Exploring abandoned buildings can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can also be quite daunting and difficult, however, if you don't know how to find them. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to locate abandoned buildings. In this blog post, I will discuss the best way to find abandoned buildings and provide tips on how to go about exploring them safely.
Do the foot work
If you're feeling adventurous, then a great way to find abandoned buildings is to do the foot work yourself. Urban exploration, also known as infiltrating, is the exploration of abandoned places. In order to find the best places, you'll have to put in some work and go hunting for them yourself, either on foot, or more likely, in a car. It's an exciting way to find abandoned buildings and explore their stories.
Before you go on a 'ghost hunt', there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. Make sure that you never enter an abandoned building alone, always bring a buddy with you. Additionally, research the building beforehand to ensure that it is indeed abandoned, and not occupied by squatters or other undesirables.
When you get to the site, take your time to explore and document the area. Take photographs and record your findings for posterity. You'll want to capture the building before it changes too much. Additionally, you should be prepared for any unforeseen events that may occur.
Urban exploration can be an exciting way to find abandoned buildings and uncover their stories. With the proper preparation and knowledge, you can safely explore these forgotten places and preserve their history for future generations.
Check out your city or town's website
One of the best ways to find abandoned buildings is to check out your local government website. Many towns and cities will list their derelict properties on the website, including any buildings that are up for auction or demolition. This is an excellent resource for anyone looking to start their own urban exploration (urbex) adventures. It is also a great way to find out more information about abandoned places in your area, such as the history of the building and its current status. Some city websites even have maps with pins on them, so you can get a visual of where the abandoned buildings are located.
Look for 'abandoned' or 'derelict' properties on Google Maps
Urban exploration (urbex for short) is a great way to find abandoned buildings. One of the easiest and quickest ways to locate these hidden gems is to search on Google Maps. You can search for keywords such as 'abandoned' or 'derelict', as well as terms like 'urbex' and 'urban exploration', to bring up properties that are no longer in use.
You may be able to spot large abandoned buildings right away, but you may need to zoom in further to find smaller structures. If a property appears to have been abandoned, take a closer look at the building by zooming in or by using street view. Many abandoned places have graffiti, broken windows, and signs of decay that can be seen from a distance.
If you come across a property that appears to have been abandoned, make sure to research it further before attempting to explore it. Some abandoned buildings are private property and should not be entered without permission. Check the laws in your area and make sure that you are allowed to enter the building before doing so.
Searching for abandoned places on Google Maps is a great way to find hidden gems that are close to home. With a bit of luck and some detective work, you can be an urban explorer and visit some fascinating places!
Ask around town
While it may raise some eyebrows, talking to people in the local community is one of the best ways to find abandoned buildings. Ask around town about any abandoned places or "urban exploration" activities that may have taken place in the past. You can also reach out to local historians and long-time residents of the area to see if they know of any interesting abandoned places. There may be some gems hidden away that only locals know about. You could even join online discussion boards and forums to find other people who are interested in exploring abandoned places. Be sure to stay safe, though – it’s important to remember that these places are often dangerous and you should never explore them alone.
Finding abandoned buildings can be a fun and exciting way to explore the urban landscape. While it might be intimidating to venture into an unknown space, there are plenty of safe and accessible ways to find abandoned places. By utilizing the resources of your local government, the internet, or just asking around town, you can embark on your own urban exploration adventure. Remember, safety should always be your priority when visiting abandoned buildings.
For more tips, tricks, and stories, listen to the No Tracers podcast, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
