Today the Borders is best known for its wonderful landscapes, historic connections, summer festivals and friendly locals, though it is sadly often overlooked by tourists who often drive through the area to head to Edinburgh or further north.
Many people speak localised Scots in this area, but you are unlikely to have any problems communicating as locals will be more than happy to speak in clear English to you.
An interesting feature of the Borders is that the natives of each town, especially the older residents, often speak completely differently to each other. For example people from the town of Hawick speak a vastly different way from those in surrounding towns such as Selkirk or neighbouring Langholm. Again there should not be any problems communicating as all people will gladly speak clearly and in plain English once they understand that you are not local.
The crime rate is very low in the Borders and the chances of you seeing any during the daytime are next to none. Of course this does not mean there is no crime. It is advisable to be sensible when out at night, avoid large groups of youngsters hanging about street corners, they are very unlikely to approach you or communicate, but it is best to be safe by walking on the other side of the road.