I'll admit, when I was looking for my own house after the divorce, I did look at a couple that were on large acre lots - then I thought about who would do all that gardening, and would I be safe without neighbors within shouting distance. I ended up in a suburban tract instead.
My house is somewhat large and two-story, so I still worried a bit that someone could come in the door downstairs without me hearing them - so I locked my bedroom door at night.
An alarm system would probably make you feel better, but I am also serious about the male room mate. Sometimes too it's just nice to have that male energy around, you know? Of course, that isn't an option if you're like me and have alimony that kicks out if you "cohabit".
