Learning New Markets - Any Free Resources/Software to Use?

[Austin Mudd]

I'm based in Southern CA but would like to look into other markets (for instance, Dallas/Austin TX or Phoenix ) to invest. Some of these cities I've been to maybe once or a few times, but I am unfamiliar with the intricate dynamics (crime, house hold incomes, neighborhood culture and trends). 

I'm hoping someone can suggest some software/resources that I can use (hopefully free as well) that I can be better scouting which particular submarkets I should focus on. For instance, while I've been to Austin, TX, I haven't been to Riverside or Round Rock. Before I spend the money and time over weekends to fly out to these out of state markets, I'd like to be as best educated.