City Information Sites

[SuzySunshine]

I know we talk about this every year and maybe it should be a sticky but if it is I can't find it.

What sites do you like to find city information?

Schools?

Neighborhoods?

Real estate?

Crime?

Schools?

DH finally has some serious job leads and I need to start learning about some very unknown cities.

Thanks!

[SoonerTexan]

Citydata.com forums

I'm now a regular on the Dallas forum. It has great info and helpful people. It also has it's fair share of bias and way too many school district, diversity, and suburbia vs city debates. Still a valid resource, though. I don't know what the other city forums are like.

[ides]

I use city data too as well as Wikipedia and random real estate sites.

[alison]

Savvysource.com for parent reviews of kids' activities, camps, and preschools.

[Vanquisher]

Greatschools.net


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[diggitydot]

My sister teaches in WA. For demographics and test scores, I head to a website she sent:

http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/sum...x?year=2010-11

[Deebs]

Many states have their own "report card" type sites that rank schools. It's a good place to start. I think, especially in this economic climate, it is important to know if there are cities that can't pass levys or referendums and need them. I don't know where you can find that, but we were able to ask around and figure it out pretty easily. Also, look out for towns that have several houses all in a row for sale. We found there is still a lot of foreclosure craziness that has happened and didn't want to end up in a city dealing with a huge loss to its tax base.

[Pollyanna]

Love city-data and great schools. I'm so excited for you guys Cheri! Can't wait to hear more news!!!

I use wikipedia though it may not be totally up to date. I had a spreadsheet in med school for residency and was able to fill these columns off the info from there alone. Temp high/low, population, medium age, median household income, average house cost.

[oceanchild]

Many states have their own "report card" type sites that rank schools. It's a good place to start. I think, especially in this economic climate, it is important to know if there are cities that can't pass levys or referendums and need them. I don't know where you can find that, but we were able to ask around and figure it out pretty easily.

I agree with this. Local jurisdictions often post their crime data online too (here's Denver's: http://www.denvergov.org/denvermaps/....asp?rpt=crmds).

I'll often browse tourism websites or pick up a guidebook from the library to get the feel of a place.

I also like this site: http://www.walkscore.com/

[Deebs]

And once you really start looking, don't underestimate the power of knocking in the neighbors' doors (okay, I'm too embarrassed to do this - that's why I married DH!). They can tell you so many things a realtor isn't supposed to.

[MrsPotts]

Try:

Trulia.com
Neighborhoodscout.com - There is a fee for this, but I think most things you can still look at for free
And I also agree with citydata forums and the other websites others mentioned. I'm a Realtor and these are sites I give out because Deebs is right, we are not allowed to give out certain information.

Hope this helps!

[SuzySunshine]

Thanks gang, these are all really helpful!

[MarissaNicole]

I'm so excited for you guys Cheri! Can't wait to hear more news!!!

Me too, looking forward to an update!

[moonlight]

I agree with this. Local jurisdictions often post their crime data online too (here's Denver's: http://www.denvergov.org/denvermaps/....asp?rpt=crmds).

I'll often browse tourism websites or pick up a guidebook from the library to get the feel of a place.

I also like this site: http://www.walkscore.com/

I do this too! I'll get on tripadvisor.com to find out what fun stuff is available. I've also used Facebook as a resource.