• If you are considering buying in an unfamiliar neighbourhood, take the time to walk or drive around it, both during the day and in the evening.

• Check out the availability of community amenities (such as public transportation, parks, stores, churches and schools). If you have school-age children you may even want to visit the local schools and daycare centres.

• It's a good idea to travel the new driving route to and from work during the appropriate times to see what traffic is like.

• The quality of neighbourhood planning, any future development plans and local zoning will also have a significant effect on a neighbourhood's desirability. Re-sale values and even future property taxes are likely to be affected by any significant neighbourhood changes. Are developers interested in the neighbourhood? If so, find out what kind of projects they have planned. You should remember that attractive tree-covered empty spaces often become the location of new development in desirable areas.

• Find out if there are major infrastructure projects planned for the area. Major construction projects, which could be anything from building a new mass-transit station to widening the area's major roadway, are usually part of a long-range city, town or county plan. While construction can be disruptive, you need to determine if it will have a positive or negative long-term effect on the neighbourhood and its property values. Find out all you can before you decide to buy.

• Look into the local job market as well. You can expect property values to rise if area employers are creating more jobs, especially higher-paying jobs.

• Talk to the neighbours. They could be one of your most valuable sources of community information.

Are there parks nearby?
Is it scenic and visually appealing?
Are there quiet areas, streets, culs de sac?
Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?
Is the neighborhood clean?  Yards, streets, parks?
Are there nice trees and foliage?
Do the lots have large or small yards?
Are there walkways and are they easily accessible?
Is it a safe neighborhood?
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
Are there many houses for sale?
How long ago was the community developed?
What is the average age of the people in the area?
Are there families with small children in the area?
What is the proximity to schools?
Are there community events or organizations?