How to Find If Your Neighborhood is Safe
Safety is always an important feature when buying a home. Here’s how to find out if your neighborhood has the right levels of safety for you and your family.
Crime Mapping Service
CrimeReports and SpotCrime are two services that collect police and crime reports. Enter the address where you plan to buy or build, and these two services will display a list of the crimes committed in the vicinity, complete with a breakdown of the dates and type of crimes. Compare potential neighborhoods with these tools to see which ones have the lowest crime rates.
National Sex Offender Public Website
The United States Department of Justice maintains a database of convicted sex offenders. The U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is a valuable tool in determining the relative safety of a potential neighborhood. Like more general crime mapping services, the NSOPW allows you to enter an address to see how many sex offenders live nearby.
Number of Homes for Sale
In some cases, a large number of homes on the market may be a result of residents leaving a neighborhood to escape rising crime. Even if the number of homes for sale is because of other reasons, such as a downturn in market, vacant homes often attract an unsavory element. Drug production, prostitution and gangs are just a few of the criminal elements that vacant homes attract.
Check the House Conditions
Even if a neighborhood is well populated, the general state of repair can say much about its overall safety. A safe neighborhood is usually well kept, with residents who look after the neighborhood, each other and take pride in their surroundings. When touring a potential neighborhood, take note of broken windows, overgrown yards, run-down homes and fences. While most neighborhoods may have one or two unsightly homes, a large number could signal an unsafe environment.
Talk to People Already in the Area
Few methods are as effective as a simple conversation. Take a moment to introduce yourself to potential neighbors and ask for their opinion on the neighborhood. Ask if it is a place they would recommend for you and your family, and if they have any concerns about safety.
eXp Realty—The Results Team—is ready to help you buy or sell your home! Stop on by our location at 2623 N. Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404. Or call us at: (812)822-2746.