How do you find information about a city/town ?

Question

How do you find information about a city/town when you live out of state?

Ryan Webber · Answer

I start with a good realtor.  I ask about the market conditions and inventory numbers (Coldwell Banker seems to always have good research analysis info).  I also go through the local newspaper and cheapy classifieds.  I look at values and rentals.  I usually then start looking through possible farm areas.  I call on rentals and for sales to get an idea of the market and neighboorhood.  Researching new construction and unemployment is always a good indicator also.

Brian Levredge · Answer

I like to check different business magazines out and cross reference them.  You can usually find some markets that way.  Websites like Sperlings can give you a very basic snap shot.  Ecodevdirectory is another good resource.  It is a portal to various city, county, etc, economic development team's websites nationwide.  From there, it is time to find sub markets.

Hazel L · Answer

In addition to the other sites mentioned, I'd recommend http://www.bestplaces.net as it contains both median home price and home appreciation/depreciation in the past year.

Sharad M. · Answer

Are you guys finding the city stats numbers on trulia and city-data to be pretty reliable?

Josh Keys · Answer

I use a trulia, city-data and wikipedia.

Matthew Paetz · Answer

I've found that the best site to answer all my questions is: neighborhoodscout.com

I recommend this to everyone.

Kyle K. · Answer

Assuming we're talking about city data regarding real estate, I find Reis.com, LoopNet, and local business journals to be some of the best sources of information.

Chris Chung · Answer

Watch out for some of the data on city-data though, it can be from as far back as the 2000 census!
          
          But, I use the site all the time as well

Jeff Fairchild · Answer

Thanks Joshua,

That is a great site.  I already asked my first question on there about my local area.

Brooke Shepherd · Answer

go to city-data.com  They have a forum that is awesome.  Answers all your questions!

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How do you find information about a city/town ?

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