When renting a new abode I find it useful, where possible, to visit the place at different times of day. For example; get there in the early morning and drive to work/school from there to see how the traffic flows. Another good test is late at night, after last orders. The purpose of this is to try and weed out everything that you could moan and whine about after moving in. Once you're tied in it becomes a lot harder to escape!
Another valuable hour can be spent by meeting a few of the neighbors, if you're in some sort of education then asking classmates or colleagues may prove fruitful.
Finally to re-iterate, make sure everything is sealed and signed, any photos should be dated and signed (by the landlord and you). Always think that they are out to fleece you and you`ll never be disappointed.