How to judge neighborhood quailty

[Josh Coup]

I'm a newbie out of the KC area. I'm looking to land my first deal within the next year. I originally had MLS set up to send me properties in closer proximity to my residence, which is Overland Park. Well, most of Johnson County, KS would probably be rated B areas at the worst. And the prices reflect this. I'm now changing my search to lesser rated areas of the KC metro. My question is: Is there an objective way to measure the quality of a neighborhood? I'm not looking to invest in "war zones" as they are put. Or is it pretty much subjective? Eventually I'd like to also invest out of state where I'd have no familiarity with different areas' nuances.

Thanks,

Josh