Neighborhood alert is an online tool that helps you stay in the know about crime rates and safety concerns. It also allows you to check security measures like home surveillance systems and doorbell cameras. The tool can help you decide if you’re comfortable with a new area. Nextdoor, PulsePoint and Neighbors by Ring are some popular online tools that provide neighborhood alert. However, some people may use these alerts to scam neighbors. This can include asking for personal details or access to their homes.
Vacant Property and Overgrown Bushes
If you see many vacant properties or overgrown bushes around the house, that’s a red flag. This might be an indicator of a neighborhood struggling economically and that could lead to increased criminal activity. Vacant homes are also known to attract drug dealers and other unsavory types of people.
Thriving Local Businesses
Look for local family-friendly restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores in the neighborhood. They can indicate that residents have disposable income and support the neighborhood. You can also check if they sponsor community events.
Online Crime Maps
The crime mapping sites like SpotCrime and CrimeReports provide crime data that can help you determine the safety of a neighborhood. These websites can show you property crimes like theft and homicides, as well as violent crime like rape and assault. They can also compare neighborhoods based on livability factors like crime, schools and amenities.