I fled my last rented apartment because the area had just become too
dangerous.  I'd already called the police twice due to hearing gunshots.
One Sunday I watched through my kitchen door peep-hole 3 punks kick down the
door of the (then vacant) apartment across from me.  I called 911 and they
were caught and arrested.  Heh, the police told me later they claimed they
didn't speak English but they were bailed out the next day by some
mysterious someone.  Think that didn't make me nervous?  They knew where I
lived!!

The "lovely couple" (heh) who moved in across the hall after that were about
21, 22 years of age with no apparent means of support.  Yet they were
driving one of the most expensive Mitsubishi sports cars available at the
time.  You see, they had "friends" who dropped by all hours of the night,
for 10 minute visits.  Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what
they were doing for a living.

The way the building was arranged, there were two stairways, one from the
front of the building, one from the back.  The stairs converged on an upper
landing.  There were 4 apartments on the 2nd level.  The balconies were open
to each other, separated by a wooden railing.  Anyone could walk right over
onto my balcony and vice versa.  So, one evening I was sitting on my
balcony, reading, and out walks Mr. Doesn't Do Anything for a Living with a
GUN in his hand.  He smiled, said hey, hope you don't mind this!  It's just
in case there's any trouble.

Thank god my lease was up the next month.  I immediately gave notice and got
the hell out of there.  I couldn't really afford to move where I moved but I
figured my life was worth more than a couple hundred more a month.  So I had
to live quite leanly for a bit, but it was worth it.

I've lived here since 1998.  The only time I've had to phone the police was
because there was a young couple outside in the parking lot by my apartment
having a heated argument and I was afraid there might be an altercation.
They apparently figured out it was a good idea to make up and get in the car
and leave when the cops pulled up.

For the most part, this is a nice complex.  The couple in the unit adjoining
mine are perhaps 10 years older than I am.  The couple across the drive from
me are retired and friendly.  The unit across the way from my front door
never stays rented longer than 6 months but it's always to quiet people. :)
No drug deals, no guns, no worries.

Jill

I'm sure you already know this, Karen, but mortage companies are very
particular. They will require all kinds of inspections, so it isn't
totally your responsibility -- they will help you ensure that the house
doesn't have major problems . And you and John just need to use common
sense and check it out well. Buying a house is a big deal, but don't be
scared. You'll do fine.
There are lots of advantages to owning your own home, and real estate
is nearly always a good investment. Besides, it's fun to fix up your
house the way you want it...just think! You can build ramps, and
perches and get a giant cat condo..and...and....  :-)

Sherry