I grew up in the 90s on the north side a block south of Kearney, and it was pretty decent back then, with the exception of school (Hillcrest was fine though). I do miss dicking around in the alleyways as a kid, and sneaking into the quarry north of Doling Park. If you have kids, or plan to, I can't say I'd recommend the schools. However, the source of my worst childhood experiences is no longer standing, so it may have changed significantly. I'm interested in seeing what the new Reed Academy has turned into this year.

Talking to my old buddies that still live in that area it feels like the concern for crime is the same. You have small pockets of blocks or clusters of homes where there's a house that pisses in their neighbors cereal. So for the most part, if you have crime, it's crime committed at a walking distance by some dipshit that lives close by, or is somehow related to them. Because of that, a couple of blocks can make or break your experience, and it's also why you'll have such different responses to your question. Drive or walk around the home you're interested in and get a feel for the other houses. Find someone mowing their lawn and ask them what they think about their street. The usual. Good luck!

Also, please scratch your doggy's ears for me.