How do you research zip codes?

[Jacob Forbis]

So after doing a lot of reading on the forums and listening to a lot of the podcasts, I am beginning to appreciate the importance of researching an area before purchasing. Not only is it important to research areas from a price to rent ratio standpoint, but also from an appreciation and safety standpoint.

So my question is this: How do you research an area ? Specifically. I am having a really hard time with this.

I am wanting to invest in san antonio and it is a big city. There are a lot of people here, and I don't know where I should start.

I have looked at places like city-data and a lot of browsing around on zillow and redfin, but am having a hard time coming up with things like price to rent, appreciation rates, job growth etc.

So where do you look for this information?