As REALTORS, we are drilled not to do certain things with regards to the Fair Housing laws.  We cannot discriminate, blockbust or steer.  However, often times when a question comes up about crime in a particular neighborhood, the lines are blurred and many just fail to answer or use the obligatory "its fine."  If you're an out of town buyer unfamiliar with what neighborhoods have a crime problem, this may not sit well with you.  Of course, a seller does not have to disclose that his house was shot up by MS13 gang members or that he's feel safer living in Baghdad.  So where do you go to find this information?

In Charlotte, its easy.  Most of the municipalities around Charlotte are very automated and you can find most information online.  Charlotte is one step ahead of everyone in that they have a crime mapping tool on the CMPD webpage.  On the Crime Mapping page, you can see which areas have a crime problem more than others.   You can also find crimes around a specific address over a given period of time. 

Another thing you can do is always talk with the neighbors.  Go up and knock on their door.  You'll get more information by just talking with your future neighbor for 5 minutes than you'll get from a series of websites in 5 hours. 

In the communities around Charlotte, call the local sheriff's office.  Most will give you, upon request, an incident report or let you speak with an officer that works that area.  Granted, their view maybe a little one-sided because they frequently encounter the worst of the worst but they are still a valuable resource. 

Unfortunately, there is not a 100% safe neighborhood anywhere in the world.  However, if safety is a concern to you, there are great resources available to help you move into a neighborhood where you can feel comfortable. 

Jonathan Osman
Charlotte NC Homes, Charlotte Real Estate