Choosing a new area to live
When looking in different areas there are a number of thing to consider. You may wish to move somewhere quieter or nearer a preferable school. This guide will give you some suggestions when making your decision.
House prices
Check the average house prices for the area using the Land Registry website. This index gives you detailed information going back to 1995 on properties in England and Wales. You can search by postcode, area, country or council.
Land registry website
Schools and childcare information
If you have children it is important to research local schools, childcare, nurseries, primary, secondary, Sure Start Children's Centres and out-of-school care in an area. You may find relevant information, performance results and reports from the Office for Standards in Educations (Ofsted).
Ofsted website
Job Prospects
You can use the Jobcentre Plus website to find the local prospects. You can find information on jobs, training, career information, voluntary work and childcare provision anywhere in the country.
Jobcentre Plus website
Transport and links
You may want to find out what the transport links to the area are like under different conditions. Is there heavy congestion at certain times of the day, are the roads clear and well maintained? For more information on road networks and planned improvements visit the Highways Agency website. For more information in Wales visit the Welsh Assembly website and Transport Scotland for information on Scottish roads.
More about the neighbourhood
The Office for National Statistics provides statistics about the local area and maps on a wide range of subjects. The main subjects covered include crime, health and the environment.
Office for National Statistics website
