Check Your New Neighborhood   When searching for a new home, you want to make sure the new neighborhood is suitable for you. After dark Drive by the house you are interested in purchasing after dark. Park on your new potential street. Pay attention to the neighborhood for a few minutes. Upkeep | General Maintenance. Property Value can spike and plummet depending on how the neighbors take care of their properties. Are the lawns groomed? Are the houses kept up and in good shape? Neighbors Make note of the kind of lifestyle your new neighbors have. Are their lifestyles compatible with yours? Noise, Noise, Noise Spend some time around your potential new neighborhood. How is the noise level? Is it too quiet for you, or too loud? Weekend Traffic Spend some time in your neighborhood on the weekend. Check noise levels, parking and the overall atmosphere of your street. Elbow Room Pay attention to how close you will be living in proximity to your neighbors. Do you share a fence, alley or driveway? Is there available guest parking? Local Recreation and Shopping Center Spend some time in your local park or shopping center nearest your house. Does it have all the services you usually need? Say Hello Don't be afraid to say hello and have a conversation with your potential neighbors. Get a first impression and ask them about the neighborhood.