Maine Coast Home Design

So, you’re looking for a new home. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, an apartment or a house, congratulations, moving is an exciting step in life. But how do you choose where to live? There are so many important factors to consider – length of commute, quality of schools, stores and restaurants – it can seem quite overwhelming. However, one of the most important things to consider is safety. Here are just a few of the things to look for when trying to find a safe place to live.

First of all, what do the streets look like? Are they well-lit? Are they clean? While of course it is impossible to keep streets completely clean, especially in highly populated urban areas, tons of garbage can be a sign of neglect and poor local services. Be particularly mindful of whether there are any abandoned buildings or homes, especially in these days of foreclosures and bankruptcies, since abandoned buildings are often used by the homeless and drug dealers. Also look for things like whether the lawns are manicured, if the homes look like they are cared for or if the paint is chipping, and other general signs of neglect.

If you are moving somewhere where you will walk home a lot like New York City, try to live on a more heavily trafficked street so that you are never the only person walking around. It may seem impossible to imagine a street in New York with no one else on it but it actually happens more than you think! Also, if you are moving to an urban area or to an apartment building, look for a building with a doorman. True it is a little bit more expensive but a doorman is an excellent first line of defense. Of course, just having a doorman is not enough, but it is a start towards home security.

Another important aspect is to look at your potential community’s downtown/commercial area. A run-down commercial center is often one of the strongest indicators of blight and decay.

As you may have guessed from these other factors, your community is an important part of keeping you safe. Is there a community home security system like neighborhood watch? Robberies and break-ins are less likely if thieves do not believe they can act with impunity.

Another thing you may want to consider doing is obtaining the local crime statistics. A calm exterior may hide a seamy underbelly, but getting the numbers is a good way to avoid any unexpected surprises. Most communities keep these statistics regularly and you can obtain them by going to your local police office or town hall. Employment is also a key indicator of crime and decay, so try to find out the unemployment figures for your potential new neighborhood, as well.