Local Records Office: neighbor

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Tips for Picking the Right Neighborhood

The easiest step to take before choosing a new neighborhood is to check Local Records Office for information about its history. There are some key categories, however, that families and professionals should weigh more heavily than others before making the decision to move anywhere new. These four topics are a great start.

1) Check Out Cost of Living

Cost of living is a huge factor that is often overlooked by people anxious to find somewhere within their budget to settle down. Extra grocery, gas, tax and insurance costs can add up quickly, however. Movers should factor cost-of-living increases into their paychecks or “rent” to determine whether or not they can truly make ends meet in a certain neighborhood. Although a particular house or apartment may seem “cheap,” the extra finances needed to simply eat and travel in the area can make it more expensive than other technically high-priced options elsewhere. There are cost-of-living calculators online that help movers figure these types of things out for free. Take advantage of them before making any final decisions!

2) Have Kids? Send Them to Good Schools

Children deserve the very best in education. Unfortunately, not all schools are created equal. If parents are planning to send children to public schools in their new area, it’s worth it to figure out where they’ll have the most support and opportunity and move there. Sometimes this means moving a few blocks from where the family may have been planning to settle. A few blocks is a small sacrifice for families interested in the success of their children in the long term says Local Records Office.

3) Proximity to Work and Shopping

Gas and transportation costs add up quickly. A twenty-minute drive to and from the grocery store, for example, can easily add between $5 and $10 to every grocery bill in the form of extra gas costs. A 40-minute commute to work might end up being more expensive (nearly $200 a month more expensive) than once thought. When the choice comes down to a $1,000 apartment 40 minutes away and a $1,300 house five minutes from work, the “more expensive” option on paper may actually end up being cheaper.

4) Check Safety Statistics

Local Records Office says crime and safety are arguably the most important aspects of a neighborhood. The appeal of playgrounds, proximity to schools, etc., is essentially negated if the walk to those places isn’t safe. Studies have shown that worry associated with violent and unsafe neighborhoods can lead to ill health, higher instance of chronic disease, depression and anxiety. Unsafe neighborhoods can be dangerous in more ways than one, and the social isolation that they generally cause tends to feed on this volatile cycle. Check the crime stats before moving anywhere. It could end up saving your life.

Families should do their research and choose a neighborhood that is not only safe and affordable, but that they’ll truly enjoy living in. In the same way that a dangerous neighborhood can hurt your health, a neighborhood with an environment and people you enjoy can do wonders to boost it. Put quality of life front and center and you’ll end up making the best decision all-around.

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Getting to Know the People Next Door

It used to be that, when new neighbors moved in, the welcoming committees would swoop down on their doorstep with cakes, cookies, and smiles. Now, especially in apartment complexes where people come and go frequently, this is often not the case. Families who take the initiative to get to know the people in their community will find themselves with more social supports, camaraderie, and fun than they might expect. The following tips give newcomers some great ways to meet their community members without the awkwardness.

Let Them Eat Cake

New neighbors won’t bring the cake to you? Bring it to them! says Local Records Office. Free food is a great way to introduce yourself to people and make a great and lasting impression. Cakes don’t have to be homemade or even cakes at all to get the point across. Some people bring pies, fruit bowls, veggies from the local market or even flowers. Choose the one that fits your personality best and that also won’t hurt your pocketbook too much. Also keep in mind that, with the rising instance of food allergies in the States today, baking desserts may not be your best bet if you truly want someone to enjoy a gift.

Host an Event

Barbeque, anyone? How about a wine and cheese tasting? Maybe a build-your-own sundae party in the front yard? If it’s fall, you could host a Halloween-themed or costume-making event. The possibilities are endless when it comes to hosting fun, no-pressure parties that people actually want to attend.

Consider the age groups and demographics of your new neighbors and try to pick something that will appeal to everyone. A pool party may not be the best option if you have older neighbors, but a nice dinner party or even a card game could be. Likewise, young children would enjoy an event with games that don’t need to be too closely supervised. This way, parents can talk with one another and get to know you without worrying about their children. Hosting a party is a great way to say that you’re there to add to the neighborhood fun. Just be sure to be respectful of those directly next door by letting them know about the party first says Local Records Office.

Volunteer and Join

Volunteering to serve on committees for school events, homeowner’s societies, and local sports or charities is a wonderful way to meet like-minded people and do something good for everyone in the area. Check out the local government’s calendar of events or go online to search for fun and exciting ways to get involved. Your future relationships and the community will benefit!