Living in a safe neighborhood is the goal for everyone. Whether you have a family or live alone, you should always feel safe in your own home. To ensure your neighborhood is safe, you should check the online crime maps.
The best crime maps to receive accurate results are:
- NeighborhoodScout
- The Neighbors App
- AreaVibes
- SpotCrime
- Community Crime Map
These platforms bring vital information that you can use to determine if your area is safe. If you want to learn which crime map is best for you, keep reading further. We will provide you with all the information you need to make your choice.
The Importance of Neighborhood Crime Maps
If you are like many people, you often rely on the local news station to keep you updated on crimes in your area. However, the reality of an area can be far different than what the news station makes you believe.
For accurate results, you need firsthand accounts from locals in the area and official statistics from law enforcement. These sources give you the best picture of what an area is like for someone living there.
Along with general crime statistics, several other factors make a neighborhood safe. Some characteristics of a safe neighborhood are:
- Street Lighting
- Nearby Police Station
- Clean Public Parks
- Good Schools
When choosing a neighborhood crime map, you should select one that displays data and ratings for other aspects of a neighborhood. These reviews will give you a complete overview of a neighborhood.
5 Best Neighborhood Crime Maps
NeighborhoodScout
One of the most popular neighborhood crime maps is NeighborhoodScout, a full-service crime data platform. This crime map option helps users compare crime statistics in neighborhoods throughout the United States.
For a basic overview of an area, the platform creates reports that detail the information surrounding the neighborhood. However, you will need to purchase a subscription to receive these reports.
The NeighborhoodScout has the following subscription tiers for members:
| Pro Lite Subscription | Pro Subscription | Pro Plus Subscription |
| 5 Reports Per Month | 10 Reports Per Month | 20 Reports Per Month |
| $125.00 Per Month | $ 225.00 Per Month | $400.00 Per Month |
You can’t go wrong with this platform if you are looking for comprehensive data on a neighborhood. They offer up to 680 searchable criteria that you can use to learn more about the safety and crime in a neighborhood.
For families, you can get information on the quality of schools in the area. The report will share essential statistics for the schools, such as test scores, enrollment stats, and school quality ratings.
The Neighbors App
Ring is a home security system company that has created an online neighborhood watch app that uses the company’s products to monitor the safety of a neighborhood. The app is free to download for anyone, and you can report suspicious activities or crimes.
This platform strives to build an online community that works to keep each other informed on potential problems in the area. However, The Neighbors App isn’t only for reporting crimes in your area.
People can announce a lost pet or offer assistance in a natural disaster. This mobile app is an excellent addition if you want to build relationships with those around you in your new neighborhood.
Note: Ring has partnerships with law enforcement, and the information shared on the app can be viewed and used by police.
AreaVibes
When people are looking for a review of a neighborhood, the AreaVibes platform is often the first choice. This crime map provides liveability scores, with a neighborhood safety rating between an F and an A+.
If you want a quick look at the safety rating in your area, the AreaVibes platform is a good choice. You will receive information such as the chances of being a crime victim and the total crime per 100,000 people.
However, the AreaVibes platform isn’t for those who want an in-depth review of crime data. A website like NeighborhoodScout will give you more information about the crime happening in an area.
The big advantage of AreaVibes is that the crime map platform is free to use, and there are no subscriptions. You can access all the information features once you sign up with an email address.
SpotCrime
By using law enforcement data, user tips, and news reports–SpotCrime gathers the information you need on crimes. This platform is a true crime map with icons on the screen showing where a crime occurred.
SpotCrime is free to use for anyone to learn more about their local neighborhoods. If you want crime alerts, you can sign up to receive messages by email, text message, or social media profiles.
The SpotCrime website also helps keep communities safer with its online reporting system that users can use to report suspicious activity. You can file a report anonymously or give your name, depending on your preferences.
Community Crime Map
With law enforcement partnerships and advanced mapping, the Community Crime Map website is an excellent choice for those concerned with safety. However, your local police department must subscribe to the service to be featured.
If the police are a part of the website, you can set up a perimeter in your local area for crime alerts. The perimeter for crimes can be anywhere from one mile to twenty miles depending on your preferences.
Additionally, you can narrow your filters by agreeing to receive alerts for specific crimes like fraud or vehicle theft. The Community Crime Map website lets you get alerts matching your needs.
Conclusion: The Best Crime Maps
Crime maps are an excellent way to stay updated on what’s happening in your area. A crime map is also useful in determining an area’s safety before you move to it. These maps give you crime data that are unbiased and accurate.
If you are curious about the crime rate in your location, these platforms can help and provide the information you need. However, nothing beats your personal feelings about an area and how safe you feel.
Every person has a different definition of safe, so you must live somewhere right for you.