Consider crime statistics before moving

When moving, something that may be overlooked is the crime statistics of the new neighborhood.

In addition to cost of living, schools, and transportation, the likelihood of a person's home being burglarized should also be considered. For those considering relocation to Texas, a new report from Allstate Insurance may help guide their decision.

The insurance company saw home burglary claims rise by 9 percent for the state during 2009 when compared to the previous year. The areas with the largest increases were Austin (47 percent) and the Rio Grande Valley (55 percent). One area, El Paso, saw a decrease of 16 percent in home thefts.

If a person is moving to an area with a high rate of home burglaries, there are certain things that can be done in order to protect their residence and possessions, Allstate said. Consumers can store their valuables in a safe, lock up their home when they leave, not post plans to leave home on a social networking site, and even purchase a security system.

Consumers can check the crime rates of their intended moving locations by calling the local police department. They can also use the Relocation Crime Lab provided online by the National Association of Realtors.