I've lived in Meadow Ridge (across Hwy 5 from Northpointe Crossing, just South of Tara Farms) for five years now. You have nothing to worry about at night. 90% of crimes happen during the afternoon when people are not home. Everytime I've ever had to call the police, response has been quick.
The apartments across from the high school are full of low income families, but they are families (with lots of kids). I can't speak to what kind of criminal activity they have or have not been involved in, but my guess is that it's about the same percentage you'd find in any of Anna's other neighborhoods.
The empty lots will most likely eventually fill up, just a matter of how long. A lot of us are in that spot.
Hope this helps
