Do you feel safe in your single family home? (Houston: apartments, condos)

[CaroleF]

I was wondering if people feel safe in single family homes. I have a feeling that with so many people living in condos or townhomes in gated communities, they may not be any safer than single family homes where fewer people are around. One of my co-workers says she has a very good neighborhood watch in her street and feels safe there. Or is feeling safe not related to actually being safe? Thoughts?

[cheryjohns]

Yeah, I do. You are right that with condos/townhomes - it's just a perception that it's safer, I guess because people feel that with shared walls, a neighbor would be quicker to respond if a big noise were heard. However, too many people come in behind another car at the gates.

I work from home as much as I can - and come and go during the day. Not as many people home during that time, but I do see the contracted security driving around.

Neighbors watch out for each other. All neighborhoods aren't created equal. Pick one where there isn't a lot of turnover.

[rb4browns]

Originally Posted by CaroleF

I was wondering if people feel safe in single family homes. I have a feeling that with so many people living in condos or townhomes in gated communities, they may not be any safer than single family homes where fewer people are around. One of my co-workers says she has a very good neighborhood watch in her street and feels safe there. Or is feeling safe not related to actually being safe? Thoughts?

Feeling safe and being safe are two separate concepts. I believe I am safer in my single family home for a number of reasons, including:

1. Multifamily complexes have a higher population density, increasing the chances of "bad neighbors."

2. There is a greater correlation between those who are criminally prone and those who live in apartments.

3. I have greater control over who accesses my property as well as security measures such as locks, lighting, etc.

4. Greater stability of neighbors. There are less people moving in and out due to the lower number of people overall on my block.

5. I do not share a wall(s) with strangers.

[crone]

Would I walk several blocks home from a neighbors dinner party or walk my dog at midnight, yes. Several years ago somebody broke into some cars that were parked in driveways and the place went nuts. The very idea of people getting into unlocked cars in the driveway. Several of the cars belong to Federal LEO's. We have on occasion gone out of town and left the attached garage door up. No worries. We have Constable patrol. That's about it.

[Houston_2010]

I have a friend who moved to a townhome - gated, with alarm system. Someone broke into the house and stole a few things even when the alarm was going off. She was out of the country on business.

So, any one of us could be victims. I would follow classic measures - like not opening the door to anyone who rings the doorbell, locking all doors and windows. Also locking the car and not leaving valuables visible.

I live in a single family home and we feel safe - but still follow precautions. We have alarm system on all doors and windows, with cellular backup. As for doors with big glass on them, I added a glass break detector to the alarm system -anyone can break a door (commonly in back of house) and just walk in without setting off the alarm. As for things that are truly not replaceable, we keep safe in the house or the bank with those items. Computers - do a frequent backup (this will not only help if someone steals your computer, but also anytime the computer decides to crash).

I would add - get to know your immediate neighbors and exchage contact information. The more you know them, the more attention they would pay if they see/hear something unusual. They can make the 911 call for you.

Be safe

[CaroleF]

Originally Posted by Houston_2010

We have alarm system on all doors and windows, with cellular backup. As for doors with big glass on them, I added a glass break detector to the alarm system -anyone can break a door (commonly in back of house) and just walk in without setting off the alarm

Would you mind telling me how much such an alarm system would cost per month? If I buy a single family home, I need to factor in all costs.

[chris_ut]

Between $20-$40 per month. A couple of alarm company threads on the forum with good suggestions.

[EasilyAmused]

Try to buy in a neighborhood that has mixed age groups. Retired couples make for the best security system!! Neighborhoods with all young families seem to be more interested in your activites than in something that doesn't "seem right."

Having a constable contract is another thing to look for as well. Also, no matter where you are anymore, keep your car in the garage and it will be safe. That's what garages are for...cars.

[tstone]

Alarm is $30ish for the big-box ADT/Broadview/Brinks type system, 3 yr contract w/ basic installation included. They work efficiently and are a good go-to if you're lazy don't want to do any research. I can't really complain about them. Also in the city of Houston you'll need an alarm permit filed if you want the police to actually come out for a problem, which is about $50/yr through HPD... other areas might have the same thing.

In my experience, being in single-family homes vs apartments, the single-family homes felt safer, and actually were safer according to crime reports. I'm also not a believer in gates as a crime deterrent for apartments.

[kreeyax]

Smith Thompson (http://www.smiththompson.com/smiththompson/ - broken link) cellular alarm monitoring. $17/month.

Mossberg 12-gauge if someone gets in.

Rottweiler for when you're away or sleeping.

Yep, I feel perfectly safe.