Visit the town before purchasing a house, of course, and visit a near local bar. Residents there will tell you which employers are about to get in or out of the town, how fast or slow homes are selling, whether there are criminal gangs, and more. But verify what they tell you, since people do sometimes exaggerate a bit. As finest results, select a bar with purchasers who are most alike you (income level, interests, etc.), to get the selective information most applicable to your needs.

Drive around town. It will assist you get a good feel for where you may prefer to live. Stop to ask questions once you see people out in their yards, and observes.