Is Navarre Florida Safe?
Or do I Need a Storm Trooper Security Guard
Finding the perfect city or neighborhood to call home is an exciting part of the home-buying journey. And before you buy, you’ll want to know if where you are moving to is a safe place to live. It’s a valid question that homebuyers ask. You may want neighborhood recommendations from your Realtor, but there’s a crucial factor you need to understand: Realtors cannot provide direct recommendations on the safety or desirability of neighborhoods due to Fair Housing Act regulations.
This law is in place to promote fair housing practices and prevent discrimination in real estate transactions. In this blog post, I’ll explain why Realtors can’t offer such recommendations and, more importantly, provide instruction on conducting your own neighborhood research. There are effective ways to research and assess safety in Navarre and any other area you’re considering.
Understanding the Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at eliminating discrimination in housing. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. While these provisions are well known, there is another aspect of the Act that often goes overlooked: if prohibits making statements characterizing neighborhoods as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ particularly concerning protected categories like race, ethnicity and more.
Realtors, like all housing providers, must adhere to these provisions to ensure that housing opportunities are available to everyone on an equal basis. Recommending a neighborhood as ‘safe’ or ‘desirable’ can inadvertently lead to discriminatory practices, as it may be based on stereotypes or biases. Thus, Realtors are committed to maintaining a neutral stance when discussing neighborhoods. So when you ask, “is Navarre, Florida Safe?” as a Realtor, I’m not supposed to tell you. Isn’t that bonkers! So what can you do instead?
Research Neighborhood Crime Data
So, how can you assess neighborhood safety without relying on subjective recommendations from your Realtor? Fortunately, there are numerous reputable online resources available:
- Crime Mapping Websites: Start with a Google search. For instance, type in “crime rates in Navarre,” and you’ll get a whole page of websites that aggregate crime data. You can search by location, crime type, and date for a comprehensive view of the neighborhood’s safety record.
- Local Police Departments: Contacting the local police department in another excellent way to gather crime statistics and inquire about safety concerns in a neighborhood.
- Community Forums and Social Media: Engaging with local residents through community forums like Nextdoor, or one of the many Facebook Groups for local residents can provide valuable insights into an area’s safety and community vibe.
Navarre is in the 94th percentile for safety, meaning 6% of cities are safer and 94% of cities are more dangerous.
Interpreting Neighborhood Safety Data
Once you’ve gathered data, it’s essential to interpret it effectively:
- Look for Trends: Focus on trends over time rather than isolated incidents. A single crime in an otherwise safe area shouldn’t overshadow the broader picture.
- Compare Neighborhoods: Compare crime data across different neighborhoods to make informed comparisons.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Walk or drive through the neighborhood at various times of the day and week to get a feel for its safety.
Beyond Safety: Assessing Other Neighborhood Aspects
While safety is crucial, other aspects of a neighborhood also matter. When choosing a neighborhood to live in, also consider:
- Amenities: Evaluate the proximity to grocery stores, parks, shopping, fitness centers, and other amenities that match your lifestyle.
- Property Values: Look at property values and trends in the area to make a sound investment decision. Are home values generally stable or appreciating?
- Noise Levels: Is there noise pollution from traffic or nearby businesses?
- Local Taxes and Utilities: Understanding property taxes, utility costs, and any special assessments or fees specific to the area is essential for budgeting.
- Property Restrictions: Buyers should be aware of any neighborhood specific rules or homeowners association regulations that could affect how they use their property or what changes they can make.
A Note About Schools:
The same concept applies to providing information on a school district’s reputation or ratings, as these can also be interpreted as references to protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. Websites like Niche.com or GreatSchools.org are great places to research school districts and individual schools within that district.
So... Is Navarre Florida Safe
Unfortunately I can’t share my personal opinion. I will share that after doing my own research, I chose to live here. No place will ever have a perfect score. Take the general area that you are considering, compare the cities and neighborhoods against each other, and pick the one that is the best fit for you. Remember that safety is just one aspect of a community, so be sure to consider all factors that matter to you. Happy house hunting!
