Living in a major city can make a person feel a bit paranoid at times. Although many neighborhoods may be deemed as 'safe,' it can be hard to have that protected feeling while walking the same streets you've seen in newspaper headlines a hundred times as the scenes of robberies, muggings and even murders. The unfortunate truth is that living in a city has many risks, but the bright side is that there are also many rewards. Today, many cities around the world are far safer than they used to be, and safer than they ever were before. This means that it's getting easier to enjoy the wealth of culture, entertainment, cuisine and more that city life can also bring, and easier to set aside those fears that something could go wrong at any and every turn. Some such cities experiencing a similar time in their history are Seattle WA and Dallas TX. Both of these urban centers are becoming places where not just movers and shakers, but families and professionals want to live. In order to do so and feel safe, it's a good idea to have a good home security plan.

When living in or moving to a city, the first thing anyone should do is learn about his or her neighborhood. It is a good idea to spend some time in the area before picking to live there, especially if signing a lease is involved. Find out from the police what kind of crime is present in the area, and how prevalent it is. Take time to talk to neighbors and ask what kind of vibe the area has. Some of the most pleasant looking neighborhoods may in fact be dangerous areas for muggings, burglaries or break-ins, while less visually appealing areas might have better security. It's good to go by a blend of information and instincts when picking a neighborhood to live in.

The next step is to check out the building or home you are thinking of buying or renting, and determining what existing home security systems are already installed. This will be especially important in an apartment building. In a new home it is possible to add your own security and safety measures, but in an apartment you will be a bit at the whim of other tenants who maybe don't lock the front door as frequently as they should, have been living without a front door intercom system for years, or simply don't maintain the building well. Look for signs of good security like a video monitored intercom system, double door, double key entry systems, and a good police presence around the building, or even a security professional at the front desk or door.

The final thing to remember when moving to a new neighborhood in Seattle, Dallas, or any city in the country or world is that an elevated level of attention must always be paid while out and about, or even at home, while living in a city. Reaction time will be paramount to your surviving an attack or getting out of a dangerous situation. It is a good idea to protect your space with a home alarm system, and to carry around personal protection at all times. The more prepared you are, the safer your city experience will be!