferences for peace and quiet or if you’re okay with a livelier area.

3. Talk to the Neighbors

When possible, engage with the neighbors. A simple conversation with a few residents can reveal valuable insights. Ask about the general atmosphere of the neighborhood, crime concerns, schools, and any potential red flags. People who have lived in an area for a long time will often provide honest and valuable perspectives. If you’re considering a house in a newer development, try talking to neighboring residents in nearby communities with similar characteristics.

4. Check Property Values and Future Developments

Research the property values in the area and check for trends. Are homes appreciating in value, or is there a decline? Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin can provide recent sale prices and the history of price changes. You should also inquire about any planned developments that could impact the neighborhood. A future shopping mall, highway expansion, or new public facilities could either raise or lower property values depending on its nature and proximity.

5. Evaluate the Schools

Even if you don’t have children, buying a home in a neighborhood with highly rated schools can be beneficial. High-quality schools can positively influence the area’s property values, as well as the overall community. Look up school ratings on websites like GreatSchools.org to get a sense of the education system’s reputation. A solid school district can indicate a well-maintained, family-oriented neighborhood.

6. Examine Local Amenities

A good neighborhood should have convenient access to essential amenities such as grocery stores, hospitals, parks, and public transportation. If you rely on public transport, check the proximity of bus or subway stations. For those with cars, consider the neighborhood’s accessibility to main roads or highways. Additionally, explore the availability of recreational and community centers, which can be important for maintaining a high quality of life.

7. Assess the Neighborhood’s Long-Term Outlook

The future of the neighborhood plays a crucial role in your decision. Research whether the area is undergoing revitalization or gentrification, as this could have a positive or negative impact on your investment. Look for signs of urban renewal, such as new construction or renovations. A neighborhood in the midst of revitalization could offer a solid return on investment in the long run.

Each municipality will have multiple resources, like demographic information and crime data. Check with your local municipality office or site to see what resources they offer to tell you more about the neighborhood and its occupants. Your real estate professional can help you find these resources easily. At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself if any negatives about your potential neighbors are worth not moving forward with the purchase. Weigh the pros and cons and decide what your tolerance is.