How safe is my neighborhood? How can I get peace of mind?

Moving to a new city, state, or country can be stressful. Along with the challenges of packing and moving, there may be anxiety about settling into an unfamiliar environment. You often find yourself wondering, how safe is my neighborhood. 

Whether you’re buying or renting a home, the safety of your family and yourself is one of your top priorities. Undoubtedly, if you’re planning on moving into a new neighborhood, you’ll want some peace of mind. 

So, the first step you take to gain a better understanding of your prospective neighborhood is to examine crime statistics within and surrounding the area. 

The crime rate can influence people’s choices regarding where to live, raise their families, and establish their businesses. That’s why, many potential residents tend to avoid cities with higher-than-average crime rates. 

In this blog, we will help you answer the question “How safe is my neighborhood”. Additionally, give you tips to make it safer.  

What is a safe neighborhood?

These are some good indications of a secure and thriving neighborhood.

• A neighborhood with a low crime rate is inherently safe. However, determining the local crime rate can be challenging. This is where certain applications such as FBI Crime Data Explorer can be useful in the United States. They base their evaluation on crime mapping, types of crimes, registered sex offenders in the area, offender moves, and violent crime reports. 
• Generally speaking, a neighborhood that boasts a thriving business community is a safe one. So, if you notice a diverse range of family restaurants, small local shops, cafes, bookstores, and other establishments that are flourishing, it indicates that the neighborhood is secure. And, its residents are financially stable to enjoy occasional indulgences.
• The behavior of children is a strong indicator of neighborhood safety. If the children in the area are happily engaged in outdoor activities such as playing ball, skateboarding, and cycling, it suggests that their parents consider the neighborhood safe enough to allow them to roam freely.
• Engaging with neighborhood watch groups is another means to gauge the safety of a neighborhood. Any community where residents care enough about each other to form an efficient voluntary watch group usually discourages crime.
• A neighborhood that organizes community events such as farmer’s markets and block parties tends to foster a close-knit community. These events bring people together and promote healthy interactions, resulting in residents looking out for one another. All these help to lower the crime rate in the area.

Is there more to neighborhood safety than crime statistics?

Yes, simply looking at the crime rate of a place doesn’t give a complete picture of what makes a neighborhood safe. You need to factor in other relevant factors such as:

• Proximity to hospitals, a fire station, a police station, and good schools.
• Good street lighting at night.
• Sufficient, clean sidewalks and biking lanes.
• Location and number of fire hydrants in the neighborhood.
• Access to clean parks and green spaces. 

How can you make your neighborhood safer?

Making your neighborhood safer involves collective efforts and a proactive approach. Here are some steps you can take to contribute to a safer neighborhood:

• Improve outdoor lighting. Good lighting is crucial for deterring criminal activities. Ensure that your streets, walkways, and common areas have proper lighting.
• Maintain well-kept properties. Well-maintained properties give the impression that the neighborhood is cared for. This can discourage criminal behavior. Maintain your home, yard, and common areas. And, address any maintenance issues promptly.
• Secure your property. Take steps to secure your own property to prevent burglaries and thefts. Install sturdy doors and windows, use deadbolt locks, and consider adding home security systems such as security cameras or alarm systems. Also, ensure that your property is well-lit and visible from the street.
• Address abandoned or neglected properties. Vacant or abandoned properties can become targets for criminal activities. If you notice such properties in your neighborhood, report them to the appropriate authorities, such as your local government or neighborhood association.
• Promote traffic safety. Encourage safe driving habits and pedestrian awareness within your neighborhood. Advocate for speed limit enforcement, traffic calming measures, and the creation of crosswalks and sidewalks where needed.
• Get to know your neighbors. Building a sense of community and fostering good relationships with your neighbors is essential to improve the safety of your neighborhood. That is to say, knowing who lives around you promotes a supportive environment. And, neighbors can watch out for each other.
• Start or join a neighborhood watch program. Organize a neighborhood watch group or join an existing one. These groups collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to deter neighborhood crime and maintain safety. Regular meetings, discussions about security concerns, and sharing information about suspicious activities can be part of this program.
• Stay informed and report suspicious activities. Stay updated on local news, crime alerts, and safety concerns affecting your neighborhood. If you notice any suspicious activities or witness a crime, report it to the police immediately. Also, sharing information with your neighbors can help raise awareness and prevent further incidents.
• Exercise caution and follow safety measures when out of town. These could include requesting your neighbor to pick up your mail or newspapers and using smart switches to turn on your lights in the evenings. The idea is to not let your house look vacant.
• And, finally, understand your neighborhood. You can take the help of Kukun My Neighborhood to get the full scoop on your neighborhood!

What does My Neighborhood do?

This platform, as part of the iHomeManager experience, will help you comprehend your neighborhood. You can get access to important information about your area. This includes:

• Seeing all the upcoming remodels, commercial buildings, and new home construction projects near you – even before the construction process begins. You can view the key projects on the area map. 
• Getting complete information on the contractors working on these projects. 
• Receiving updates on all the building permits applied to in your zip code. 
• Knowing which of your neighbors is contemplating a home remodeling.
• What’s more, how much are they spending on the home improvement project?

And the best part about My Neighborhood is that all these services are free for those who sign up during the introductory period! 

How does My Neighborhood help you feel safer?

You can get a good idea about your neighborhood safety by looking at the construction statistics of your area. Researchers and urban experts believe that there is a link (although not a direct one) between gentrification and crime rates.

The process of urban renewal and revitalization is often accompanied by an influx of affluent residents into previously low-income neighborhoods. 

This can lead to improved neighborhood conditions, increased surveillance, improved infrastructure and amenities, and increased investment in security measures. All these can contribute to changes in crime patterns – generally a decrease in crime rates. 

Do keep in mind that the impact of gentrification on crime rates varies depending on specific local dynamics, socioeconomic factors, and the effectiveness of policies and community engagement in managing the process.

If you understand the living patterns and gentrification of a prospective neighborhood, chances are, you’ll get a good idea of what kind of neighbors you can expect. 

Read more: Technologies revolutionizing home safety

Last thoughts

Getting to know your neighborhood will help you get the most out of your home investment. It will also give you immense peace of mind. You can live comfortably, safely, and happily in your dream home while growing equity.

Read more: Which are the safest American cities?

Written by Ramona Sinha. August 2, 2021

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.