Realtors aren't permitted to answer that question (your definition of "safety" and "good" might vary from mine). As far as safety and crime rates, check with the local police department.

If you're talking about specifically in DC, crime and safety can vary substantially every few blocks.

Once you've identified possible neighborhoods, spend some time in them. Talk to the neighbors. Drive through at 11 pm on a Saturday night. (Keep your car doors locked just in case the area turns out to be not so safe.) Look for signs of a good neighborhood (whatever your definition might be): for instance, no boarded-up houses, no gatherings of dealers or others on street corners, etc. A good neighborhood might be well-tended front lawns, people sitting out on their porches enjoying the evening, etc.

Hope that helps.

Thu May 8 2008, 15:25