Durham Crime Mapper (Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill: crime rate, chapel, home)

[WheretoGoin08]

We are two women looking for a home in the Durham area but have been freaked out by Durham Crime Mappers. It seems that the area near northgate mall has had around 174 assaults in the last two years. Even Woodcroft seems to have robberies, thefts from cars, etc. on more streets than not. We want to live in an active neighborhood like woodcroft, a neighborhood with character like Trinity Park, or something like these two....but also don't want to worry when we walk at night, or if we make a mistake and leave something in our car....Any ideas would be very much appreciated. We're lookin in the $200s.

[MrsSteel]

Well, I hate to tell you, but there's a risk no matter where you live. There was a thread created just a few weeks ago in which people mentioned burgleries and car break-ins occuring all over the Triangle. Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Clayton, Hillsborough ... it happens everywhere.

Now, I can tell you from personal experience that a LOT of women jog alone in Woodcroft. Even after sundown. The paths are very popular which I think keeps them safer. I can't speak about other neighborhoods, but that's what I've observed in my own.

Anyway, good luck finding a place you like.

[raccemup]

Raleigh has a crime mapper also which is pretty shocking as well. I probably wouldn't live in most of Raleigh either if I looked at that first yet Raleigh is considered to be a very safe city in general. And yes crime can happen anywhere and I hate to say it and I will probably get flamed for this but like it or not Durham does have higher crime rates than other towns in the triangle. Much higher, and in fact it has the highest crime rate of any city or town in the triangle. Don't shoot the messenger, that's just the harsh reality of the crime stats. And also sorry to say that crime is more prevalant in certain areas but it is also a city wide problem (as per the crime map) and has been for years. Durham is a large, culturally diverse, interesting REAL city/county. So with the good comes the bad. You will have both real city amenities AND real city problems. Having said that, I like durham, have always felt safe there and think it has a lot to offer. Everyone I know who actually lives there, loves it!

[MrsSteel]

You'll get no argument from me, raccemup. Durham definitely does not have the highest crime rate in the state, but it does have the highest rate in the Triangle. That doesn't mean that the people of Durham always have to keep a can of pepper spray at the ready every time they step outside "just in case".

In the grand scheme of things, your chances of being a victim of crime here are still very small. I suggest that people check the crime statistics for their current towns & neighborhoods before comparing the rates in the Triangle. The perspective gained is key.

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by WheretoGoin08

We are two women looking for a home in the Durham area but have been freaked out by Durham Crime Mappers. It seems that the area near northgate mall has had around 174 assaults in the last two years. Even Woodcroft seems to have robberies, thefts from cars, etc. on more streets than not. We want to live in an active neighborhood like woodcroft, a neighborhood with character like Trinity Park, or something like these two....but also don't want to worry when we walk at night, or if we make a mistake and leave something in our car....Any ideas would be very much appreciated. We're lookin in the $200s.

You'd be much better off in South Durham if you are looking for a larger area that is overall rather safe. Northgate area is a bit random.

[WheretoGoin08]

Can someone tell me how to get to Raleigh or Cary crime mappers? I'd love the reality check......

[raccemup]

http://imaps.co.wake.nc.us/imaps/mai...rime&msize=425

This is Raleigh's. Cary doesn't have one but has probably the lowest crime in the triangle or one of them. You can also call the local PDs and ask about crime reports for certain areas/neighborhoods and they would be able to help you out.

[sneezecake]

Of course, if you're in Cary or Brier Creek or somewhere else, they'll still blame the crime there on Durham

Seriously though, it doesn't matter where you are- you leave a purse or shopping bags in your car, there's a chance you'll have a broken window when you're back. I'd be more worried about assaults and violent crime than I would be about petty car break-ins.

I live in SW Durham and haven't once felt unsafe.

[MrsSteel]

Raccemup, it looks like that crime mapper only shows activity over the last 30 days. Is there another one that lets you see crime over a longer period of time? I'm just curious because the Durham crime mapper currently lets you see everything from January 2006 to December 2007 - basically 2 years of data.

[VickiR]

Yes, there ARE areas in Raleigh that have a bit more crime than others. North Raleigh tends to be the most desireable area, therefore, the more expensive. However, in Raleigh, the higher crime areas tend to be apart from other areas. For instance, if you were to compare the crimes in North Raleigh with the crimes in the areas around Poole Road, you'd see the difference.

Comparing crime statistics and school scores is just research.

The reality is that you must come to the area and compare for yourself.

Your eyes will tell you alot!!!

Vicki