When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, safety features are top of mind. In addition to checking police and fire response times, you’ll also want to make sure your new neighborhood has a strong sense of community involvement and good street lighting. Leverage reliable resources, such as a crime mapping service like CityProtect, to check the frequency and trend of major crimes, including homicides and burglaries. Taking the time to talk to residents in the area and look at their homes is also an excellent way to gauge safety.
Neighborhood watch groups are a great way to get to know neighbors and deter criminal activity. Start by organizing a group that’s committed to the cause and then coordinating with local law enforcement.
Modern digital tools make it easier for neighbors to stay informed and report suspicious activities, especially when they’re away on vacation or working remotely. Popular apps like Nextdoor and Citizen are designed for entire communities and offer real-time security alerts, as well as vacation and visitor watch options. These apps are often managed by property managers or security companies, and are ideal for gated communities and HOAs.
Be wary of bogus neighborhood watch alerts, though. Some scammers send fake alerts to gain trust and steal information or access to homes under the guise of protecting the community. To protect yourself, verify all alerts you receive from community forums and social media groups to ensure they’re genuine.
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