What do you use for Crime heat maps / reports?

Question

Hi Team,

I find myself often looking for heat maps or crime related info as i make purchases   My wife and I can't seem to agree on the best source and have not tried out the paid services.   Are you using something or have you found they really don't matter.  Crime happens..

Jill F. · Answer

I use the crime data in neighborhood scout and the akron pd data to exclude properties in areas with the highest violent crime rates. What do you use?

Andrea Hauserman · Answer

If I'm not that familiar with a neighborhood I look at a registered sex offenders website and for lots of extraneous info - city-data.com.  I have a theory that I was a good tenant that didn't destroy anything and I aim to have " me " as my tenants so I should be looking to own a place I might have rented for myself at various ages and stages.

Brad Fausett · Answer

I will check Cleveland. com.  Great suggestion!   Your last statement about Tremont is why i said Crime Happens!  Give someone a reason to rob you, assault you, god forbid shoot you, I am not sure that the street they are standing on or driving down comes much into play.  With that said,  I am hoping someone could shed some light to wether or not it is just best practice to stay in safer areas.

Ryan Arth · Answer

@Brad Fausett You definitely have to know your area. I scan Cleveland.com as well, to see where the shootings were this week. The usual places, but then you see another South Collinwood and an armed robbery in Tremont. I don't invest in these areas, but do occasionally travel to them and know people who invest there. It is best to be informed.

Brad Fausett · Answer

Right now i have been using Trulia's map.  Oddly, it may be more accurate then i had expected since i just looked up my own house and seen the parking violation I received last fall thanks to my grumpy neighbor...

I have only purchased properties in the green areas before but I know several are buying in the Clark Fulton area (lower right hot area) and seem to have success.   I have a hot deal in a orange shade area across the street from a large red area and wanted to know if they just are not worth it?   Lets say this, i would have a 55K investment with 4 brand new units, from the studs up.  Private parking for the 4 units.  Rent is currently $450 per unit but appears it should be in the $600-$650 range.  Even at $450, 2k a month with new units on a 55k investment doesn't seem bad.   The area is so eclectic, there are what appears to be some professional ladies working the area as well as high end interior design shops on the same street.   So my question is, would you let high crime keep you out of a nice four plex that has a excellent CoC return?

What do you use for Crime heat maps / reports?

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