Crime is a tricky element in real estate, enough for Trulia & Realtor.com to do away with their crime maps due to concerns about fair housing. I feel that all buyers should have the ability to check for crime, and want to provide some of the best sources I've found in the absence of what used to be the best source online, the Trulia crime map.
Disclosure: Keep in mind that I am not an attorney and that an attorney is best consulted for opinions on the law.
The Problem with Asking "I Want to Only Consider Neighborhoods with Low Crime In My Search"
Compensating Positive Factors
Adverse Factors
Best Sources of Spotting Crime I've Found:
https://crimegrade.org/ is a solid resource with a color-coded map of areas based on crime.
City-Data.com is a Solid Option for Color Coded Crime Maps
https://spotcrime.com/ is another solid resource, where you can see actual crimes and when they occurred relative to properties in most cities & counties.
Would you want to know if a sex offender lived next door?
Asking Locals During the Day
Drive-Bys at Night
Ask Law Enforcement & Those Who Have Been in the Area Long Time
Where to go for City/County/Area Crime Statistics:
Spreadsheet Comparing VA Cities/Counties for Crime
BestPlaces.Net For Easy Comparison of Crime in City/County v Larger Area & State
Related: