When planning any journey, you need to guarantee that wherever you’re going is secure. So, is Jacksonville secure? After visiting town for 5 years and residing right here full-time for a yr, I can let you know that Jacksonville is a wonderfully secure place to go to for vacationers. Similar to all large cities, you simply must know which areas to go to and which areas to keep away from in Jacksonville.
In accordance with U.S. Information, Jacksonville was ranked #16 on the “Greatest Locations to Stay” in america. It’s actually a phenomenal metropolis with heaps to supply, many nice areas to remain, and an nearly infinite checklist of issues to do. Right here’s a bit extra about Daring Metropolis and its total security.
Is Jacksonville Secure For Guests?
General, vacationers don’t want to fret about their security in Jacksonville. Locations that vacationers go to, like downtown and the seashore areas, are completely secure and are identified for his or her low crime charges.
The climate is usually a bit intense throughout the wet months (August and September), so correct journey planning is unquestionably suggested. Flights will be delayed and highway journey is perhaps harmful at occasions, nevertheless, inclement climate often passes pretty rapidly in Jacksonville.
I really like residing in Jacksonville and have by no means felt that my security was in jeopardy. Vacationers ought to really feel assured that theirs gained’t both.
Climate In Jacksonville
The climate in Jacksonville varies enormously from season to season. Most individuals suppose Florida is heat all yr spherical, and whereas the summers are sizzling and humid, the winters are literally fairly cool. In reality, over the course of a yr, the temperature varies from 46 to 95 levels.
Count on heavy downpours and thunderstorms throughout the sizzling summer time months, and crisp, shiny days throughout the winter months. No matter season you determine to go to Jacksonville, it’s all the time lovely and there’s all the time a enjoyable exercise to do.
The factor I really like essentially the most about residing in Jacksonville is that simply once you’ve had sufficient sunshine, you get reduction from a little bit little bit of rain earlier than the solar returns. It’s a subtropical local weather (in contrast to the tropical climates in Miami or Tampa) which I personally discover to be splendid.
SEE ALSO: Greatest Time To Visit Jacksonville, Florida (By a Metropolis Native)
Hazardous Climate and Pure Disasters
Jacksonville can expertise extreme storms from late Might to September. Heavy rainfall, lightning, damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes are doable. July by means of September is the height of the moist and stormy season.
In September of 1964, Hurricane Dora precipitated 14 inches of rain that resulted in horrific flooding across the metropolis of Jacksonville. Nonetheless, the worst storm to hit Jacksonville was Tropical Storm Irma in September of 2017. The St. Johns River flooded to historic ranges, placing Jacksonville and Jax Seaside underwater.
Hurricane Season in Jacksonville
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, nevertheless, the season usually peaks between mid-August and late October. Fortunately, as a result of Jacksonville’s location, hurricanes and tropical storms are likely to miss town, and vital harm is often prevented. The 2 storms talked about above are the largest to hit town in over 100 years.
Issues to Know About Security in Jacksonville
Security for guests and residents in Jacksonville is usually not a priority. General, for giant cities, Jacksonville is a secure metropolis to go to – after all, as with every giant metropolis, sure areas must be prevented. After 5 years of spending time within the metropolis, I’ve by no means felt unsafe within the locations and areas I frequent.
Since Jacksonville is a serious metropolis, guests must do their analysis and know which locations are secure and which areas must be prevented. Practically all vacationer and standard sights, occasions, and eating places are situated in secure areas of Jacksonville.
Crime in Jacksonville
The statistics for crime and security in Jacksonville are a little bit putting and aren’t a correct illustration of the favored vacationer spots of town. Nonetheless, as a result of excessive crime in sure areas, the numbers is usually a bit alarming. Any guests ought to all the time full their very own thorough analysis earlier than selecting which neighborhood to remain in.
In accordance with Neighborhood Scout, Jacksonville was given a complete crime index of 8, which implies it’s safer than 8% of U.S. neighborhoods. The crime charge is roughly 33.76 (per 1,000 residents) with 6.87 being violent crimes. Compared, the violent crime charge within the U.S. is roughly 5.6.
CrimeGrade.org offers Jacksonville against the law grade of “C,” which is across the identical common as different main U.S. cities. Additionally they place Jacksonville within the 45th percentile for security which implies 55% of cities can be thought-about safer and 45% of cities are extra harmful.
Jacksonville Security Ideas
Regardless of the figures above, there are numerous secure areas in Jacksonville and methods to make sure your security and luxury whereas visiting town. In 2021, town noticed a 28% drop in violent crime and the sheriff’s workplace is working to make sure these numbers go down yearly.
I’ve explored Jacksonville from prime to backside, and its surrounding areas as nicely, so I’ve been in a position to get a great gauge of which neighborhoods are the most secure. Listed here are some insights and tips on security in Jacksonville that I’ve gathered over time.
Secure Neighborhoods and Areas in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a large, sprawling metropolis with dozens of neighborhoods. Throughout the Jax metropolis limits, there are additionally a number of very secure neighborhoods. These are the highest three most secure areas in Jacksonville.
Eagle Bend: The small, quiet space of Eagle Bend is by far the most secure neighborhood in Jacksonville, boasting against the law charge 94% decrease than town’s common. It’s a phenomenal neighborhood surrounded by nature and it’s additionally very inexpensive.
Ortega Forest: With against the law charge 81% decrease than the Jacksonville common, the prosperous space of Ortega Forest on the west aspect of town may be very secure. It’s one of many wealthiest neighborhoods within the metropolis the place you’ll discover riverfront mansions constructed within the 1900s.
Girvin: One of many most secure seashore cities in Jacksonville is Girvin. Its crime charge is 77% decrease than town’s common which makes it fairly attractive. The realm is standard with the youthful crowd and has a energetic nightlife scene.
Widespread Scams in Jacksonville
Fortunately, there aren’t many tourist-related scams in Jacksonville, nevertheless, Florida ranks because the second-worst state for rip-off victims and Jacksonville ranks because the 10th-worst metropolis for potential rip-off victims. Sadly, many of those scams goal senior residents.
Electronic mail Scams: Electronic mail scams are frequent within the Jacksonville space. Potential victims will obtain an electronic mail disguised as a supply service equivalent to USPS, FedEx, or UPS. They trick you by saying a bundle is delayed and encourage you to click on a hyperlink then present private info or ship cash.
Telephone Scams: Scams by way of textual content or cell telephones are quite common in Jacksonville. One disturbing rip-off is when the scammer calls a possible sufferer, asks “Are you able to hear me?” and data the decision. They then use your response of “sure” or “no” to try to enroll in providers that solely require a verbal settlement.
LGBTQ+ Security
Jacksonville has a vibrant LGBTQ+ group, nevertheless, a 2017 research confirmed that 75% of lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender adults in Northeast Florida skilled threats, power disrespect, and harassment due to their gender or sexual orientation.
The outcomes of the research can be utilized in grant-making choices and the implementation of Jacksonville’s Human Rights Ordinance. This ordinance prohibits discrimination primarily based on race, intercourse, sexual orientation, and gender identification. Presently, Florida has no such nondiscrimination legal guidelines.
Ingesting Water Security
The faucet water in Jacksonville is completely secure to drink. The JEA (the native water utility) says they take a look at the water greater than 50,000 occasions per yr. Though it’s secure to drink, some declare that it has an disagreeable style in areas of town and locals have expressed emotions that extra may very well be completed to purify the water.
If you happen to’d like extra particulars on the water’s take a look at outcomes, the JEA releases Water High quality Reviews yearly. You can obtain studies courting again ten years.
Put together For Jacksonville’s Climate
Relying on once you go to, Jacksonville’s climate will be unpredictable at occasions. I’ve realized a couple of ideas whereas residing in Jacksonville and I’m very happy to share them with you.
All the time have an additional layer within the automobile: Retaining a sweatshirt or hoodie within the automobile is one thing I all the time do now. In the summertime, it’s extraordinarily sizzling, so that you’ll probably be carrying shorts and a tank prime, however many eating places and bars are blasting their A/C and I find yourself freezing. In the course of the winter, it is perhaps sunny and 65 at midday however clouds can rapidly roll in inflicting the temperature to drop to lows of 55. In each instances, the additional layer is a savior.
By no means depart dwelling with out sunscreen and bug spray: Florida is generally sunny all yr spherical, so making sunscreen part of your each day routine is essential – not solely once you’re on the seashore. I counsel you to maintain bug spray in your bag as nicely; throughout the humid summer time months, the mosquitos and different bugs will be brutal.
A small umbrella is a giant funding: Thunderstorms and heavy downpours can seem out of nowhere in Jacksonville. One minute it’s sunny, and the following, you might be soaked. I wish to preserve a small umbrella in my bag throughout the wet season… simply in case.
Be Conscious of Your Environment
Irrespective of the place you journey, it’s all the time vital to pay attention to your environment. Even within the most secure areas of Jacksonville, it’s greatest to maintain your senses sharp always. By no means stroll with earbuds, don’t stroll alone at night time, and put on a cross-body bag as a substitute of an over-the-shoulder bag.
Keep Close to Well-liked Sights
When staying close to standard places, you are typically in safer and lower-crime areas. Locations like Jacksonville Seaside (and surrounding seashore cities), San Marco, or Southside are nice choices for secure neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
Depart Valuables at Dwelling
Though the possibilities of theft in your go to to Jacksonville are extraordinarily low, it’s all the time clever to depart costly or sentimental valuables at dwelling. Issues like rings, designer purses, or laptops are typically gadgets which are focused for theft.
Plan Forward
Having a recreation plan is all the time a good suggestion when touring. “Is it secure in Jacksonville?” is a query that shouldn’t play in your thoughts throughout your go to. That’s why analysis and planning are important earlier than reserving any flights or lodging.
Dangers & Warnings in Jacksonville
- OVERALL RISK: Medium
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: Low
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: Low
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: Medium
- MUGGING RISK: Medium
- TERRORISM RISK: Medium
- SCAMS RISK: Low
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: Medium
- TAP WATER RISK: Low
Security Information to Locations in Jacksonville
Realizing which neighborhoods and areas are secure and which of them are harmful will preserve you out of hurt’s manner once you go to Jax. Beneath, you’ll discover lists of secure and harmful areas in Jacksonville.
Most secure Locations to Visit in Jacksonville
Security is all the time a precedence once you’re touring. E-book your lodge or guesthouse within the neighborhoods beneath, and also you’ll have the ability to relaxation nicely at night time.
Eagle Bend: As talked about above, Eagle Bend is by far the most secure neighborhood in Jacksonville. Its crime charge is 94% decrease than town’s. The one draw back is that it’s fairly removed from town heart – touring in will take over half an hour.
Isle of Palms: Simply exterior of Jacksonville Seaside is the attractive neighborhood of Isle of Palms. Boasting waterfront properties and a world-class hospital, this space’s crime charge is 76% decrease than town’s.
Cobblestone: The walkable neighborhood of Cobblestone in Northeast Jacksonville is extremely secure. Its crime charge is 80% decrease than town’s.
Locations to Keep away from in Jacksonville
Like some other main metropolis, there are some harmful areas in Jacksonville, however high-crime neighborhoods should not the place a typical vacationer would go to. Downtown and the seashores are very secure. Listed here are a few of the worst neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
29th and Chase: The neighborhood (not an intersection) of 29th and Chase is an space that must be prevented. Situated in North Jacksonville, it has against the law charge that’s shockingly 402% increased than the nationwide common. This space makes up a bulk of Jacksonville’s crime.
East Jacksonville: With against the law charge 372% increased than the nationwide common, the world of East Jacksonville isn’t a spot you need to enterprise to. The variety of crimes dedicated is simply shy of 29th and Chase.
Mid-West Facet: One other harmful neighborhood in Jacksonville is the Mid-West Facet. The crime charge is 379% increased than the nationwide common.
Often Requested Questions About Jacksonville Security
I’ve explored the neighborhoods, talked to long-time locals, and realized rather a lot about Jacksonville security. Listed here are some frequent questions individuals are likely to have.
Jacksonville’s crime charge is increased than the nationwide common, nevertheless, the high-crime areas should not in areas of curiosity or standard vacationer sights. Neighborhoods which are frequent for vacationers to go to are very secure.
The dangerous areas in Jacksonville are 29th & Chase, East Jacksonville, and the Mid-West Facet.
In secure, tourist-centric neighborhoods, it’s okay to stroll at night time. It’s all the time greatest to train warning and solely stroll throughout the day or all the time have somebody with you for those who’re strolling within the night. In sure, extra harmful areas of Jacksonville, it could not be thought-about secure to stroll at night time.
Relying on the neighborhood, Jacksonville is secure for solo vacationers. Areas like Jacksonville Seaside, Neptune Seaside, Avondale, and Mandarin are very secure neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is secure at night time in lots of areas, particularly the seashore cities. Mandarin, Avondale, and the Southside are all very secure at night time.
Keep away from high-crime areas like 29th & Chase, East Jacksonville, and the Mid-West Facet.
Sure, Jacksonville is secure for households. Seaside cities and San Marco are nice choices for households.
Jacksonville is safer than Miami. The violent crime charge of Jacksonville is 33.9 whereas Miami’s is 48.8.
The most secure a part of Jacksonville is Eagle Bend in North Jacksonville. Different secure areas embody East Arlington, Isle of Palms, Girvin, and Mandarin.
New York Metropolis is safer than Jacksonville. The violent crime charge of Jacksonville is 33.9 whereas New York’s is 28.2.
The a part of Jacksonville that’s the most harmful known as 29th & Chase. Different unsafe areas embody East Jacksonville and the Mid-West Facet.
The most secure a part of Jacksonville known as Eagle Bend, about 30 minutes north of downtown. Different secure areas embody the seashore cities, Southside, and Mandarin.
Jacksonville’s crime charge is increased than the nationwide common. Violent crime in Jacksonville is 33.9 whereas the nationwide common is 22.7.
Ultimate Ideas – Is Jacksonville Actually Secure?
So, is Jacksonville secure? All in all, Jacksonville is a superb and secure metropolis for vacationers to go to and for individuals to dwell in. Though the information is alarming, it’s vital to understand that nearly all of crime is happening in particular areas of Jacksonville. Many neighborhoods are very secure and are perfect for a trip, a getaway, or an evening out.
I’ve beloved residing in Jacksonville for the previous yr. I’m repeatedly discovering so many hidden gems throughout town and have by no means felt unsafe within the locations I frequent. If you happen to’re planning a go to or pondering of constructing a transfer to town, your security in Jacksonville doesn’t should be a fear or concern.