Moving to the city means a lot of big changes, especially for people who are more accustomed to a small town or a suburb. Many city-dwellers get rid of their cars, switch to public transportation, and adapt to significantly smaller living spaces. A vast majority of urbanites are going to switch from a dream of owning a home to one of owning a nice apartment, maybe a loft. There's a lot to get used to.

And while staying safe might not top the conscious list of things to do when moving someplace new and different, it's an important think to think about, but not obsess over. Street smarts are a skill that can be acquired, and the best way to figure out street safety and home security is by paying attention to instincts while remembering a few different rules.

Stay alert (ditch that cell phone). Well, don't ditch the cell phone forever, but don't be walking home in the middle of the night gabbing on the phone, thinking that it is somehow making things safer. The less amount of things you are juggling in your hands as you make your way to the door, the safer you will stay. It's important to look alert, be walking with purpose, and not dawdling or digging for keys while on the porch of your building. That actually does make you a target.

Treat your building like a neighborhood. Don't assume that, like when entering your own home and say hi to your significant other or parents, that everyone on their way into your building should be allowed in your building. Since it's impossible to install a home alarm system on the entire building, you have to use your own common sense and not just hold the door open for strangers. Get to know people in the building, just like you would in a neighborhood. Make friends, and develop relationships. That's a great way not just to get more friendly, but to feel a little safer in the building, too.

Add safety features to your apartment, if they're not there already. Even though it might cost a little extra, if you're planning on living in your apartment for awhile, consider making some adjustments. Install another deadbolt on the door. Make sure you have a window that locks as well as is humanly possible. Even get a home alarm system, one of the kind that can be installed and uninstalled. Taking just a couple of different steps to add just that extra touch to your apartment's safety makes coming home at whatever hour of the day a safer and less nerve-wracking situation.

While living in a big city is a big adjustment, too, it's not something impossible for someone from a much less populated area to grasp the concept of. After you learn the public transportation, get settled into a routine, and start learning the ins and outs of the neighborhood, it will get a whole lot easier to know what situations require a little extra attention for safety. More than anything else, be sure to enjoy your new surroundings! It's not everyone who gets to move to a beautiful metropolis.