When looking for a new home, picking the right neighborhood makes all the difference in your potential quality of life. Safety is of utmost importance for homebuyers and renters in order to have a healthy, happy home life, but how can you tell if a neighborhood is safe before moving in? Here are seven signs that indicate a potential neighborhood is safe.

1. Low Crime Rates

The most important factor to account for when looking for a home is safety. And a quick way to tell whether a potential neighborhood is safe is by looking at the crime rates in the area.

Certain websites like NeighborhoodScout, CrimeReports, and local police department websites provide valuable information on crime statistics for any given area. This typically includes incidents of burglary, theft, vandalism, and violent crime.

When shopping for a home, be sure to look for neighborhoods that have crime rates that are consistently low compared to their surrounding neighborhoods.

2. Active Neighborhood Watch Programs

When speaking with a real estate professional, be sure to ask if there are any neighborhood watch programs or community safety initiatives in place.

Active neighborhood watch groups work with local law enforcement agencies and residents to deter crime, monitor suspicious activity, and promote safety awareness. And if these programs have many active participants, they likely take community safety and crime prevention seriously, which is a good sign.

3. Well-Maintained Properties

When you tour a potential home, take time to explore it fully in order to see how the entire neighborhood looks. You can take a drive or walk around to observe the condition of the properties.

A good indicator that the neighborhood is safe is that the homes and yards are neat and tidy. If the residents make it a point to take care of their properties, with little to no signs of neglect or disrepair, it’s more likely to be safe.

4. Presence of Community Amenities

When looking for your dream home, always check to see if the neighborhood has community amenities and recreational facilities in the neighborhood, whether you intend on using them or not.

For example, if you see these community features, chances are, you’re in a decent neighborhood:

• Parks
• Playgrounds
• Walking trails
• Recreational areas
• Community Garden
• Dog parks
• Public libraries
• Gyms

These features encourage locals to engage in outdoor activities which promotes social interaction among residents. So if you notice these amenities in a potential neighborhood, there’s a good chance you may be moving into a safe and vibrant community.

5. Stable Property Values

While researching the area, be sure to take a close look at the neighborhood property values and trends to evaluate its overall stability and desirability.

With safer neighborhoods, it’s common to see steady or increasing property values over time. This points to a high demand, which leads to confidence among homebuyers and investors.

So if the neighborhood you desire has a decent real estate market, take it as a positive reflection of the neighborhood’s safety and livability.

6. Good Schools and Education Opportunities

A telltale sign that a neighborhood is safe is that it has reputable public and private schools, as well as access to quality educational resources and extracurricular activities for children and families. If a potential neighborhood is known for having a quality school system, consider it a positive sign, even if you don’t have kids.

7. Good Street Lighting

If you happen to be in the area at night, pay close attention to the availability and quality of street lighting in the neighborhood.

A safe neighborhood is equipped with well-lit streets and public areas to enhance visibility. This not only helps keep criminal activity at bay, but it also keeps locals safe as they walk or drive at night, so make sure that it has adequate street lighting to promote pedestrian safety and discourage illicit behavior.