If you're in your late 20s or early 30s, it may be time to start hunting for a home outside the urban jungle. The statistics indicate that just 17% of those under age 35 are settling into urban homes—a decline of 4% from just a year before. That indicates that more young people are searching for the right neighborhood in the less-pricey suburbs instead. However, if you're used to an urban landscape, how do you know you've found the "right" suburban neighborhood when you see it? Consider these three tips.

1. Consider your needs in the foreseeable future.

Older generations are starting to downsize, moving out of larger homes in favor of smaller places that are easy to maintain. This makes sense—as adult children move out on their own and grandparents either pass away or move into retirement centers, the older generations no longer need large homes. Those homes are often perfect for younger people, however, who are moving into the stage of their lives where children come along.

You want to find a neighborhood that has a demographic that's similar to your own family's makeup. If you have (or expect to have) children, look for a neighborhood with plenty of children in the same age groups and a school system that you feel comfortable using. Spend some time checking out the general demographics of an area before you decide to buy.

2. Look for an area that's well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing.

The number one factor found to affect the perception of a neighborhood was its aesthetic character. This includes things like the style of the architecture, the number of trees, and the general physical beauty of an area. People want the neighborhoods they choose to live in to be attractive.

A well-maintained area is important to aesthetics as well. Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood where the residents don't care about their own property. Inspect the area in the daytime and look for signs that the neighborhood is on the decline. Uncut lawns, litter in the road, soda or beer bottles left on steps, peeling paint, cluttered yards, and inside furniture sitting outside on porches are not just ugly—they indicate that the owners don't have a lot of pride invested in the look of their homes.

3. Check into the neighborhood crime rates.

The safety of your home and family is always an important factor, so it's important to check out the crime statistics in an area before you commit to a property there. Local newspapers can be a valuable source of information about neighborhood crime. While it's hard to find a community that's totally crime-free, areas with a lot of violent crimes are likely to be a poor investment. Spend some time looking around a neighborhood as well. Do a lot of homes seem to have security systems and bars on the windows? That may indicate a reason to be concerned.

It also doesn't hurt to check out the people in the neighborhood, either. Living within 1/10th of a mile of a sex offender can reduce the value of your home by 9%. Consider checking out the residents of neighborhoods through online tools like Family Watchdog. In addition, you should spend some time just walking around potential neighborhoods, particularly on weekends or after work hours. If there are a lot of dog walkers and leisure walkers, that's an indicator that people generally feel comfortable and safe in the area.

Find a great neighborhood in the suburbs can be a challenge, especially if you've always been a city person. However, investing a little extra time in your search now can help you find the perfect place for your family to live tomorrow. For more information or ideas, consider contacting a real estate agency for help. Contact a business, such as Felte Real Estate, for more information.