Housing News

Download These Apps Before Moving In

Before moving to a new home, whether it's a few blocks away or across the country, it's important to be prepared. Many things are pertinent to learn and get ready for, from how safe a neighborhood is to how far you'll have to go to get to the grocery store. Fortunately, today's technological advancements allow people to do much of their learning on the go using their smartphones. There are many apps out there that can help you plan for your big move.

Is Your New Neighborhood Crime-Free?

Nothing is more important when moving to an unfamiliar area than knowing about the safety of the neighborhood you'll be living. Before signing for a new home, you will want to make sure you'll feel safe in that home. At the very least, being prepared for the issues that concern your future neighbors will give you insight into the new area.

The Nextdoor app is a good way to learn about what's going on in a neighborhood. Created as a digital alternative to the traditional neighborhood watch, the app is used as a way for neighbors to communicate with each other and the local police, according to CBS affiliate KBOI2 in Idaho. Realtor.com suggested that people preparing to move to a new neighborhood use the app to learn about some of the common issues the area faces.

CrimeReports can also help in this area. The website maps crime so people can see what is going on, and where. The app's counterpart allows people to learn about what types of crime are common in certain neighborhoods. Users can filter by location and crime type.

Learning About Your New Location

While learning about crime rates in your new city or neighborhood is crucial, it is also important to know about what kinds of businesses you'll see nearby and how far away they are. Walk Score is an app that determines how easy it is to get around a community. The more walkable it is, the less you'll need a car to get around. The app shows users what types of businesses are within walking distance from an address. It helps people find a walkable neighborhood to live in, but if you've already decided on your home, it will give you insight into what kind of things you'll be able to do without the need for a car. According to Discover, Walk Score also gives a brief overview of the quality of the local schools. Better schools generally indicate a better resale value. This is an important thing to consider at the beginning of homeownership, even if selling is far in the future. A good resale value means you'll get a better return on your investment in the home.

Fast Company explained that Neighborhood Score is another app that shows indications about how a neighborhood will feel to residents. It takes into consideration many things from air quality to how good nearby schools are to the local economy.

People and businesses aren't the only things that shape a community. Weather patterns are also good to know before moving to an unfamiliar area. Will it be hot all the time? Or will you get buried in snow this winter? The Wunderground app gives thorough details about the weather in an area, according to Forbes contributor Anthony Karcz. It has all of the radar information, plus gives severe weather warnings. Beyond that, the app tells users information like how many cases of the flu were reported in the area and pollen count in the air. If you have seasonal allergies, this information can help you get prepared, rather than feeling groggy on moving day.