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Moving to a new city presents challenges like you have never seen. Finding the best home in your adopted new hometown will be easier with the guidance that follows.

Start with bare generalities: Suburban vs. Urban. Do you hunger for high-rises, lofts and walking to the Museum of Modern Art from your brownstone? Or, do you see yourself with a bigger lawn, a longer driveway and a basement or attic? Or, are you comparing an apartment in the city against a duplex in the suburbs? What is calling you to this new city? Make a decision. Then, buy a great map and a traveler's guide. Your appetite for information will continually deviate into areas addressed by Fodor's, Frommer's and Lonely Planet.

Now, contact a real estate agent and simply ask about neighborhoods. It does not matter whether you plan to live in an apartment or a house. Use an agent as a tool to help you refine your search. Do not let the agent push you, sprawling onto the ground in your new city. Take control before you lift the phone by planning to let your relationship with and agent develop in stages. As your plan becomes more focused, come back to the agent. First, gather information; get options and explore them.

Next, make some travel plans (good thing you bought a travel guide!) You want to visually inspect each of the various neighborhoods that might meet your needs. Physically visit each neighborhood that is a candidate. Plan your trip so you can coordinate your driving from area to area in a time-efficient manner. Spend a weekend in a hotel downtown and see your new city in as many different ways as you can afford. Identify your favorite streets and block numbers. Identify buildings that you like.

When you are ready to start picking among your favorite blocks, streets or buildings, then it is time to let a real estate agent begin to take the reins. Make a call or visit your Realtor and discuss such things as schools, work and leisure in your preferred neighborhoods. If you are an apartment renter, call an apartment locator. Allow someone familiar with the city to help shape your decisions. At this point, you have come a long way and you will want to use someone to help you find a deal on a new home.

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