5 steps to finding a place where you belong

STEP 3 -- Get the Suspects

With your area of the city in mind, start digging up information. Find interesting neighbourhoods online, ask your real estate agent for recommendations and compile all the background information you can, including:

·                     School information: Look into the local public and private elementary, junior and high schools, as well as daycare programs.

·                     Crime statistics: If you want specifics, call the local police station.

·                     Parks and recreation: How far is it to the closest park or recreation center?

·                     Neighborhood associations: Does the community you're looking at have one, and, if so, are there lawn or construction restrictions? Is there a yearly fee?

·                     Tourist attractions: Get a guidebook or check out the convention and tourism bureau's Web site to see all the city has to offer.