How to stay safe in a not so desireable area???? (neighborhood, about)

[RazorRob305]

Originally Posted by florida86

Thank you for the info about the wireless alarm systems as I do not usually have a landline unless I cannot get signal indoors with my cell.

Speaking about the neighborhood, I guess for $6750 I cannot be too picky!!!

Get a gun, and post a warning sign on your door stating intruders will be shot on sight...maybe get a dog too if they allow them there.

[RazorRob305]

Originally Posted by annerk

I can't speak for Chicago, but I lived in a bedroom area of Philly, and the bad areas here are just as bad as the bad areas there--they just aren't as old so there aren't rowhouses or high rise tenaments so it might not look as bad. Looks can be deceiving.

I agree about other cities. When someone wants to rob you it is no different getting robbed near a clean shopping plaza than near a dirty garbage dump. I was robbed at gunpoint a few years back in Altamonte Springs at a 7-11...wasn't a bad area but when the dude had the gun to my stomach I still felt pretty damn violated...I grew up in Miami and even though I was never robbed in Miami, I knew people there who were but it took me moving to a nice part of Orlando until I became a victim...that was after growing up in some ghetto areas in Miami...I know people from bad areas of other cities who have never had a gun pulled on them directly, so they wouldn't really know the feeling of not being able to retaliate and being at someone elses mercy while they take what you have.

[florida86]

I guess I am really going to have to be involved in this condo community and if there isn't a gate, try and get them to install one. Maybe police or citizens on patrol driving through regularly would help as well. The hoa does screen all owners and tenants, and surprisingly this particular complex is mostly owners. I figure if the owners are mostly on premises, they would want to be safe too.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by OrlandoRE_Miracle

I've seen them on houses in Lockhart, Millenia, and even some parts of east Orlando.

I've seen them in Holden Heights, South Division, Parramore. I've seen them on homes in Pine Hills off Pine Hills Road and OCoee around the corner from West Oaks Mall, there are some homes in Audobon Park with them even. And that's in addition to the places you've named. Heck there are homes in the sketchiest downtown Clermont and Winter Garden areas that have bars.

[florida86]

I guess at the price if I live in it for a couple years and then rent it or sell it, I could move on to something better!

[RazorRob305]

Originally Posted by florida86

I guess at the price if I live in it for a couple years and then rent it or sell it, I could move on to something better!

That's true..I think it'll be fine if you have any kind of street smarts

[florida86]

Yeah, I am usually overly cautious about things, so I will probably be fine. Thanks

[totsuka]

Get impact windows installed.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by florida86

I guess I am really going to have to be involved in this condo community and if there isn't a gate, try and get them to install one. Maybe police or citizens on patrol driving through regularly would help as well. The hoa does screen all owners and tenants, and surprisingly this particular complex is mostly owners. I figure if the owners are mostly on premises, they would want to be safe too.

The number one deterrent to crime/criminals is Neighborhood Watch. I feel one of the reasons many Orlando neighborhoods are experiencing their problems are because people hole up inside their houses and don't engage their neighbors.
Most never walk around their own neighborhoods and few know more than one neighbor beyond an occasional wave or hello. It's amazing the power of an organization of neighbors who take turns casually walking the neighborhood at night or who simply watch each others backs.

[4Florida2]

I would get a small dog if you can, leave the radio on when not at home and the alarm.