What does neighborhood safety refer to?

Neighborhood safety primarily encompasses the perception of security in a community. This aspect involves how residents feel about their safety and the likelihood of experiencing crime in their area. It includes the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to individuals feeling secure or insecure, which can be influenced by various elements such as community engagement, visibility of law enforcement, and local social dynamics.

While overall crime rates, police reports, and legal regulations can provide important context and data about crime and safety, they do not fully capture the subjective nature of neighborhood safety. People may live in areas with low reported crime rates yet still feel unsafe due to factors like poor street lighting or lack of community cohesion. Therefore, the perception of security is crucial in understanding the broader concept of neighborhood safety, as it directly affects residents' quality of life and their interactions within the community.