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When we bought our first home our son was a baby. The home was on a beautiful lot in a beautiful neighborhood. Because the lot wasn't far from the end of the street there was a beautiful view of a pond that sat along the street adjacent to ours. It was all so absolutely lovely. On the day when we passed papers and got the keys we, of course, headed to the house. As I waited for my husband to figure out how to use the key, I looked at the pond and suddenly became horrified. It suddenly hit me that my son would not be a baby forever Before long he would be five, six, and then seven. He would develop a little boy's curiosity about water. "What on Earth have we done!" I thought. My husband got the key to work and the door opened. Together we walked in, and I said nothing about the fear that would remain with me until we moved.

Before considering any neighborhood, potential buyers need to first consider the whole area around that neighborhood - not just the neighborhood, itself. Potential home buyers should get answers to the following questions:

1. Are there any bodies of water within walking distance (say, just through the woods)?

Bodies of water aren't just a risk for children. They have the potential of flooding. They are also breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Find out how often, if ever, they have flooded the area. Ask, too, if there are any creeks or drainage ponds that appear dry in Autumn but become full in Spring.

2. Are there railroad tracks anywhere near the neighborhood. Railroads nearby make for a noisy home life. As with bodies of water, they can attract the interest of children. Passing trains means the potential of dropping off questionable people who have hitched rides, so there can be at least some increased risk of transient criminals.

3. Railroads are often a sign that there is industry nearby. Industry that is just on the other side of the woods may not be far enough way, depending on the industry. Industry has been known to contaminate water and soil. Some industry poses risk of large explosion. Where there is industry there is also morning and evening traffic, as well people who don't live in the community.

4. Are there power lines anywhere nearby? In addition to potential hazards that could be associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields, power lines can mean property easements that will allow for work and inspection of the lines.

5. Does a highway run nearby? Are there ramps nearby? Aside from any noise a nearby highway could generate, there

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