If you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, checking your car locks twice and walking a little faster on your way to work, it’s likely you don’t live in beautiful Southern New Jersey. Movoto Real Estate analyzed the FBI’s 2013 Uniform Crime Report and released a list: “New Jersey’s 10 Most Dangerous Towns.”
According to online company, while three smaller towns in South Jersey – Bridgeton, Lindenwold and Woodbury – made the list, the true problems are in larger cities throughout the state. Atlantic City, Newark and Asbury Park, for example, have significantly different demographics from small suburban towns and also made the list.
Movoto used the FBI’s 2013 Uniform Crime Report to compile their data. They looked at places with a population of at least 10,000 and divided crimes into four categories; murder, violent crime, property crime and total crime. According to the survey, “Since there are some crimes that are more heinous than others, we weighted violent crimes, murders, and property crimes to make up 30 percent of the overall score, and total crimes to make up just 10 percent.”
Movoto was quick to say that the ranking has nothing to do with police policies or efforts, only statistics. For some perspective, residents of Atlantic City have a one in 11 chance of becoming a crime victim, while residents of Medford Township have a one in 95 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Woolwich Township, in Gloucester County, ranks even better; only one in 128 people are victims of crime.
A knowledgeable real estate broker in South Jersey can provide further insight into these findings. However, if you are considering buying a home in South Jersey, you need to hire an experienced real estate lawyer who can protect you when it comes to your contract and finances. Contact Joel R. Spivack, Esq. for sound legal assistance today.
