How much weight do you give a crime map?

[Chris Hewitt]

I'm looking at different properties in the St Louis area I keep finding deals in areas that on the trulia crime map is in the level 2/3 of the shading.  Listening to the podcasts, most guys say to stay away from the high crime (obviously), but what about the more moderate levels?  How much weight do you give that map on making an initial decision?

[Dennis M.]

@Tom R. I agree . You can’t condense crime to just some statistics and mapping . You drive the neighborhood. You WILL know just by leisurely passing through what blocks are bad and what areas have potential . People are so risk averse in RE that they miss out on good deals out of fear . There’s crime in a b and c class neighborhoods . Besides bullet proof vests and mace spray is a tax write off !