What are Carolyn Scott's signature techniques for researching rental property neighborhoods?

Hi, I’m Carolyn Scott-Hamilton from The Healthy Voyager. When I’m scoping out neighborhoods for a rental, I lean on a few key techniques:

• Safety check first: I look up crime stats and walk the streets at different times of day to feel out safety and noise.
• Lifestyle mapping: I map distance to groceries, hospitals, gyms, parks, transit, dining, and entertainment to see if it fits my daily rhythm.
• Local intel: I read tenant reviews, talk to neighbors, and pop into local cafés or shops to ask what it’s really like to live there.
• Day-in-the-life test: I’ll do a “mock commute,” try nearby amenities, and see how walkable and welcoming the area feels.

What kind of rental neighborhood are you considering—urban, suburban, or more resort-style?