I find the site http://www.crimereports.com to be helpful. You can look at an area in comparison to the homes in nearby areas, as close in or as regional as you wish to look. You can look back six months or a year, or two weeks!

This should give you a snapshot of the kinds of crimes that are being reported, as well as the rate of crimes that are being reported. Growing up in Palo Alto, I do have to say that I thought about the area in much the same terms as East Palo Alto but you do have a nice proximity to everything that Menlo Park has to offer. You can ride a bike to downtown Menlo Park or downtown Palo Alto or Stanford. So it's a great location for proximity to cool and beautiful places.

Good luck!

Erica
http://www.EricaNelsonEstates.com (nation-wide foreclosure listings) http://www.EricaNelson.com (inspiration)
EricaNelsonEstates@gmail.com
408-416-7090

I'm currently in escrow on a home in Belle Haven. I have to say that I am truly excited about the opportunity to live in this neighborhood, as it is, as well as for the potential that I think this community has. I have been camping out in the neighborhood lately, trying to get a feel for it, and I have to say that it feels pretty comfortable. The majority of the homes are well-maintained (admittedly there are a few exceptions, as there are with most communities). The neighborhood is fairly peaceful, and the residents seem like your typical, hard-working, middle-class families. I, myself, am unmarried and purchasing the property on my own. The particular property I am purchasing hasn't been maintained in a while, so I look forward to sprucing it up and contributing to the aesthetic of the community. I grew up in a neighborhood not too different from Belle Haven, but I have lived in many different communities since. I graduated from Harvard, lived in Cambridge, Massaschusetts for 8 years and lived in Washington, D.C., both in areas that experienced overwhelming revitalization (and the ensuing gentrification that followed it...) I currently work at Google, and I am counting the days until the close of escrow. I think that Belle Haven has the potential for gentrification, which I don't necessarily consider a bad word (i.e. significant rise in property values). It's already a very vital community, from what I can see, and I am very excited to become a part of this community and to help it grow. It's surprising to me how many of the people I know that live in the general area (I currently live in Mountain View) aren't aware of Belle Haven. I have high hopes for my home purchase and for the community in general.

although my response is rather late i would like to speak on what Mr. Pinedo has said. I have lived in the Belle Haven area fro 41+ years, we have owned our home since 1966. Yes we have had some rough spots in the community over the years but i take offense when people seem to only speak on the negatives, obviously you are not from the area because you would have never spoken with such a misinformed notion. EPA "murder capital" how long did it take you to google that info? its rather funny how people are quick to place that title or remind the world of it. This tiny city that is 3 sq miles can have people still talking after 15years. if you took those same crimes per capita and placed them in lets say san jose, santa clara, san mateo or even portola valley would they gain the same title? being someone who has lived in the area and have family in both cities i will say that while it is good that Home depot, Ikea and the four seasons have come to the city they have in no way has been the life saver or guiding force that has and continues to cheer on the city and steer it forward. It is those that have lived here for the 30,40, 50+ years, those that leave every morning to go work in another city. those that have struggled and overcome the adversities and negative images that tainted the city. No business, regardless of how much tax dollars it generates can do it without the city or people that live there. you say that Menlo Park has been instrumental in upgrading the neighborhoods of Belle Haven. I ask you what have you personally seen that would warrant Menlo Park a pat on the back? did they give us a community center? no, our boys and girls club has been a part of this area for 40+ years, did they give us the Onetta Harris Community Center? no, it was always a part of our community for 40+ years as well and was named in honor of OUR communtiy activist. So i say to you Mr. Pinedo before you make a judgement call about a community based on what you can google on your computer, travel to Epa or East Menlo Park (belle haven area) and ask someone that has lived here.

To the potential Belle Haven home buyer-- this area has and always will be a place of community, not unlike any other city, i say if you really want to know what our area is like travel over and ask a longtimer. Do i love my city YES! believe me when i say no big box store can make a city and no amount of research will give someone that has not lived here the wisdom to make a sound judgement about MY neighborhood. I end this with welcome to the neighborhood.
-Proud and Concerned East Menlo Park Resident

I would also suggest talking with the Police Department regarding the crime in East Menlo Park. This is not a topic that any licensed agent can lightly address.

Yes, the area is very similar to East Palo Alto adjacent just to the south. Although,there has been a dramatic change in the crime rate since EPA had the "murder capital" designation by the FBI in 1992. Menlo Park has been instrumental in upgrading the neighborhoods of Belle Haven and the separate city of East Palo Alto has done the same. EPA also has a phenomenal economic boom aiding this change. Home Depot, The Four Seasons, IKEA, Sun - all are making great changes in the community.

Your best bet is to call the local police department and get information from them.