When planning any journey, you wish to make it possible for wherever you’re going is secure. So, is Jacksonville secure? After visiting town for 5 years and dwelling 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 huge cities, you simply must know which areas to go to and which areas to keep away from in Jacksonville.
In response to U.S. Information, Jacksonville was ranked #16 on the “Finest Locations to Stay” within the United States. It’s really an exquisite metropolis with heaps to supply, many nice areas to remain, and an nearly infinite record of issues to do. Right here’s a bit extra about Daring Metropolis and its general security.
Is Jacksonville Protected For Guests?
Total, 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 recognized for his or her low crime charges.
The climate could be 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 likely to be harmful at instances, nevertheless, inclement climate often passes pretty rapidly in Jacksonville.
I like dwelling 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 scorching and humid, the winters are literally fairly cool. Actually, over the course of a yr, the temperature varies from 46 to 95 levels.
Count on heavy downpours and thunderstorms throughout the scorching summer time months, and crisp, shiny days throughout the winter months. No matter season you resolve to go to Jacksonville, it’s at all times lovely and there’s at all times a enjoyable exercise to do.
The factor I like essentially the most about dwelling in Jacksonville is that simply once you’ve had sufficient sunshine, you get reduction from somewhat little bit of rain earlier than the solar returns. It’s a subtropical local weather (not like the tropical climates in Miami or Tampa) which I personally discover to be very best.
SEE ALSO: Finest Time To Go to 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 potential. July by September is the height of the moist and stormy season.
In September of 1964, Hurricane Dora brought on 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 thirtieth, nevertheless, the season typically peaks between mid-August and late October. Fortunately, because of Jacksonville’s location, hurricanes and tropical storms are inclined to miss town, and important harm is often averted. The 2 storms talked about above are the greatest 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. Total, for giant cities, Jacksonville is a secure metropolis to go to – after all, as with every giant metropolis, sure areas must be averted. 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 averted. Practically all vacationer and fashionable sights, occasions, and eating places are positioned in secure areas of Jacksonville.
Crime in Jacksonville
The statistics for crime and security in Jacksonville are somewhat placing and aren’t a correct illustration of the favored vacationer spots of town. Nonetheless, because of excessive crime in sure areas, the numbers could be a bit alarming. Any guests ought to at all times full their very own thorough analysis earlier than selecting which neighborhood to remain in.
In response to Neighborhood Scout, Jacksonville was given a complete crime index of 8, which suggests it’s safer than 8% of U.S. neighborhoods. The crime fee is roughly 33.76 (per 1,000 residents) with 6.87 being violent crimes. As compared, the violent crime fee within the U.S. is roughly 5.6.
CrimeGrade.org provides Jacksonville a criminal offense grade of “C,” which is across the similar common as different main U.S. cities. Additionally they place Jacksonville within the forty fifth percentile for security which suggests 55% of cities can be thought of safer and 45% of cities are extra harmful.
Jacksonville Security Suggestions
Regardless of the figures above, there are a lot of 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 effectively, so I’ve been in a position to get a very good gauge of which neighborhoods are the most secure. Listed below are some insights and tips on security in Jacksonville that I’ve gathered through the years.
Protected Neighborhoods and Areas in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a large, sprawling metropolis with dozens of neighborhoods. Throughout the Jax metropolis limits, there are additionally numerous 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 a criminal offense fee 94% decrease than town’s common. It’s an exquisite neighborhood surrounded by nature and it’s additionally very reasonably priced.
Ortega Forest: With a criminal offense fee 81% decrease than the Jacksonville common, the prosperous space of Ortega Forest on the west facet of town could 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 fee is 77% decrease than town’s common which makes it fairly engaging. The realm is fashionable with the youthful crowd and has a vigorous 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 Tenth-worst metropolis for potential rip-off victims. Sadly, many of those scams goal senior residents.
E-mail Scams: E-mail scams are widespread within the Jacksonville space. Potential victims will obtain an e mail disguised as a supply service corresponding 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 data or ship cash.
Cellphone Scams: Scams through 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, persistent disrespect, and harassment due to their gender or sexual orientation.
The outcomes of the research might 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 id. At present, Florida has no such nondiscrimination legal guidelines.
Consuming Water Security
The faucet water in Jacksonville is completely secure to drink. The JEA (the native water utility) says they check the water greater than 50,000 instances per yr. Although 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 carried out to purify the water.
In the event you’d like extra particulars on the water’s check outcomes, the JEA releases Water High quality Reviews yearly. You possibly can obtain stories relationship again ten years.
Put together For Jacksonville’s Climate
Relying on once you go to, Jacksonville’s climate will be unpredictable at instances. I’ve discovered just a few ideas whereas dwelling in Jacksonville and I’m very happy to share them with you.
At all times have an additional layer within the automobile: Preserving a sweatshirt or hoodie within the automobile is one thing I at all times do now. In the summertime, it’s extraordinarily scorching, so that you’ll more than likely be sporting shorts and a tank prime, however many eating places and bars are blasting their A/C and I find yourself freezing. Throughout the winter, it is likely to be 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 go away house with out sunscreen and bug spray: Florida is usually sunny all yr spherical, so making sunscreen part of your every day routine is essential – not solely once you’re on the seashore. I counsel you to maintain bug spray in your bag as effectively; throughout the humid summer time months, the mosquitos and different bugs will be brutal.
A small umbrella is an enormous funding: Thunderstorms and heavy downpours can seem out of nowhere in Jacksonville. One minute it’s sunny, and the subsequent, you may be soaked. I prefer to preserve a small umbrella in my bag throughout the wet season… simply in case.
Be Conscious of Your Environment
Regardless of the place you journey, it’s at all times vital to concentrate on your environment. Even within the most secure areas of Jacksonville, it’s finest to maintain your senses sharp always. By no means stroll with earbuds, don’t stroll alone at evening, and put on a cross-body bag as a substitute of an over-the-shoulder bag.
Keep Close to Fashionable Points of interest
When staying close to fashionable places, you are usually 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.
Go away Valuables at Residence
Though the probabilities of theft in your go to to Jacksonville are extraordinarily low, it’s at all times clever to depart costly or sentimental valuables at house. Issues like rings, designer purses, or laptops are usually gadgets which can be focused for theft.
Plan Forward
Having a recreation plan is at all times 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 means once you go to Jax. Beneath, you’ll discover lists of secure and harmful areas in Jacksonville.
Most secure Locations to Go to in Jacksonville
Security is at all times 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 effectively at evening.
Eagle Bend: As talked about above, Eagle Bend is by far the most secure neighborhood in Jacksonville. Its crime fee is 94% decrease than town’s. The one draw back is that it’s fairly removed from town middle – touring in will take over half an hour.
Isle of Palms: Simply exterior of Jacksonville Seaside is the gorgeous neighborhood of Isle of Palms. Boasting waterfront properties and a world-class hospital, this space’s crime fee is 76% decrease than town’s.
Cobblestone: The walkable neighborhood of Cobblestone in Northeast Jacksonville is extremely secure. Its crime fee is 80% decrease than town’s.
Locations to Keep away from in Jacksonville
Like another main metropolis, there are some harmful areas in Jacksonville, however high-crime neighborhoods usually are not the place a typical vacationer would go to. Downtown and the seashores are very secure. Listed below are a number of the worst neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
twenty ninth and Chase: The neighborhood (not an intersection) of twenty ninth and Chase is an space that must be averted. Situated in North Jacksonville, it has a criminal offense fee that’s shockingly 402% increased than the nationwide common. This space makes up a bulk of Jacksonville’s crime.
East Jacksonville: With a criminal offense fee 372% increased than the nationwide common, the world of East Jacksonville isn’t a spot you wish to enterprise to. The variety of crimes dedicated is simply shy of twenty ninth and Chase.
Mid-West Facet: One other harmful neighborhood in Jacksonville is the Mid-West Facet. The crime fee is 379% increased than the nationwide common.
Continuously Requested Questions About Jacksonville Security
I’ve explored the neighborhoods, talked to long-time locals, and discovered quite a bit about Jacksonville security. Listed below are some widespread questions folks are inclined to have.
Jacksonville’s crime fee is increased than the nationwide common, nevertheless, the high-crime areas usually are not in areas of curiosity or fashionable vacationer sights. Neighborhoods which can be widespread for vacationers to go to are very secure.
The dangerous areas in Jacksonville are twenty ninth & Chase, East Jacksonville, and the Mid-West Facet.
In secure, tourist-centric neighborhoods, it’s okay to stroll at evening. It’s at all times finest to train warning and solely stroll throughout the day or at all times have somebody with you should you’re strolling within the night. In sure, extra harmful areas of Jacksonville, it might not be thought of secure to stroll at evening.
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 evening in lots of areas, particularly the seashore cities. Mandarin, Avondale, and the Southside are all very secure at evening.
Keep away from high-crime areas like twenty ninth & 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 fee 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 embrace East Arlington, Isle of Palms, Girvin, and Mandarin.
New York Metropolis is safer than Jacksonville. The violent crime fee of Jacksonville is 33.9 whereas New York’s is 28.2.
The a part of Jacksonville that’s the most harmful is known as twenty ninth & Chase. Different unsafe areas embrace East Jacksonville and the Mid-West Facet.
The most secure a part of Jacksonville is known as Eagle Bend, about half-hour north of downtown. Different secure areas embrace the seashore cities, Southside, and Mandarin.
Jacksonville’s crime fee is increased than the nationwide common. Violent crime in Jacksonville is 33.9 whereas the nationwide common is 22.7.
Ultimate Ideas – Is Jacksonville Really Protected?
So, is Jacksonville secure? All in all, Jacksonville is a superb and secure metropolis for vacationers to go to and for folks to stay in. Although the info is alarming, it’s vital to needless to say nearly all of crime is going on in particular areas of Jacksonville. Many neighborhoods are very secure and are perfect for a trip, a getaway, or an evening out.
I’ve liked dwelling in Jacksonville for the previous yr. I’m constantly discovering so many hidden gems throughout town and have by no means felt unsafe within the locations I frequent. In the event you’re planning a go to or considering of creating a transfer to town, your security in Jacksonville doesn’t should be a fear or concern.
