Of all the aspects involved in moving to a new neighborhood, safety often tops prospective homebuyers’ lists of concerns, and this concern is particularly valid when evaluating urban housing markets. There are good reasons to be concerned about safety in Southern California. After all, this is a very populous region that has seen its share of unrest and security issues, but you may be pleased to learn that if you’re thinking of purchasing San Diego real estate, downtown has managed to stay safe for many decades. It should be noted that the various districts that comprise downtown San Diego occupy only a portion of San Diego County. They are very safe, but they don’t represent other areas where there may be issues related to criminal enterprises, such as drug trafficking, gang activity, and immigrant smuggling.
Downtown San Diego Compared to Other American Cities
In the “Best Places to Live” ranking published by U.S. News & World Report, San Diego scores 7.8 out of 10 in terms of safety. The methodology used by this publication includes statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with regard to property crime and violent offenses. Compared to Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston, San Diego is a lot safer because its incidence of violent crime is far lower. With regard to property crime, which includes theft, San Diego is much safer than Chicago. All in all, the crime rate in San Diego is about 15 percent lower than the national average.
Motor Vehicle Theft
If you own a late-1990s Honda Civic and are planning on moving into a downtown San Diego condo, you may want to check on the security of the parking areas. According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s office, Honda Civic and Accord models from 1997 to 2000 are highly sought after by criminal rings who work with chop shops across Southern California. These vehicles are favorites in the street racing and tuning community, thus creating a high demand for parts that are no longer in production.
Rowdy Areas of San Diego
Some level of disorder typically associated with inebriated people can be expected in just about any nightlife district, but that’s not the case with the Gaslamp Quarter, and this has a lot to do with the security efforts of business owners, law enforcement, and the community. Once you venture outside the downtown districts and into places such as Pacific Beach, you’ll be more likely to witness rowdiness at crowded bars and clubs.
The Security Advantage of Downtown San Diego Condos
As part of an effort to attract more buyers, quite a few condominium towers in downtown San Diego now offer physical security around the clock. In the past, homeowners associations preferred surveillance systems with remote monitoring, but the presence of guards who make rounds and keep an eye on security is always better. The cost of security services is included in monthly or quarterly condo association fees.
These facts should ease your mind if you’re looking at condos for sale in downtown San Diego. Single people and families alike can find the homes of their dreams in the downtown districts of America’s Finest City. When you’re ready to find your perfect home, reach out to the knowledgeable professionals at 92101 Urban Living. Give us a call today at 619-649-0368.