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When you targeted areas for your search, you identified the features and amenities you want in a neighborhood. Whether you're looking only in neighborhoods you chose then or you're searching more broadly, pull out the list and use it to evaluate the environments of the homes you tour. For example, maybe one home is a few streets beyond the boundary of a neighborhood you want, but it's next door to a park or within walking distance of the library.
Spend time in the neighborhood. Take a walk, visit the cafe around the corner, drive through at night to see whether the atmosphere is quiet or lively. Talk to your potential neighbors and ask them what they like most and least about their homes' location. Even if you did some of this legwork earlier, it's a good exercise as you zero in on possible homes, rather than getting a feel for a wider area.
