When looking for a new neighborhood, you want to ensure your family is safe. There are many things to look for including crime rates, local police presence and a sense of safety. Talking with residents in the neighborhood, visiting community websites, checking crime maps and using apps like Nextdoor, WeAlert, CityProtect, or CrimeMapping are great ways to gain insight into a neighborhood before buying a home there.

Visiting the neighborhood at different times of day and night is an important part of any homebuying process. Take notice of the number of houses for sale and how many are vacant. A high number of vacant homes may indicate that the neighborhood is struggling financially or that people are leaving because they feel unsafe. Also, empty homes often become targets for illegal activities such as drug production or prostitution.

Consider whether the neighborhood has a neighborhood watch program or community events that bring people together. Neighborhood watches help neighbors monitor their neighborhoods and work with local law enforcement to reduce crime. They also train residents to observe and report suspicious activity to the police. Many HOA’s, apartment communities and small neighborhoods have neighborhood watch programs, and incorporating an app like DialMyCalls into the group helps keep everyone informed and connected.

Ultimately, you will need to visit the neighborhood and trust your intuition. Talking to the locals, driving around, observing the community and noticing things such as broken windows, unkempt yards or dilapidated homes can give you insight into a neighborhood’s overall safety.