1. Look up the crime statistics for the area online

2. Talk to the neighbors and get their opinion on the safety of the area

3. See if there are any security features in place, such as security cameras or a gate

4. Ask the real estate agent about their experience with selling homes in that particular neighborhood

5. Trust your gut - if you feel like something is off, it probably is

Look up the crime statistics for the area online.

Knowing the crime statistics for an area is one of the most critical pieces of information when considering how safe one feels. 

The police department regularly releases police reports and detailed crime mapping for a local area to help people stay informed about any criminal activity happening in their area. To find out what these reports say, all you need to do is look them up online. Doing your research before moving into a new neighborhood and looking at police reports from the past year can give you an idea of the kind of safety measures that might be necessary once you arrive. Plus, looking into police records can be pretty interesting – who knows what kind of entertaining stories are out there waiting to be discovered? I always recommend online tools like Area vibes, City Data, CommunityCrimeMap, and the National Sex Offender Public Website for any client who'd like to determine the safety of a prospective neighborhood. With this data, you'll know who to call and what precautions to take when moving into your new home.

Talk to the neighbors and get their opinion on the safety of the area before you buy

 Before taking the plunge into a new neighborhood, getting first-hand opinions on it is a great idea. 

Talk to the neighbors: Ask HOA members or members of local Facebook groups if they have any concerns about security in the area. Use Nextdoor to find out what other people know about the property. And remember the good old-fashioned option of knocking on doors. Try talking with residents who have lived in the neighborhood for a long time, as they'll likely be able to offer deeper insights into current safety measures and how the area has evolved. Taking the time to get real-life opinions from your potential neighbors will provide valuable information for making a well-informed decision about safety before purchasing your new home!

See if security features, such as security cameras or a gate, are in place.

Many prospective buyers overlook security measures when house hunting. Walk the neighborhood, and note any security features in place, security doors, bars on windows, or any other exterior entries that can be access points. If you see a gate guarding the property or neighborhood, it is vital to assess how easy or difficult it is to pass through. Some security gates are unguarded and will grant access with minimal effort. Others require keycards or codes to gain entry; these additional measures can offer much-needed protection against unauthorized access.

Furthermore, when touring the home, look at the doors and count for yourself how many locksets the homeowner has invested in to ensure the safety and security of their family. Lastly, check the home for visible cameras; having eyes on the premises is critical in keeping out intruders.

Ask the real estate agent about their experience selling homes in that neighborhood.

One way to understand what makes that spot special is to ask your real estate agent about their experience with selling homes in that area. Legally and ethically, we can not tell clients whether a neighborhood is good or bad. Still, skilled Realtors can share our personal experiences throughout our many years in service. We may have seen shifts in safety or security, an influx of neighbors moving in, or any other changes that help us direct you to sources to research a unique local atmosphere. We can also provide references from past clients who bought a house there and can talk about their specific experiences. But when it comes down to it, as your real estate agent, we want you to trust your instincts; at the end of the day, we are just here to help. 

Trust your gut - if you feel like something is off, it probably is

Many of us have experienced our gut telling us something was off and wished we had listened to it. It is a primal instinct to protect our personal safety and the safety of our family members, especially children. Our personal intuition is often a signal from the voice of wisdom within our hearts, signaling us to pay attention and take an alternative course of action. Are you noticing broken glass or pieces of trash that could be used to break into a home? Are their people loitering around? Trusting your gut can be challenging, but it should not be taken lightly -staying safe in personal and professional circumstances is essential. Ultimately, learning to trust our gut is one of the most valuable assets each individual owns—as it works directly with personal experience and can provide invaluable guidance that should not be ignored or underestimated. Therefore if you feel like something is off, don't hesitate- listen to your instinct and act accordingly -trust your gut!

Choosing a neighborhood to live in is a big decision. Security should be top of mind when considering a home purchase – don't take it lightly! You want to ensure you're moving somewhere safe for you and your family. Thankfully, plenty of measures available today make securing your home simpler than ever. Start doing your due diligence now, and rest easy knowing you've covered all of your bases! The best way to do your research is by looking up the crime statistics for the area online, talking to the neighbors and getting their opinion, and trusting your gut if something feels off. I'm here to help you through this process – whether you're thinking of buying or selling or know someone who is – give me a call or text. I'll help guide you through choosing the perfect neighborhood for you.