Relocation research question

[SASM]

I was trying to search the archives for relocation research suggestions, especially in regards to educational systems, and came across an old thread of mine that did not get a lot of replies, although I am using the responses as a starting point. The questions actually apply again for our family so I thought that I'd just repost it below. :) TIA for any suggestions. !

We are starting to look into various regions for relocation. Can anyone recommend any websites for researching various areas ~ school systems, cost of living, taxes, etc? Any sites that will let us into zero in on a particular zip code instead of a region? Any other suggestions would be great! :)

THANK YOU!

[AnnieW625]

Many years ago (2004, and 2005) and prior to that (2001) DH and I used City Data. It still has a zip code information. I find that visiting the local school district's webpage is important too. Websites like Zillow also provide property tax information if the home has been sold since the mid 1980s (it depends on the county I think though).

[Simon]

We used City Data recently for considering two different moves. I found the forums very helpful though I did not post there myself.

I also usually visit the Chamber of Commerce Web sites, Parks and Rec. to see the offerings and locations, local school districts and many towns have Web sites themselves.

There are some COL calculators online, but I didn't trust too many of them so I can't reccomend one.

[lmh2402]

i'm not sure where you are located, or if you're looking into the tri-state area at all

but if so, i know a person/service that we used - she was extremely helpful in that she basically interviewed us for what we wanted (acceptable distance for commute to work, *quality* of schools - scores - we required, walkability, etc)

and then generated a list of towns we should look at and hooks you up with local realtors in each place

i haven't spoken with her in a while, but i'm assuming she's still in business

there was no cost - she gets a piece of commission for any purchase you might make through one of the local realtors

anyway, if you're interested in her info, pm me

[maestramommy]

We used City-Data. Both the zip code info, and the forums.

[MamaMolly]

I've heard good things about this site, though haven't needed to use it (yet!) :) http://www.greatschools.org/

[amandabea]

We used City-Data. Both the zip code info, and the forums.

:yeahthat: and I asked a few questions here too, which led me to dcurbanmoms.

[SASM]

Thank you so much! I forgot about that site!

[amldaley]

Many years ago (2004, and 2005) and prior to that (2001) DH and I used City Data. It still has a zip code information. I find that visiting the local school district's webpage is important too. Websites like Zillow also provide property tax information if the home has been sold since the mid 1980s (it depends on the county I think though).

:yeahthat: I am currently using City Data and I also really like their forums.

[amldaley]

I've heard good things about this site, though haven't needed to use it (yet!) :) http://www.greatschools.org/

:yeahthat: That is the other site I have been using alot lately, too!

[amldaley]

Believe it or not, I have also been using wikipedia as a jumping off grounds. Their articles often have links for city government, state stats, chambers of commerce, etc. For instance, I was reading about Salt Lake City last night and was surprised by the amount of info about education in the article and it was a good jumping off point for me for further research.

[hopeful_mama]

Believe it or not, I have also been using wikipedia as a jumping off grounds. Their articles often have links for city government, state stats, chambers of commerce, etc. For instance, I was reading about Salt Lake City last night and was surprised by the amount of info about education in the article and it was a good jumping off point for me for further research.

What a great idea!! I just had a quick look at one local district we're considering, and the information was helpful and well laid out, with links to the various schools and references, for further research. I will be doing more of this in the future, thanks!

[SASM]

Believe it or not, I have also been using wikipedia as a jumping off grounds. Their articles often have links for city government, state stats, chambers of commerce, etc. For instance, I was reading about Salt Lake City last night and was surprised by the amount of info about education in the article and it was a good jumping off point for me for further research.

Great idea!!! I actually already do this and didn't even realize that I was doing it!! Thank you!