Want to buy a townhouse in a gated area but crime rate is high

[Sergio Rodriguez]

Hello all,

I'd like you opinion on a lot in Fort Worth, TX, 76116. So there is a townhouse for sale for $115,000, 2 bed 2.5 bath. It has potential to say the least. The townhouse is connected to maybe a dozen others and it is a gated area. There is also an HOA and the community is really close. All this sounds great right? Well down the street on the same block is an apartment complex that is very questionable. Crime rate is very high in this area solely because of this apartment complex as well. The rest of the neighborhood is fairly descent and the location of the home isn't far from restaurants, stores, work, and entertainment.

After much thought I declined to give an offer because of the neighboring apartment complex.

So my question is three fold. What are other things I can do to learn more about the area, perhaps to see if there are future plans in store for that complex? Would you do the same thing and just politely decline to make an offer? What are some characteristics of a good neighborhood and what are your limitations?

Thank you,

Sergio