If you don't scout you will get fucked. Physically go, look around, talk to librarians and grocery store clerks and the people at the gas station. If you see bars in windows, it's a no-go. If you see cars on blocks, take a closer look (the 70s GTO in front of a well-manicured lawn is very different vibe than a 2007 Ford Focus with weeds growing through the engine bay). If there's not a grocery store on that side of town, ask why. If there's morr than 1 liquor store, think about why.