There is an excellent interview with an FBI profiler in May's Men's Health. One of the scenarios he covers is what you should do when looking for a new house. I thought you might find these tips helpful (as I did).
"Good profilers learn to look away from the focal point."
Shift your attention away from the property to what surrounds it. That holds true for rooms also. Many people will notice the magnificent fireplace but not the cracked tile in the corner.
Use government resources.
Log on to the U.S. Department of Justice's national sex-offender public registry. Talk to the nearest police department about criminal activity in the area. Police are VERY open about how they view the neighborhood.
Look at cars and lawns and talk to neighbors.
Cars can tell you a lot about your neighbors. If you don't seen any SUV's or mini-vans, odds are, it isn't a family friendly area. Are your neighbors owning or renting? What do they like about the area? What don't they like about the area?
Watch your real estate agent
"People often self-consciously glance at trouble spots" so follow his or her eyes around the building (this is easier with two people). Are you rushed through the house? Are your questions answered?
Go at different times
I live on a dead end street next to two schools. On weekends and after 4pm, the street is empty. During school hours, it is difficult to back out of the driveway, it is so busy. There are kids hanging around, eating lunch on our front steps (I don't mind, find it kind of nice).
Now all this information you find out may not change your mind about buying or not in the area but at least you will have less surprises after buying (don't worry, you will still have some).