So here are a few ideas:
Checkmyarea paints a fairly accurate financial picture across different social groups.
Fix my street which is a somewhat hilarious and useful tool for seeing the problems as neighbours perceive them!
Stats-wise Neighbourhood Statistics takes some beating but to get the most from it you'll need to get familiar with undertanding the nitty-gritty and finding the most appropriate datasets down to LSOA level (Lower Layer Super Output Area). Some datasets are as far as a census behind whereas others are very recent.
Walkscore gives an area a rating on how 'walkable' it is - useful if you have no access to a car or there is limited public transport. My town gets a 'thumbs up' and is described as 'very walkable'!
