Apr 21, 2026
A Tennessee man who followed Dave Ramsey's advice to build wealth says he's now worth more than $1 million, but a new neighbor has him questioning where his family should live.
The caller, who introduced himself as Landon, told The Ramsey Show he owns a paid-off home, as well as 15 acres of property where he plans to build a new house for his wife and young children (1). But after learning a man who served 20 years in prison for crimes involving children had moved into the house next to the one he currently lives in, Landon said he no longer feels comfortable letting his kids play outside.
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"It really freaking sucks," he said, adding that the neighbor has watched his children through the pickets in the fence. Now, Landon's weighing whether to sell his current home, rent temporarily and move forward with building the new home, even if it disrupts the financial plan that helped him build wealth in the first place.
Ramsey's response was blunt: when safety is in question, finances come second.
Safety comes first, even if it costs you
Ramsey's advice for Landon was clear: The family should leave its current house immediately, even if it means moving twice within a year and taking on short-term costs.
"You got to get away from this," said Ramsey, and his cohost, Rachel Cruze, didn't disagree.
"If I was your wife and I had two little kids … that's miserable."
For Ramsey, Landon's financial position (debt free with significant savings) is exactly what allows him to make that choice. "The payoff for all of your sacrifice is you got choices," Ramsey said.
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That framing shifts the conversation away from maximizing returns and toward reducing risk and stress at home. And while every situation is different, concerns about safety aren't uncommon.
While overall crime trends have shifted over time, many Americans still feel vulnerable where they live. According to the SafeWise State of Safety in America 2025 report, more than half of respondents believe a property crime could happen to them, highlighting how common these concerns are (2).
As the U.S. Census Bureau reports, Americans relocate for a range of housing and neighborhood-related reasons, from wanting a different home to seeking a better area, which can include concerns about crime or safety (3). That means choosing to leave a home because the surrounding environment no longer feels safe isn't unusual; it's one of many practical reasons that households decide to move.
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What to do if a neighbor makes you feel unsafe
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you may not be able to control who lives nearby, but you do have options:
If you'd like to move, assess your move carefully: Selling right away isn't the only option, as some homeowners might consider temporary solutions — like renting or staying with family — while they figure out a long-term plan. In this case, Ramsey suggested renting for about a year while building the new home on the 15-acre property, calling it "a temporary decision… not a five-year plan."
Upgrade your home security: Landon said he’d already spent thousands on cameras and monitoring equipment, a common first step when a homeowner's safety feels uncertain. Nearly 39 million U.S. households use some form of home security system, according to SafeHome.org (4), with tools like motion lighting, fencing and video surveillance helping deter unwanted behavior.
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Know what information is public: Sex offender registries are accessible nationwide, but rules vary by state, including where individuals can live and what restrictions apply. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains national guidelines (5), while local jurisdictions enforce specific limits.
Weigh the financial trade-offs: Selling quickly could mean losing money on commissions or timing, while renting adds short-term costs. Staying put might be cheaper, but could come with ongoing stress. This is where the decision becomes less about dollars and more about safety and peace of mind.
Don't ignore the emotional cost: Feeling unsafe at home can affect everything from your children's freedom to your own ability to relax. Over time, that stress can influence financial decisions, whether through a rushed move or costly upgrades.
For Landon, this situation forced a difficult shift from carefully optimizing his finances to prioritizing his family's safety. Money can help you build a life, but as Ramsey's advice makes clear, its real value often shows up in moments like this, when it gives you the freedom to choose what matters most.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
The Ramsey Show Highlights/YouTube (1); SafeWise (2); U.S. Census Bureau (3); SafeHome.org (4); U.S. Department of Justice (5).
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Clay Halton is a Content Editor at Moneywise.com. With a professional background in finance editing and writing, Clay specializes in making complex financial topics accessible to readers.
