We’re a Canadian couple ....Driving over on your days off might lower your anxiety.Maybe stay overnight in a motel, get your hair cut there, eat in the restaurants.Get to know a few cities well, and get to know the neighborhoods there.Talk to a few realtors and shop in the local grocery stores.After a few trips, you will know where is not safe, and where is more safe than the not safe.Also once you cross the border 911 is the call code for help if you need it, but don't expect the Red Coated Mounties in their shiny brown boots. 

Typically to outskirts of the city along the border towns are the better areas and as you get closer to downtown and the University it gets more rundown.  

I have employees from South of the Border and their licenses are often in limbo.

After ten years of paying our mortgage on our existing home, and savings, that was just about right for making the acquisition and restoration of this home work, if we could be acquired for a price that fit prudently into a calculation that accounted for an estimation of its value in good condition, minus when it would cost to bring it into that condition from where it was at, which was bordering on condemnation.  

My lot is a triangle on a cul-de-sac and borders with 4 neighbors fences.What is the rent on your dog friendly house?

It's also important to note, I think, that tons of people stream across the border on a daily basis and are immediately provided with free homes, free food, free medical care, free clothing, etc... but the elderly (In this regard) seem to fall through the cracks for some reason (according to one of the posts above).

Do we seal the borders?

Or, if you are bordering another zoning area, you could attempt to get the property rezoned, which will usually result in indifference or an uproar from the neighbors (there will be a "Rezoning" sign on your property before the hearing).

Blaine in particular is interesting because it has a large number of federal employees making excellent income working at the border.

Up by the Wisconsin border is a far commute for some.