Things I researched before leaving to Seattle:
Clubs: Search regional clubs and bars, especially their photograph section to see what type of crowd they carry.
Alternative Newspapers: Check the happenings in the area for concerts and other community events.
Concerts: Check major ticket sites to see what type of shows come to the city.
Google Maps: I used Google Maps to walk the neighbor I was going to, to see what type of enviroment it was, and what was surrounding it. Google Maps also has other filters.
some more soon.