Dear Karen,
I like a house, but I’m not sure about the area. How do I know if it’s a good neighborhood?
— Toby
Karen answers
Don't judge a neighborhood only by the city name. South Florida can change dramatically from one neighborhood—or even one block—to another.
Check:
Crime and safety
Flood risk
Traffic
Insurance costs
Nearby shopping and restaurants
Schools if important to you
Property values
What the neighborhood feels like at night
Visit the area more than once before buying.
Reader Follow-Up