When considering where to retire people focus on factors that are, well, more fun: climate, lifestyles, housing, shopping, cultural events. But issues like taxes, health care—and crime—are equally important.
Start with the FBI’s report titled “Crime in the United States.”Here, you’ll find information about violent crime, (murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault) and property crime (burglary, larceny, motor-vehicle theft and arson) in cities and towns with a population of 100,000 or more and some metropolitan areas. Keep in mind that the statistics include only those crimes that were reported to the FBI by local law-enforcement authorities, but they still provide a good snapshot for large locales.
Next, check with the police and sheriff departments in your target destinations. A growing number of departments are publishing crime statistics, and many of these figures are available online. (A simple search might include the name of the town and the words: police department crime statistics.) Again, it’s difficult to know just how many incidents are actually reported to—or by —local officials. (Does a stolen bicycle make the cut?) Not surprisingly, some towns are reluctant to paint a detailed picture of misdeeds in their neighborhoods.
Several other questions to consider regarding safety: Would you feel comfortable leaving your new home for extended vacations? Is there a neighborhood watch program or a homeowner’s association that makes safety part of its focus? And are there reasonable response times for emergency services?
Guest post by Kevin Kazkas