When planning any journey, you wish to ensure that wherever you’re going is protected. So, is Jacksonville protected? After visiting town for 5 years and dwelling right here full-time for a yr, I can let you know that Jacksonville is a superbly protected place to go to for vacationers. Identical to all large cities, you simply must know which areas to go to and which areas to keep away from in Jacksonville.
In line with U.S. News, Jacksonville was ranked #16 on the “Finest Locations to Dwell” within the United States. It’s really a ravishing metropolis with heaps to supply, many nice areas to stay, and an nearly limitless checklist of things to do. Right here’s a bit extra about Daring Metropolis and its general 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 seaside areas, are completely protected and are recognized for his or her low crime charges.
The climate generally is a bit intense through the wet months (August and September), so correct journey planning is certainly suggested. Flights will be delayed and highway journey may be harmful at occasions, nevertheless, inclement climate normally passes pretty shortly 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 weather in Jacksonville varies vastly 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. The truth is, over the course of a yr, the temperature varies from 46 to 95 levels.
Anticipate heavy downpours and thunderstorms through the scorching summer time months, and crisp, vivid days through the winter months. No matter season you determine to go to Jacksonville, it’s all the time stunning and there’s all the time a enjoyable exercise to do.
The factor I like essentially the most about dwelling in Jacksonville is that simply if 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 superb.
SEE ALSO: Best Time To Visit Jacksonville, Florida (By a City Local)
Hazardous Climate and Pure Disasters
Jacksonville can expertise extreme storms from late Could 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. Nevertheless, 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 likely to miss town, and important harm is normally averted. The 2 storms talked about above are the biggest to hit the city 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 protected metropolis to go to – in fact, as with every giant metropolis, certain areas should be avoided. 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 protected and which areas needs to be averted. Almost all vacationer and standard sights, occasions, and restaurants are positioned in protected 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. Nevertheless, because of excessive crime in sure areas, the numbers generally is a bit alarming. Any guests ought to all the time full their very own thorough analysis earlier than selecting which neighborhood to stay in.
In line with Neighborhood Scout, Jacksonville was given a complete crime index of 8, which suggests it’s safer than 8% of U.S. neighborhoods. The crime price is roughly 33.76 (per 1,000 residents) with 6.87 being violent crimes. Compared, the violent crime rate in the U.S. is roughly 5.6.
CrimeGrade.org provides Jacksonville against the law grade of “C,” which is across the identical common as different main U.S. cities. In addition they place Jacksonville within the forty fifth percentile for security which suggests 55% of cities could be thought of safer and 45% of cities are extra harmful.
Jacksonville Security Suggestions
Regardless of the figures above, there are numerous protected 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 properly, 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 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 numerous very protected 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 price 94% lower than town’s common. It’s a ravishing neighborhood surrounded by nature and it’s additionally very reasonably priced.
Ortega Forest: With against the law price 81% lower than the Jacksonville common, the prosperous space of Ortega Forest on the west facet of town may be very protected. 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 seaside cities in Jacksonville is Girvin. Its crime price is 77% lower than town’s common which makes it fairly engaging. The realm is standard 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 10th-worst city for potential rip-off victims. Sadly, many of those scams goal senior residents.
Electronic mail Scams: Electronic mail scams are widespread within the Jacksonville space. Potential victims will obtain an e mail disguised as a supply service resembling USPS, FedEx, or UPS. They trick you by saying a package deal 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 scam is when the scammer calls a possible sufferer, asks “Are you able to hear me?” and information the decision. They then use your response of “sure” or “no” to try to join providers that solely require a verbal settlement.
LGBTQ+ Security
Jacksonville has a vibrant LGBTQ+ group, nevertheless, a 2017 study 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 results of the study can be utilized in grant-making selections and the implementation of Jacksonville’s Human Rights Ordinance. This ordinance prohibits discrimination based mostly 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 protected to drink. The JEA (the local water utility) says they check the water greater than 50,000 occasions per yr. Regardless that it’s protected 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.
In case you’d like extra particulars on the water’s check outcomes, the JEA releases Water High quality Studies yearly. You’ll be able to download reports courting again ten years.
Put together For Jacksonville’s Climate
Relying on if you go to, Jacksonville’s climate will be unpredictable at occasions. I’ve realized a couple of suggestions whereas dwelling in Jacksonville and I’m more than pleased to share them with you.
All the time have an additional layer within the automobile: Maintaining a sweatshirt or hoodie within the automobile is one thing I all the time do now. In the summertime, it’s extraordinarily scorching, so that you’ll most certainly be carrying shorts and a tank prime, however many eating places and bars are blasting their A/C and I find yourself freezing. Through the winter, it may be sunny and 65 at midday however clouds can shortly 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 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 if you’re on the seaside. I counsel you to maintain bug spray in your bag as properly; through 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 following, you possibly can be soaked. I wish to hold a small umbrella in my bag through the wet season… simply in case.
Be Conscious of Your Environment
Regardless of the place you journey, it’s all the time vital to concentrate on 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 an alternative of an over-the-shoulder bag.
Keep Close to Standard Points of interest
When staying close to standard areas, you are typically in safer and lower-crime areas. Locations like Jacksonville Beach (and surrounding seaside cities), San Marco, or Southside are nice choices for protected neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
Depart Valuables at Residence
Though the possibilities of theft in your go to to Jacksonville are extraordinarily low, it’s all the time sensible to go away costly or sentimental valuables at dwelling. Issues like rings, designer purses, or laptops are typically gadgets which might be focused for theft.
Plan Forward
Having a sport plan is all the time a good suggestion when touring. “Is it protected 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
Understanding which neighborhoods and areas are protected and which of them are harmful will hold you out of hurt’s approach if you go to Jax. Beneath, you’ll discover lists of protected and harmful areas in Jacksonville.
Most secure Locations to Go to in Jacksonville
Security is all the time a precedence if you’re touring. Ebook your resort or guesthouse within the neighborhoods beneath, and also you’ll be capable of relaxation properly at night time.
Eagle Bend: As talked about above, Eagle Bend is by far the most secure neighborhood in Jacksonville. Its crime price is 94% lower 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 houses and a world-class hospital, this space’s crime price is 76% lower than town’s.
Cobblestone: The walkable neighborhood of Cobblestone in Northeast Jacksonville is extremely protected. Its crime price is 80% lower than town’s.
Locations to Keep away from in Jacksonville
Like every other main metropolis, there are some harmful areas in Jacksonville, however high-crime neighborhoods are usually not the place a typical vacationer would go to. Downtown and the seashores are very protected. Listed below are a few of the worst neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
twenty ninth and Chase: The neighborhood (not an intersection) of twenty ninth and Chase is an space that needs to be averted. Situated in North Jacksonville, it has against the law price that’s shockingly 402% higher than the nationwide common. This space makes up a bulk of Jacksonville’s crime.
East Jacksonville: With against the law price 372% higher 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 price is 379% higher than the nationwide common.
Incessantly Requested Questions About Jacksonville Security
I’ve explored the neighborhoods, talked to long-time locals, and realized quite a bit about Jacksonville security. Listed below are some widespread questions folks are likely to have.
Jacksonville’s crime price is larger than the nationwide common, nevertheless, the high-crime areas are usually not in areas of curiosity or standard vacationer sights. Neighborhoods which might be widespread for vacationers to go to are very protected.
The unhealthy areas in Jacksonville are twenty ninth & Chase, East Jacksonville, and the Mid-West Facet.
In protected, tourist-centric neighborhoods, it’s okay to stroll at night time. It’s all the time greatest to train warning and solely stroll through the day or all the time have somebody with you in case you’re strolling within the night. In sure, extra harmful areas of Jacksonville, it will not be thought of protected to stroll at night time.
Relying on the neighborhood, Jacksonville is protected for solo vacationers. Areas like Jacksonville Seaside, Neptune Seaside, Avondale, and Mandarin are very protected neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is protected at night time in lots of areas, particularly the seaside cities. Mandarin, Avondale, and the Southside are all very protected at night time.
Keep away from high-crime areas like twenty ninth & Chase, East Jacksonville, and the Mid-West Facet.
Sure, Jacksonville is protected for households. Seaside cities and San Marco are nice choices for households.
Jacksonville is safer than Miami. The violent crime rate 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 protected areas embody East Arlington, Isle of Palms, Girvin, and Mandarin.
New York Metropolis is safer than Jacksonville. The violent crime rate of Jacksonville is 33.9 whereas New York’s is 28.2.
The a part of Jacksonville that’s the most harmful is named twenty ninth & Chase. Different unsafe areas embody East Jacksonville and the Mid-West Facet.
The most secure a part of Jacksonville is named Eagle Bend, about half-hour north of downtown. Different protected areas embody the seaside cities, Southside, and Mandarin.
Jacksonville’s crime price is larger 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 protected? All in all, Jacksonville is an excellent and protected metropolis for vacationers to go to and for folks to reside in. Regardless that the information 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 protected and are perfect for a trip, a getaway, or an evening out.
I’ve beloved dwelling 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. In case you’re planning a go to or considering of constructing a transfer to town, your security in Jacksonville doesn’t need to be a fear or concern.
