Crime Mapping provides data from law
enforcement agencies that is mapped to
your local community.
Contact the Local Police Department: The
police department will provide details
about a particular area. This is probably
your best source for information on crime
and safety. Most police stations will
also provide details on how active the
community is, if they are involved in crime
prevention or community policing.
Drive Around the Area: Look for graffiti
or other kinds of vandalism
such as broken windows.
Do homes have strong
deterrents; "Beware of Dog"
signs or high fences or bars
on accessible windows?
2. Look and
Feel
Take a Look Around. Spend
time walking through the
neighborhood. Take note of
the condition of the houses,
the front yards, the streets
and sidewalks. Observe if
people you encounter make
eye contact with you. If they
do, chances are it's a safe and friendly
community. Check for vacant lots or
abandoned buildings. Both could be used
for commercial developments which could
change the feel of the neighborhood and
impact the property values. Note the traffic
and speed and if the streets seem quiet
or noisy. Try doing this at different times
of the day to get a sense of its highs and
lows.
Also note the type of individuals living in
the area. Young families versus college
