Scoping Out Neighborhoods

[Patrick Pierre]

How do you guys scope out a neighborhood to know whether it's safe/good or not? I know it's tough to know if a neighborhood is good just by visiting for a few minutes and then leaving. 

If you're not from the area, what methods do you use to know if this is a good neighborhood to invest in? Do you walk around? Visit at night or some other methods?

[Karl B.]

Hi, Patrick. In some cities, one can use crimemapping.com 

It's really useful as one can view crimes committed on a map during a specified time range. 

Aside from that, you can call the local police department and ask to speak with someone. You may have better luck actually going to the department and talking with someone but any decent person at the department will give you their opinion on an area. 

Also, if you visit the area, talk to neighbors. Just approach them and tell them you're looking at a property and ask them how long they've lived there and how they like it.