Wayne,
Depending on the area and how populated it can tell you a liitle more when you see an area. One thing is, most households have 2 working parents. Some both go to work during the day and some when one comes home the other goes to work. Also you have to look at what type of people and young adults are in the area. How are homes kept where they live, do they roam free to all hours of the night, how much supervision is there from the parents, an how many friends are constantly visiting. There have been cases as an example the Bayside Lakes Areas. A personal friend has had her home broken into 5 times in the last 3 years. Yes it is alarmed and the police meet her there every time and they have gone. It has to be someone has been watching her and the family and or knows them and knows when someone is home and not home. Police reports of neighbor hoods are the best way to find out about an area. The Palm Bay Police Web Site has that ability to tell you area by area, what types of crimes and have the criminals been caught.
Most of my clients look for neighborhoods that have people home during the day and stick together as friends and watch out for each other. The safest areas that I know of are Units 21 and Unit 45. Yes we have had our problems with young people being big and bold and parents that have moved in are just obliviuos to what there little darlings are up to. And boy do they lie through there teeth. But they have been dealt with and the parents so embarassed they do not even want to show there faces because the have been stupid.
So what areas are the safest? In todays world it will depend on your neighbors to help make where you live safe by getting involved and not putting up with it as we have in the units I mentioned above.
Have any other questions, drop me a line pdolci8332@aol.com , or call me on my cell 321-480-2544

Wayne,

There are some great neighborhoods in Palm Bay, in fact I personally live here! Check out local websites for more information about schools and crime. As Realtors we can't comment on areas or "steer" anyone towards or away from neighborhoods.

It must be frustrating to not be able to get an answer to your very good question.

You are correct in that there are many very affordable homes available for sale in Palm Bay. Today many homes there are very competitively priced. There are currently many short sales (owners trying to avoid foreclosure) and many foreclosures available. Last week I helped a buyer close on a 2100 square foot home in SW Palm Bay, 3/2/2, built in 2006, never lived in, for only $135,000! I am currently working with a buyer that is negotiating on a home in SW Palm Bay, a 3/2/2 with a pool at 1290 square feet, priced at $74900! With the right amount of looking, there are nice properties available for sale.

I just finished writing a blog article that Palm Bay Florida is the 25th fastest growing city in the nation, with a current population of over 100,000.

To get back to your original question, about what areas of Palm Bay are safe and clean...there are many nice areas of Palm Bay. There are also areas that aren't so great, as with any city. As REALTORS, unfortunately we are not allowed to comment on whether an area is safe or not, or whether or not it has thugs in it or not. There are statistical websites that provide that type of information (I know that isn't always a great help either.)

I see that you are not currently local. I don't know whether your parents are or not, but my recommendation to buyers is always to get out and investigate an area. You must see and "feel" the area with your own eyes and ears. Check out all the areas they may be considering. Have you tried Google Maps, Street Views?....that is one of my very favorite REALTOR tools for buyers. It will allow you to stand in the street in front of a given home and actually "drive" down the street, to see what surrounds the property.

I wish I could provide you with a more definitive answer in your search for a home for your parents.

I am attaching a link to my website, that will provide you with some additional information.

Best wishes to all of you!

Wayne,

Our suggestion is to be in touch with the local police department od the county sheriffs department for information about safety. They have access to the most accurate and up to date information and generally are willing to share it.

Wayne,

As REALTORS we can not answer your question. It is called steering and is against the law. Other local REALTORS will point you to websites where you can find information to help you and your parents make a decision.
My advice to buyers is always buy into the very best school districts they can afford. There will always be more demand when it comes to selling.
MOST IMPORTANT--- get a knowledgable REALTOR who knows the area. Don't be guessing!

Good Hunting!

Phillip.Moody@PrudentialNetworkRealty.com