If living alone, I would suggest a few things.
Doors without windows in them. Doors with windows in them are too easy to knock a pane out, turn the lock and get right in.
Make sure all windows have locks that work. Make sure any sliding glass doors are the kind that can't be lifted out from the outside to break in. Make sure there is a lock on it, and putting a cut off broom stick or piece of wood in the track when not home or at night is additional safety.
I prefer an apartment that has outside access. No hallways or stair cases. My knees wouldn't handle the steps well, and hallways can hide people who might be up to no good. Apartments with your own separate entrance/porch seem safer to me.
If you drive, where is parking? Many apartments here are being built like duplexes, with driveways and your own garage, that when you pull in, you can enter your home from directly inside your own garage, after you put the door down with the remote, from the safety of the inside of your car.
If outside parking is all that is available, is it right near your door, and is there adequate lighting in the lot at night? Are there assigned spots to ensure you get one close the the building/door?
Consider the area for crime, public transportation stops, and proximity to shopping or other things you need or use (doctors, hospitals, jobs, church, etc.).
Your area may have lots to choose from or the market may be very tight, but look at lots of places if you can. Consider places that seem out of your financial reach, as sometimes they can be a better deal, as around here, some places pay a lot more of your utilities. Most here cover water/sewer, and trash. Some though pay all utilities, except phone and cable. So while that may seem to cost a lot, not having to pay utilities (especially heating/cooling) may actually make it the same monthly expense, or even less than a cheaper apartment where the utilities will run high because of lack of insulation or storm/insulated windows.
Many older apartment buildings haven't been updated and the insulation, windows and doors aren't energy efficient, and when paying utilities can add a lot to your monthly expenses.
Read the lease carefully before signing. You don't want surprises after the fact. Know before hand what you can and can't have or do.
Consider if you want a nice outside space. A deck or patio and some yard or will something more like a high rise building more suited to you? Here many apartments are now first floor only, have nice patios and porches or even small decks out back. It is more like a tiny house than a traditional apartment.
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