You have just purchased a beautiful new home and are concerned with how safe the area is going to be for members of your household. Some important tasks that you may want to perform before the big moving day may include the following:
Subscribe to the Local Publications
As soon as you are even considering a home in a specific location, begin reading all of the local publications. Read about all the details of your new neighborhood so you can read firsthand the pros and cons of that specific area. Pay special attention to crime reports, accidents, and robberies, as well as the number of homes for sale and for rent.
Listen to Local TV and Radio Stations
Choose television and radio stations that focus on this area. This way you will get immediate and first-hand reports of any safety or crime issues that may occur. Listen for any reports that pertain to areas that your family may frequent such as parks, schools, and sports facilities.
Crime Rate
It’s important to be checking crime statistics of your subdivision or housing development area. Many housing units will have websites such as SpotCrime.com or CrimeReports.com that list all the percentages on home invasions, car thefts, graffiti, and more. Review the website for repetitious complaints and common neighborhood issues.
Converse with a Local Police Officer
Make a point of having a conversation with a local police officer who may be patrolling your new home base. Ask about current crimes, break-ins, and other safety issues. If you have small children, especially inquire about any incidents that may pertain to youngsters or areas where youngsters may play.
Attend Neighborhood Watch Meetings
Check to see if the area has a neighborhood watch. If so, attend a few of their meetings before moving in. This will give you an honest and clear picture of exactly what the issues are, if any, and how they are handled. After you have settled into your new home, it may be in your best interest to join the neighborhood watch, so you will always have a direct communication to any issues that may occur near your residence or your children’s schools.
Observe Surrounding Homes
Take a drive down nearby streets and roads and examine the yards and homes of your new neighbors. Do they casually leave toys and bicycles lying on the lawns, or do they lock everything up? Do children play unsupervised in yards, or is an anxious mother or older sibling always in sight? Are cars and other vehicles in good condition, or do they have many indents and pings? Are there many homes for rent or for sale? Looking at signs such as these will tell you volumes about your new area.
Identify Local Sex Offenders
Cautious parents can now get address updates and locations of registered sex offenders through the Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website. You can search the maps provided for the locations of these offenders so you know which areas to avoid.
You can ask your realtor about any problems in your new location, but just remember, his main goal is to sell you a home and not to scare you off with local crime reports and safety issues.
Checking a new neighborhood for crime and safety is important. However, it is best to do this before signing on the dotted line for a new house. If you have already purchased the home, it will alert you to tasks that may need to be performed and changes that need to be made such as security cameras, new locks, fencing, and sufficient lighting.
David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.
