Moving into a high crime area - any tips?

Since you're in Arizona - you may have a swamp cooler? If so, make sure the window you open for ventilation is secured with a stick or a insertable lock, so it can't be forced all the way open. And don't leave any windows open at all at night after bedtime for it, - even if you're running the swamp cooler all night. It's too risky. Swamp coolers will work with the windows closed, just not as efficiently. Hopefully, you'll have air conditioning instead and that won't be an issue.

Also, if you're home alone at night. Make sure more than one light is on so nobody outside knows which room you're in. Don't ever let your mail sit in the cluster box all night. They get broken into routinely. Always garage your car, as it will get burglarized or stolen over night.

Most importantly - NEVER trust anyone who comes to your door with a clipboard. Where we lived in the Southwest, that was generally a burglar just checking to see if someone's home. They'd drop off fliers, too. Or pretend to sell alarms door to door.

And, I'd strongly suggest you rethink this - because you are better off living in one room or a studio apartment in a safe area, than in a house or apartment where you are unsafe. The crime will eventually find you there. You can't avoid it, because you are not in control of what others do. The crime will find you.

We lived in what was the highest crime rated city in the US, several years ago. Wasn't worth it.

/r/homeowners Thread