[stingraynm]

In a very general sense, Las Vegas is pretty classic in that the "inner city" locales are less safe and the "suburbs" on the proximity are more safe. If you can afford to look anywhere on the outside proximity of town, you'll be fine. The areas in town are quite nice, too, until you get into the innermost pockets of North Las Vegas and areas near Downtown, the Strip, and the lettered streets.

I live in the 89128 zip myself, and that's just inside Summerlin off US-95. It's a nice area.

[Dancer28]

Hi, my family, and I'm still thinking about it. Are looking to move to the area. But need a safe, but aforedable area out side the city if there is such a place.

[Dancer28]

Hi, my family is looking to maybe move to Vegas, and is looking for a safe, but aforedable neighborhood on the surrounding area of the city. Have kids and pets, not trying to have to give up the pets if don't have to.

[Dancer28]

?

[Jukesgrrl]

Every time I come on City-Data I see a post from someone begging to be told an area is "safe."

You can find out areas of any city where crimes are denser by using a crime map. That still doesn't tell you everything you need to know. For example, the more interesting areas are often also places with more crime. Will you be content living in a boring area? I'm not. Do you want to have to drive and hour to work each day? That would probably get you in a lower crime area. Areas around universities tend to have higher property and sex crimes, yet they are still very popular for students. My point is, you have to be responsible for your own safety. Everyone does.

That's not to say you should live in fear -- but you do have to take precautions to protect yourself. You can't just move to an area that "people say" is safe and then stop thinking about your safety. I've lived in urban areas from coast to coast and I've written my tips for urban safety. They assume apartment living, but even if you buy a house, they apply.

*Change the locks on any new place you move to. Get good ones. Use them.
*Know your neighbors. Better yet, chat with them before you move in and don't rent there if you think they're creepy.
*Get an apartment that has lighted parking and a well-lit entrance not surrounded by bushes.
*Don't assume a gate means an apartment complex is "safe."
*Don't buzz people in unless they are your personal guests.
*Make sure no one can see into your windows at night and make sure your windows lock.
*If you have a patio door, make sure it has more to protect it than a snap lock.
*Shred bills, bank statements, etc., before you throw them away.
*Use your computer safely.
*Keep your car locked and look in the backseat every time you get in.
*Don't keep valuables in your car.
*When you go shopping put your purchases in the trunk.
*Don't walk around at night by yourself. If you must, keep your keys in your fist with the keys sticking between your fingers.
*Wear shoes that you can walk quickly and confidently in.
*Try not to carry a handbag at night. If you must, use a cross-body strap. Your safety is more important than fashion.
*Carry a whistle and/or pepper spray.
*Keep your cell phone charged and turned on.
*Don't get so involved in cell phone conversations or music on ear buds that you're oblivious to what's going on around you, even in daytime. Conduct your private conversations in private places.
*If a person or a place ever makes you feel weird, do NOT tell yourself you're being paranoid. Get away from them/it immediately, even if it makes you look crazy. Your gut knows more than your brain.
*Don't act flirty with complete strangers. It's shocking how many people think they have to be nicey-nice and engage in charming repartee under all circumstances. Do you want to date the pest control person or the bank teller? If not, make sure your interactions are strictly professional. Don't be rude, but don't be talk too much about yourself with strangers. That's how people attract stalkers.
*Don't assume a gun can make up for any of these rules.
*And remember that security cameras only help you after an incident.

Yes, it's terrible you have to do all these things. But when any criminal picks a victim s/he goes for the most vulnerable. Don't be that person. Just be careful and look for a place to live the way hockeygirl4 recommended above.

[von949]

^^^^^^
Great post.

[jeratboy]

Reprogram your car door locks. You do not want all 4 doors unlocking as soon as you put your car in park.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by Jukesgrrl

Every time I come on City-Data I see a post from someone begging to be told an area is "safe."

You can find out areas of any city where crimes are denser by using a crime map. That still doesn't tell you everything you need to know. For example, the more interesting areas are often also places with more crime. Will you be content living in a boring area? I'm not. Do you want to have to drive and hour to work each day? That would probably get you in a lower crime area. Areas around universities tend to have higher property and sex crimes, yet they are still very popular for students. My point is, you have to be responsible for your own safety. Everyone does.

That's not to say you should live in fear -- but you do have to take precautions to protect yourself. You can't just move to an area that "people say" is safe and then stop thinking about your safety. I've lived in urban areas from coast to coast and I've written my tips for urban safety. They assume apartment living, but even if you buy a house, they apply.

*Change the locks on any new place you move to. Get good ones. Use them.
*Know your neighbors. Better yet, chat with them before you move in and don't rent there if you think they're creepy.
*Get an apartment that has lighted parking and a well-lit entrance not surrounded by bushes.
*Don't assume a gate means an apartment complex is "safe."
*Don't buzz people in unless they are your personal guests.
*Make sure no one can see into your windows at night and make sure your windows lock.
*If you have a patio door, make sure it has more to protect it than a snap lock.
*Shred bills, bank statements, etc., before you throw them away.
*Use your computer safely.
*Keep your car locked and look in the backseat every time you get in.
*Don't keep valuables in your car.
*When you go shopping put your purchases in the trunk.
*Don't walk around at night by yourself. If you must, keep your keys in your fist with the keys sticking between your fingers.
*Wear shoes that you can walk quickly and confidently in.
*Try not to carry a handbag at night. If you must, use a cross-body strap. Your safety is more important than fashion.
*Carry a whistle and/or pepper spray.
*Keep your cell phone charged and turned on.
*Don't get so involved in cell phone conversations or music on ear buds that you're oblivious to what's going on around you, even in daytime. Conduct your private conversations in private places.
*If a person or a place ever makes you feel weird, do NOT tell yourself you're being paranoid. Get away from them/it immediately, even if it makes you look crazy. Your gut knows more than your brain.
*Don't act flirty with complete strangers. It's shocking how many people think they have to be nicey-nice and engage in charming repartee under all circumstances. Do you want to date the pest control person or the bank teller? If not, make sure your interactions are strictly professional. Don't be rude, but don't be talk too much about yourself with strangers. That's how people attract stalkers.
*Don't assume a gun can make up for any of these rules.
*And remember that security cameras only help you after an incident.

Yes, it's terrible you have to do all these things. But when any criminal picks a victim s/he goes for the most vulnerable. Don't be that person. Just be careful and look for a place to live the way hockeygirl4 recommended above.

Great post! I always like to say that you're better off being too paranoid than too naive. If you're wrong in either case, the former just looks/feels silly whereas the latter can be downright devastating.

[Summerlin]

Originally Posted by stingraynm

Great post! I always like to say that you're better off being too paranoid than too naive. If you're wrong in either case, the former just looks/feels silly whereas the latter can be downright devastating.

I agree!! Great post!

[unf0rgiven6262]

[quote=Jukesgrrl;15424244]
*Keep your car locked and look in the backseat every time you get in.


Has this happened to you before? I only see that type of thing in the movies.