Several research studies identified disorder as a causal factor of both petty and serious crime. Consequently, policy recommendations focused on reducing disorder in hopes of experiencing a residual effect on community crime rates. Using systematic social observations, this article attempts to understand the incidence of physical disorder. A major finding was that residential housing located near commercial establishments was in significantly greater disrepair compared to housing stock located on residential-only blocks. The article discusses policy implications for problem-oriented policing, local government agencies, and community organizations. The article suggests future research to empirically assess the effectiveness of various policies or programs and to conduct a more complete examination of the direct and indirect relationships between disorder and crime. Future researchers may also wish to use a housing inventory on a wider scale, including evaluation of residential and commercial establishments. Figures, table, appendix, notes, references