Intown Living
Many people think that living intown is dangerous compared to living OTP, but if you simply take proper safety precautions, you will reduce the possibility of problems while still enjoying the fun and convenience that comes from living in Atlanta.
Living in a controlled access community can help reduce crime. People living in a controlled access community can make things even safer by not letting in strangers who aren't accompanied by someone who lives there, even if it seems like the nice thing to do.
Never leave your apartment unlocked! Even in a controlled access community, accidents can happen. Always lock your door when you leave the apartment, even for a minute, as well as when you go to sleep at night. To stay extra safe, just keep your apartment locked at all times. Make sure to lock your windows, too.
When parking your car, take common-sense precautions, even if it is parked behind a security gate. Always double-check that you locked your car, make sure that any valuables are out of sight – remove chargers, GPS units, iPods - and never leave your keys in the ignition while you're away from the car, even for a second! It's always good for your car to have an alarm system as well.
Consider investing in a paper shredder. Identity theft is a real problem these days, and many identity thieves get their info from important documents or even credit card applications that get tossed out haphazardly. Shred anything with personal information on it; if your office has a paper shredder, ask if they would mind if you shredded some personal items from time to time.
Consider renter's insurance. In case of a fire or a burglary, renter's insurance can offer you peace of mind that your valuables will be replaced. It also can provide liability protection, in case someone gets injured while in your apartment and is thinking of suing you. Renter's insurance tends to be quite inexpensive, a small price to pay for the ability to relax.
Finally, use common sense. Stay alert in your community, know your neighbors and their friends, and don't hesitate to let apartment security or the management know if something seems wrong. If you see any behavior that looks fishy, like a strange person wandering the halls trying doorknobs, let someone know immediately. It may just be someone from another floor who had too much to drink, but it could also be a burglar looking for an easy target. Be a proactive member of your community, and you'll be sure to stay safe.
Like any big city, Atlanta has some crime and safety issues. But if you stay alert and exercise precautions, you shouldn't have any problems while living the intown lifestyle in the city. For controlled access apartments in the heart of intown Atlanta, check out the Pencil Factory Flats & Shops.
