Conversely, if the value of homes in the area are skyrocketing then it may be worth spending a little more. Below are some things to consider when looking at a neighborhood. Neighborhoods have personalities, find out what each one is. Ask some of the people in the neighborhood what they think of it. Ask how they perceive crime, the schools, pollution, noise and traffic.
Human input is always better than reports.
Drive through the neighborhood. A good way to check out a neighborhood is to simply drive around it. Find out what people do, and what there is to do. Get a first hand look at traffic and the stores you will have close to you. See what the area's schools look like.