Crime statistics

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

My boyfriend and I are looking to move, and have found at least one place that we really like, but we're a little unsure about the neighborhood. It's not in the Davis area, but I was wondering if anyone on this community might know the best way to get detailed crime statistics for a neighborhood in Somerville. The police web page didn't have any obvious way of doing that. Should I just call the police department directly? Or is this a records office thing? Is this even something I could easily get? I have two years of general crime statistics as broken down by ward, but I'd like to get a more detailed focus on a specific area if possible.

Comments

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

We're hoping to get a 2 bedroom place with over 1000 square feet, a deeded parking space, walkable, and public transit accessible, and we're looking to pay less than $300K. Not the easiest thing in the world to find, I know, but I'm finding some decent options out there.

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

If you find that mythical Camelot, let me know. I gave up years ago.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

It's not as impossible as it sounds. I've seen quite a few options in that category, though most have had layouts that I didn't like.

[nungnung.livejournal.com]

Camelot is coming back! I'm starting to see lots of things under $300K for the very first time since I started casually looking 3 years ago. If you go as far out as Malden, I'm seeing things closer to $200K. Hell frozen, pigs flying, etc., etc. :)

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

Malden is the first to take the major economic downturn, housing values-wise, according to a few realtors with whom I have spoken - which is why there are a number of Malden places that have dropped $50K+ in the last five months.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we've looked at Malden too, and might look more. You definitely get more house for your money there than in Somerville, though prices in Malden tend to fall faster than in Somerville and rise more slowly when the market recovers.

[nungnung.livejournal.com]

All of those things are totally true. Somerville has proven itself to be a solid market even during this slump, so property there might be a better investment, especially if you'll be re-selling in a few years.