According to the 2009 National Association of REALTORS® Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers, 64 percent of buyers say the biggest factor influencing where they choose to live is the quality of the neighborhood. Other important factors include convenience to jobs (50 percent), housing affordability (43 percent) and convenience to family and friends (37 percent). Quality of schools (26 percent), convenience to shopping (26 percent), neighborhood design (23 percent) and convenience to schools (21 percent) are also important, buyers say.

While neighborhood amenities, location and affordability are important, the experts at Movers.com say buyers also should consider other factors, such as safety, property values, cost of living and public transportation.

Before moving across the country to an unfamiliar location that could be unsafe, potential homebuyers should research the area’s crime statistics or call the local police department for detailed information. Property values, cost of living and budgetary concerns will also influence neighborhood choices.

If you depend on public transportation, find out what services are available, whether there are bus stops or train stations in the neighborhood you are considering, and whether their schedules will meet your travel needs.

To learn more about prospective neighborhoods, check out sites such as City-data.com, NeighborhoodScout.com, Citytowninfo.com and Bestplaces.net, which contain information about schools, crime rates, demographics, amenities and employment.