How to know if a property is in a good neighborhood

[Michael A.]

I wanted to ask investors how they know if a property they are looking to buy is in a good neighborhood. Are there any websites that you use? What strategies do you use to make sure it’s a good location? 

I’m trying to figure out the areas for Springfield, Dayton, and Columbus Ohio. Thanks.

[JD Martin]

Plenty of computer/paper analytics out there to figure this out. But what I used to do (when I didn't know the neighborhoods as well) was this: drive around the neighborhood, all the streets, at around 1 or 2 PM on a Tuesday. If I saw a lot of able-bodied men hanging around at that time I would generally pass. Why that time? Because in most good neighborhoods, most people (especially men) have jobs and are at work at that time and aren't hanging around collecting SSI or selling meth on the corner. If you doubt this, test it for yourself - go to a subdivision that you know is higher end and see who's sitting on porch stoops or holding up street lamps. Generally you'll find no one, or if you do find anyone it's a mother with her kids.