How do I check crime rates and safety in a neighborhood?

The best way to check crime rates is to visit the local police department website for the city you're interested in. Most departments maintain online crime maps showing recent incidents by neighborhood and type. You can also visit the area at different times of day and on weekends to get a personal feel for activity and traffic patterns. Walking the streets and talking to people you meet can give you insight no statistic can provide. Keep in mind that crime data shows where incidents were reported, but every neighborhood has variation from block to block. Your own observation and research will give you the most complete picture of whether an area feels right for you.