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How do you know if a neighborhood is safe?

Are there ways to find out if a neighborhood is safe? Can a real estate agent answer that when looking in specific areas, or are they not allowed to say anything about safety in a neighborhood? Thanks!

Asked by Peter | Stockbridge, GA| 11-08-2023| 1,055 views|Tips & Advice|Updated 2 years ago

Answers (4)

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Barrett Henry

RE/MAX Collective · Tampa, FL

(6 reviews)
There are several ways to research a neighborhood's safety before buying. Check the local police department's crime map or reports. Most departments publish crime data online or through apps like CrimeMapping, SpotCrime, or NeighborhoodScout. These show reported incidents by type and location so you can see patterns. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day and different days of the week. Drive through on a weekday evening, a Friday night, and a Saturday morning. You'll learn more about the real vibe of an area in a few visits than from any website. On whether your agent can discuss safety, this is a fair housing issue. Agents are trained to avoid steering, which means they can't make subjective statements about whether a neighborhood is safe or unsafe because those statements can be influenced by racial or demographic composition. What they can do is direct you to public crime statistics and let you draw your own conclusions. Talk to people who live there. If you see neighbors outside, ask them how they like the area. Most people are happy to share their honest opinion about their street.
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03-27-2026 (4 days ago)··
Mohamed HassanRising Star12 Answers
Mohamed Hassan

NextHome · Woodland Hills, CA

(55 reviews)
Always drive by at night a couple of times and see the general area. Some websites do show crime rates you can google, as Realtors are not allowed to advise on this for steering reasons to protect consumers at large. General rule if school ratings are high it is usually a family friendly good community, if school ratings are all low it is usually a sign of the opposite.
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05-24-2025 (10 months ago)··
Nancy FudgeNovice3 Answers
Nancy Fudge

Fudge Properties Inc · Wilmington, MA

(47 reviews)
You could call the local police station and ask.
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01-11-2024 (2 years ago)··
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Karin Negron CaraballoNovice1 Answer
Karin Negron Caraballo

Keller Williams Keystone Realty · York, PA

(24 reviews)
Good Morning as a realtor we are not allowed to answer that , normally I answer with look on google or due your diligence as a buyer to see what are your dislikes and likes about the areas.
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11-13-2023 (2 years ago)··

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