---
name: neighborhood-researcher
description: |
  Comprehensive methodology for researching and evaluating neighborhoods before purchasing property, covering school district evaluation, crime statistics analysis, walkability and transit scores, future development plans, property value trends, community amenities assessment, noise evaluation, commute analysis, and demographic research tools. Use when the user asks about neighborhood researcher or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "home-buying personal-finance research"
  category: "personal-finance"
  subcategory: "major-purchases"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "educational-finance"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Neighborhood Researcher

> **Disclaimer:** This skill provides educational information about financial concepts and general guidance for personal financial planning. It does NOT constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or tax guidance. Individual financial circumstances vary significantly, and the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel. Always consult a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or licensed financial planner before making financial decisions.

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to neighborhood researcher.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on neighborhood researcher
- User asks about neighborhood researcher best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to neighborhood researcher

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of neighborhood researcher

## Questions to Ask First

1. What type of property are you considering (primary residence, investment, vacation)?
2. What is most important to you (schools, safety, commute, walkability, affordability)?
3. Do you have children or plan to, and what ages?
4. What is your daily commute destination and maximum acceptable commute time?
5. Do you prefer urban, suburban, or rural settings?
6. What is your budget range, and how does that match the area's pricing?
7. Are there specific amenities that are non-negotiable (parks, restaurants, hospitals)?
8. How long do you plan to live in this property?
9. Do you have pets, and do you need specific outdoor access or spaces?
10. Are there cultural, religious, or community factors that are important to you?

---

## Phase 1: School District Evaluation

### Why Schools Matter (Even Without Children)
School quality directly impacts property values. Homes in top-rated school districts typically command 10-20% premium over comparable homes in lower-rated districts. Strong school districts also tend to have more stable property values during market downturns.

### School Research Methodology

**Step 1: Identify the School District and Assigned Schools**
- Check the school district's website for boundary maps
- Verify specific school assignments for the property address (attendance zones can differ from district boundaries)
- Note if the area has school choice programs (magnet, charter, open enrollment)

**Step 2: Evaluate School Performance**

| Metric | Source | What to Look For |
|--------|--------|-----------------|
| State test scores | State education department website | Proficiency rates in reading and math |
| GreatSchools rating | GreatSchools.org | Overall rating (1-10 scale) |
| Student-teacher ratio | NCES (nces.ed.gov) or school website | Lower is generally better (under 20:1) |
| Graduation rate | State education department | High school: 90%+ is strong |
| AP/IB/Dual enrollment | School website | Availability of advanced programs |
| Extracurricular offerings | School website | Sports, arts, clubs, STEM programs |
| Special education | School website | Programs and support available |
| School spending per pupil | State education department | Compare to state and district averages |

**Step 3: Beyond the Numbers**
- Visit the school during a school day (most schools allow scheduled visits)
- Attend a school board meeting (public meetings, often recorded online)
- Talk to parents in the neighborhood
- Check for recent leadership changes or major policy shifts
- Look at enrollment trends (growing or shrinking)
- Research any upcoming school redistricting that could change assignments

---

## Phase 2: Crime Statistics Analysis

### Data Sources

| Source | What It Provides | URL/Access |
|--------|-----------------|-----------|
| Local police department | Crime maps, statistics, blotter reports | City/county police website |
| FBI Uniform Crime Report | National comparison data | ucr.fbi.gov |
| CrimeMapping.com | Interactive crime maps by address | crimemapping.com |
| SpotCrime | Crime alerts and mapping | spotcrime.com |
| NeighborhoodScout | Crime ratings and risk scores | neighborhoodscout.com |
| City-Data | Crime statistics by city/neighborhood | city-data.com |
| Sex offender registry | Registered offenders by location | nsopw.gov (national) |

### Interpreting Crime Data

**What to look at:**
- Crime trends (increasing, decreasing, stable over 3-5 years)
- Types of crime (property crime vs. violent crime)
- Crime density relative to population
- Comparison to city average and national average
- Specific locations of crime (concentrated or dispersed)

**What to be cautious about:**
- Small sample sizes in low-population areas (one incident can skew statistics)
- Reporting differences between jurisdictions
- Changes in reporting methods or policing strategies
- Crime rates vs. crime counts (population-adjusted rates are more meaningful)
- Online crime maps may not reflect the most recent data

### Safety Assessment Checklist
- [ ] Check crime statistics for the specific neighborhood
- [ ] Review sex offender registry for nearby registered offenders
- [ ] Drive the neighborhood at night and on weekends
- [ ] Look for signs of property care and community investment
- [ ] Note street lighting adequacy
- [ ] Check for active neighborhood watch programs
- [ ] Look for security cameras and alarm systems on neighboring homes
- [ ] Research local police response times and station proximity

---

## Phase 3: Walkability and Transit Analysis

### Walk Score and Transit Score

**WalkScore.com** provides three key metrics:
- **Walk Score (0-100):** Measures walkability based on distance to amenities
- **Transit Score (0-100):** Measures public transit accessibility
- **Bike Score (0-100):** Measures bikeability

| Score Range | Classification |
|-------------|---------------|
| 90-100 | Walker's/Rider's Paradise |
| 70-89 | Very Walkable/Excellent Transit |
| 50-69 | Somewhat Walkable/Good Transit |
| 25-49 | Car-Dependent/Some Transit |
| 0-24 | Almost All Errands Require a Car |

### Transit Research Checklist
- [ ] Identify nearest bus stops and frequency of service
- [ ] Identify nearest rail/subway stations (if applicable)
- [ ] Check commuter rail schedules and routes
- [ ] Map transit routes to your workplace and other key destinations
- [ ] Verify weekend and evening service availability
- [ ] Check transit agency website for planned route changes or expansions
- [ ] Research ride-share availability in the area
- [ ] Evaluate bike lane infrastructure and bike-share programs

### Walkability Field Assessment
Visit the neighborhood on foot and evaluate:
- Sidewalk condition and continuity
- Crosswalk safety and pedestrian signals
- Distance to grocery stores (within 0.5 miles is ideal)
- Distance to restaurants, cafes, shops
- Distance to parks and green spaces
- Street trees and aesthetic appeal
- Traffic speed and volume on local streets
- Pedestrian friendliness (do drivers yield, is there lighting)

---

## Phase 4: Future Development Plans

### Research Sources for Development Plans

| Source | Information Available |
|--------|---------------------|
| City/county planning department | Zoning maps, pending applications, master plans |
| Municipal meeting minutes | Upcoming projects, zoning changes, variances |
| Local newspaper/news websites | Major development announcements |
| City economic development office | Commercial and industrial projects |
| State DOT (Department of Transportation) | Road projects, highway expansions, transit projects |
| Regional planning commission | Long-range development plans |
| Developer websites and filings | Specific project details |

### What to Look For

**Positive Development Indicators:**
- New commercial development (retail, restaurants) -- increases convenience
- Park improvements and trail construction
- Infrastructure investment (roads, utilities, broadband)
- School construction or renovation
- Mixed-use development (often increases walkability and property values)
- Transit expansion (new stations, routes)
- Hospital or medical facility construction
- Employer relocation or expansion nearby

**Potentially Negative Developments:**
- Highway or road widening near the property
- Large-scale industrial or warehouse construction
- Landfill, waste facility, or utility expansion
- Zoning changes from residential to commercial
- Affordable housing developments in high-end areas (perception impact)
- Cell tower or power substation construction
- Airport expansion or flight path changes

### Zoning Research
- Check the current zoning of the property and all adjacent parcels
- Review what uses are permitted by right and by special exception
- Check for pending zoning change applications in the area
- Understand overlay districts (historic, flood, environmental)
- Verify the property's zoning matches your intended use

---

## Phase 5: Property Value Trends

### Analyzing Local Market Trends

**Data Sources:**
- Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) -- neighborhood level
- Redfin market data -- detailed local statistics
- Realtor.com local market data
- County assessor records (historical assessed values)
- MLS data (through a real estate agent)
- Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) -- broader market trends
- Case-Shiller Home Price Index -- metro area trends

### Key Metrics to Track

| Metric | What It Indicates | Where to Find |
|--------|-------------------|--------------|
| Median home price (3-5 year trend) | Price direction and rate of change | Zillow, Redfin, MLS |
| Days on market (DOM) | Market speed and demand | MLS, Redfin |
| List-to-sale price ratio | Buyer vs. seller market strength | MLS, Redfin |
| Inventory levels | Supply relative to demand | MLS, Redfin |
| Price per square foot | Standardized price comparison | MLS, Zillow |
| Foreclosure rate | Market distress indicators | County records, RealtyTrac |
| Rental vacancy rate | Rental market health | Census, local surveys |
| New construction permits | Growth and investment indicator | Census Bureau, local building dept |

### Property Value Trend Worksheet

```
NEIGHBORHOOD VALUE TREND ANALYSIS
==================================
Neighborhood: _________________________________

Year    | Median Price | % Change | Avg DOM | Inventory
--------+-------------+----------+---------+----------
Current | $__________ | ________% | _______ | _________
Year-1  | $__________ | ________% | _______ | _________
Year-2  | $__________ | ________% | _______ | _________
Year-3  | $__________ | ________% | _______ | _________
Year-5  | $__________ | ________% | _______ | _________

5-Year Compound Annual Growth Rate: _________%
City Average 5-Year CAGR: _________%
Comparison (above/below city average): _________%
```

---

## Phase 6: Community Amenities Assessment

### Amenity Categories and Distance Standards

| Amenity | Ideal Distance | How to Check |
|---------|---------------|-------------|
| Grocery store | Under 1 mile | Google Maps |
| Hospital/ER | Under 10 miles | Google Maps |
| Urgent care | Under 5 miles | Google Maps |
| Fire station | Under 3 miles | City GIS maps |
| Parks/playgrounds | Under 0.5 miles | City parks department |
| Library | Under 3 miles | Library system website |
| Restaurants/dining | Under 1 mile | Google Maps, Yelp |
| Gym/fitness | Under 3 miles | Google Maps |
| Religious institutions | Under 5 miles | Google Maps |
| Dog parks (if pet owner) | Under 3 miles | City parks department |
| Community center | Under 5 miles | City website |
| Post office | Under 5 miles | USPS.com |

### Community Quality Indicators
- Well-maintained common areas and streetscapes
- Active community groups and events
- Local business diversity and health
- Community garden or farmers market presence
- Youth sports leagues and programs
- Active homeowner associations (if applicable)
- Community newsletters or social media groups
- Volunteer organizations and civic engagement

---

## Phase 7: Noise Assessment

### Noise Source Identification

| Noise Source | Impact Radius | Mitigation Possible? |
|-------------|---------------|---------------------|
| Highway/freeway | 500-1500 feet | Sound walls, insulation |
| Airport flight path | Miles (depends on altitude) | Very limited |
| Railroad | 500-2000 feet | Limited (sound walls) |
| Commercial/industrial | 200-1000 feet | Zoning buffers |
| Bars/nightlife | 200-500 feet | Limited |
| School/playground | 200-500 feet | Limited during school hours |
| Fire/police station | 500-1500 feet | Cannot be mitigated |
| Houses of worship | 200-500 feet | Limited (event times) |
| Construction sites | Varies | Temporary (ask about project timeline) |

### Noise Assessment Method
1. **Visit at multiple times:** Morning rush, afternoon, evening, weekend, weeknight
2. **Listen for:** Traffic, aircraft, trains, construction, commercial activities, neighbor activities
3. **Check proximity to:** Highways, airports, rail lines, commercial zones
4. **Research:** Flight path maps (FAA), rail schedules, planned road projects
5. **Use a decibel meter app** to quantify noise levels at different times
6. **Talk to neighbors** about noise issues they experience

### Noise Level Reference

| dB Level | Sound Equivalent | Living Impact |
|----------|-----------------|--------------|
| 30-40 dB | Quiet library | Excellent for sleeping |
| 40-50 dB | Light rainfall | Good for residential |
| 50-60 dB | Normal conversation | Acceptable |
| 60-70 dB | Busy street | Noticeable, may need mitigation |
| 70-80 dB | Heavy traffic, vacuum cleaner | Problematic for outdoor enjoyment |
| 80+ dB | Truck traffic, construction | Serious quality of life concern |

---

## Phase 8: Commute Analysis

### Commute Research Methodology

**Step 1: Map all regular destinations**
- Primary workplace(s) for all household members
- Schools and childcare
- Frequent errands (grocery, medical, gym)
- Social and recreational destinations

**Step 2: Test actual commute times**
- Use Google Maps or Waze at the actual times you would commute
- Test on different days (Monday vs. Friday traffic differs)
- Account for seasonal variations (school year vs. summer)
- Test the route physically at least once during rush hour

**Step 3: Evaluate commute options**
- Driving: Time, distance, tolls, parking costs, gas costs
- Public transit: Time, cost, transfers, reliability, frequency
- Biking: Distance, route safety, weather considerations
- Walking: Distance, sidewalk availability, safety
- Remote work: How many days, does this change the calculus?

### Commute Cost Calculator

```
COMMUTE COST ANALYSIS
======================
Route: From _____________ to _____________

DRIVING:
  Round-trip distance: _______ miles
  Working days per month: _______
  Gas cost per gallon: $_______
  Vehicle MPG: _______
  Monthly gas cost: $_______
  Tolls (monthly): $_______
  Parking (monthly): $_______
  Wear and tear ($0.15/mile): $_______
  Monthly driving cost: $_______
  Annual driving cost: $_______
  Time per day (round trip): _______ hours

TRANSIT:
  Monthly pass cost: $_______
  Annual transit cost: $_______
  Time per day (round trip): _______ hours

COST DIFFERENCE:
  Annual savings of ____________ by ____________
  Time difference: _______ hours per day x _______ days/year = _______ hours/year
```

---

## Phase 9: Comprehensive Neighborhood Scoring

### Neighborhood Comparison Scorecard

```
NEIGHBORHOOD COMPARISON
========================
Rate each factor 1-5 (5 = excellent)

Factor                  | Weight | Nbhd A | Nbhd B | Nbhd C
------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------
Schools                 | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Safety/Crime            | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Walkability             | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Commute Time            | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Property Values/Trends  | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Amenities              | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Noise Level             | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Future Development      | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Affordability           | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
Community Feel          | x ___  | ____   | ____   | ____
------------------------+--------+--------+--------+--------
WEIGHTED TOTAL          |        | ____   | ____   | ____
```

**Assign weights based on your priorities (total weights should sum to 10).**

### Demographic and Economic Research Tools

| Tool | What It Provides |
|------|-----------------|
| Census Bureau (data.census.gov) | Population, demographics, income, education |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) | Local employment and wage data |
| City-Data.com | Comprehensive city/neighborhood profiles |
| AreaVibes.com | Livability scores by address |
| Niche.com | Neighborhood and school grades |
| BestPlaces.net | Cost of living comparison, demographics |
| Opportunity Atlas | Economic mobility by census tract |
| Social Explorer | Census data visualization and mapping |

### Ground Truth: In-Person Research
No amount of online research replaces visiting a neighborhood in person at different times:

- [ ] Visit on a weekday morning during school drop-off and commute
- [ ] Visit on a weekday evening after work hours
- [ ] Visit on a Saturday afternoon
- [ ] Visit on a Friday or Saturday night
- [ ] Walk the neighborhood on foot (not just drive through)
- [ ] Visit local shops and restaurants
- [ ] Sit in a local park and observe
- [ ] Talk to people in the neighborhood
- [ ] Check the condition of homes, yards, and common spaces
- [ ] Observe traffic patterns and parking availability
- [ ] Note the presence or absence of people walking, biking, playing outdoors

A neighborhood is more than data points. The feel of a place, the pride of ownership visible in maintained homes and yards, and the activity level on the streets tell you things that no website can quantify.


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Neighborhood Researcher deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with neighborhood researcher for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete neighborhood researcher framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
