Is your apartment complex safe?

We all want to live in a place where we’re safe and secure,  and shopping for an apartment is a good time to ensure that you and your possessions are housed in the best environment possible. When looking at new apartments, consider the following features if you’re worried about safety.

–Building access. Who has entry privileges to the apartment building you are considering? Is there an open door to the street where anyone can come and go? Is there an exterior door with keyed access to residents only? Perhaps there’s a lobby with open access and secured access to residents only beyond that point. Make sure the access is a level at which you’re comfortable, but won’t prevent your friends from being able to come over to visit.

–Security. Does the complex have on-site security? If so, what hours do they work and what are their duties? Some apartment security guards have a pretty good gig – a desk job where they can sit back, observe the security cameras, and even sometimes fall asleep. If the building is in need of a security guard, is that a neighborhood where you’ll be comfortable making your home?

–Walkability. It’s more likely that a safe building will be located in a walkable neighborhood one than an unwalkable one. But, the advantage of an unwalkable neighborhood is that you’ll probably be using your car for most errands and trips anyway.

–Parking. If you have a car, chances are you want it to be parked in a safe and secure location. If an apartment building doesn’t offer an onsite, secure lot, what are the parking parameters and permits required in the neighborhood? It’s worth a check with the local police department to check on rates of burglary and property theft before signing a lease on a new apartment.