By Jack Harris, Mark Baumann and Charleen Knapp

Texas A&M University Real Estate Center

Here are several key considerations helpful in selecting a neighborhood. You can print out a copy to use with your search.

• How close will you be to your place of employment?
• How close to your favorite stores?
• How close to your place of worship?
• How close to friends and relatives you routinely visit?
• How close to your children’s school?
• How close to parks and recreational areas?
• How close to medical services?
• How long will it take you to get to your job?
• Is there ready access to public transportation?
• How easy will it be for your children to get to school?
• How good are the schools in the area?
• Can you choose which school your children will attend?
• Are a full array of municipal services available?
• What is the effective tax rate for the area? (Effective tax rate equals annual tax bill divided by the value of the home).
• Are there other fees and user charges for public services?
• Is the neighborhood generally clean?
• Are streets and other public facilities well maintained?
• Are homes in the area well kept?
• Do homeowners seem to care about the appearance of their property?
• Does the neighborhood have any high-crime areas?
• Do homes in the neighborhood generally have the features you desire?
• Is the neighborhood well regarded by those familiar with the city?
• Are there neighborhood organizations interested in improving the area?
• Is there a homeowner's association that you must join if you buy a home in the area?
• Are there deed restrictions? What are they? Are they enforced?

Dr. Harris is a research economist, Baumann is an associate research social scientist and Knapp is a graduate assistant with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.