Hi I have name changed just for this
I was in your situation a few months ago, So I know how anxious you must feel.I am also a H/A tenant.
We were overcrowded needing a bigger property. In a wealthy London Borough, on a lovely street and neighbours where we felt safe, with home owners, private rented and social housing (not necessarily friendly as most people ignored each other). good schools, all amenities and facilities within walking distance - however not having space for my youngest to even do his homework was taking it's toll.
We were offered a bigger and even nicer property on an estate in a different borough where the schools were not so good, transport crap, shops, facilities etc a good bus ride away. I went to see it several times asked anyone and everyone for their opinion, as I was unsure for the safety of my children, because of the reputation - things had improved drastically but I still wasn't sure. One day we drove to the area about 11am on a weekday and there were a group of young men about 20 just sitting there drinking - I went back the next day and it was the same. In the evening it was worse. Though I loved the property, I knew I couldn't rest if my teenage son had to walk through there every evening after uni. He is not a street kid! My gut instinct said no- so I declined.
The same week I found a swap. In my area an estate which was notorious a few years ago but now its nice to live here because the local MP invested time and resources into making the area safe for residents. The good thing about a swap is that you have weeks to check out everything. So I drove round morning, noon and night, school holidays, term time and I couldn't believe it was as quiet as I saw.
So I accepted. We moved in and for the 1st few weeks I was so nervous waiting for something bad to happen. Nothing so far. Even the neighbour who supposedly has a bit of a reputation is not that bad!
I am so glad we moved. In this day and age social housing is in short supply and we have to be realistic about our options - as a family we are so much more relaxed because I as a parent am. We have our bedrooms and privacy when needed. I feel so much less stressed here. My youngest goes to bed and can read and have a good nights sleep - without me rustling around later at night. At weekends he wakes later and I can have a lie in.
Living on a lovely road isn't much comfort when inside the house- nothing is organised.
We are all happy we moved - enough personal space can make a huge difference to quality of life.
The only thing I would add is if you feel confident enough to chat to your immediate neighbours before hand then try. If you see people walking nearby ask them- most will give you an honest answer. The tenants around here just complained about the length of time repairs took - but in my other place that was an issue anyway. If there is a community centre - pop in there and chat.
I say go with you gut instinct and Good luck!