When planning any journey, you wish to ensure that wherever you’re going is protected. So, is Jacksonville protected? After visiting the town for 5 years and residing right here full-time for a yr, I can inform you that Jacksonville is a superbly protected place to go to for vacationers. Identical to all massive cities, you simply must know which areas to go to and which areas to keep away from in Jacksonville.
In line with U.S. Information, Jacksonville was ranked #16 on the “Greatest Locations to Dwell” within the United States. It’s really a phenomenal metropolis with tons to supply, many nice areas to remain, and an virtually countless record 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 protected and are recognized for his or her low crime charges.
The climate is usually a bit intense in the course of the wet months (August and September), so correct journey planning is certainly suggested. Flights may be delayed and street journey is perhaps harmful at instances, nevertheless, inclement climate often passes pretty shortly in Jacksonville.
I like residing in Jacksonville and have by no means felt that my security was in jeopardy. Vacationers ought to really feel assured that theirs received’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 actual fact, over the course of a yr, the temperature varies from 46 to 95 levels.
Anticipate heavy downpours and thunderstorms in the course of the sizzling summer season months, and crisp, vibrant days in the course of the winter months. No matter season you resolve 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 probably the most about residing in Jacksonville is that simply if you’ve had sufficient sunshine, you get aid from somewhat 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 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 doable. July by way of 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 Seashore 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, as a result of Jacksonville’s location, hurricanes and tropical storms are inclined to miss the town, and important injury is often prevented. The 2 storms talked about above are the largest to hit the town in over 100 years.
Issues to Know About Security in Jacksonville
Security for guests and residents in Jacksonville is mostly not a priority. General, for giant cities, Jacksonville is a protected metropolis to go to – in fact, as with every giant metropolis, sure areas ought to 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 protected and which areas ought to be prevented. Practically all vacationer and well-liked points of interest, occasions, and eating places are situated in protected areas of Jacksonville.
Crime in Jacksonville
The statistics for crime and security in Jacksonville are somewhat putting and aren’t a correct illustration of the favored vacationer spots of the 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 line 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. As compared, the violent crime charge 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 implies 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 numerous protected areas in Jacksonville and methods to make sure your security and luxury whereas visiting the town. In 2021, the 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 high to backside, and its surrounding areas as properly, so I’ve been in a position to get an excellent 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 plenty of 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 a criminal offense charge 94% decrease than the town’s common. It’s a phenomenal neighborhood surrounded by nature and it’s additionally very reasonably priced.
Ortega Forest: With a criminal offense charge 81% decrease than the Jacksonville common, the prosperous space of Ortega Forest on the west aspect of the 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 seashore cities in Jacksonville is Girvin. Its crime charge is 77% decrease than the town’s common which makes it fairly attractive. The world is well-liked with the youthful crowd and has a energetic nightlife scene.
Frequent 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 frequent within the Jacksonville space. Potential victims will obtain an e-mail disguised as a supply service akin to 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 info or ship cash.
Cellphone 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 information the decision. They then use your response of “sure” or “no” to try to enroll in companies that solely require a verbal settlement.
LGBTQ+ Security
Jacksonville has a vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood, 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 will likely be utilized in grant-making selections and the implementation of Jacksonville’s Human Rights Ordinance. This ordinance prohibits discrimination primarily based on race, intercourse, sexual orientation, and gender identification. At the moment, Florida has no such nondiscrimination legal guidelines.
Ingesting Water Security
The faucet water in Jacksonville is completely protected to drink. The JEA (the native water utility) says they check the water greater than 50,000 instances per yr. Regardless that it’s protected to drink, some declare that it has an disagreeable style in areas of the town and locals have expressed emotions that extra could possibly be carried out to purify the water.
When you’d like extra particulars on the water’s check outcomes, the JEA releases Water High quality Reviews yearly. You possibly can obtain reviews relationship again ten years.
Put together For Jacksonville’s Climate
Relying on if you go to, Jacksonville’s climate may be unpredictable at instances. I’ve realized just a few suggestions whereas residing in Jacksonville and I’m very happy to share them with you.
At all times have an additional layer within the automobile: Conserving 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 almost definitely be sporting shorts and a tank high, however many eating places and bars are blasting their A/C and I find yourself freezing. Through the winter, it is perhaps 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 depart dwelling with out sunscreen and bug spray: Florida is generally sunny all yr spherical, so making sunscreen part of your day by day routine is essential – not solely if you’re on the seashore. I counsel you to maintain bug spray in your bag as properly; in the course of the humid summer season months, the mosquitos and different bugs may 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 subsequent, you possibly can be soaked. I wish to preserve a small umbrella in my bag in the course of 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 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 an alternative of an over-the-shoulder bag.
Keep Close to Widespread Points of interest
When staying close to well-liked areas, you are usually in safer and lower-crime areas. Locations like Jacksonville Seashore (and surrounding seashore 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 clever to go away costly or sentimental valuables at dwelling. Issues like rings, designer purses, or laptops are usually objects which can be focused for theft.
Plan Forward
Having a recreation 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 very 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
Figuring out which neighborhoods and areas are protected and which of them are harmful will preserve 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. E book your resort or guesthouse within the neighborhoods under, and also you’ll be capable to relaxation properly at evening.
Eagle Bend: As talked about above, Eagle Bend is by far the most secure neighborhood in Jacksonville. Its crime charge is 94% decrease than the town’s. The one draw back is that it’s fairly removed from the town heart – touring in will take over half an hour.
Isle of Palms: Simply outdoors of Jacksonville Seashore is the gorgeous neighborhood of Isle of Palms. Boasting waterfront houses and a world-class hospital, this space’s crime charge is 76% decrease than the town’s.
Cobblestone: The walkable neighborhood of Cobblestone in Northeast Jacksonville is extremely protected. Its crime charge is 80% decrease than the 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 usually are not the place a typical vacationer would go to. Downtown and the seashores are very protected. 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 ought to be prevented. Situated in North Jacksonville, it has a criminal offense charge 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 charge 372% increased than the nationwide common, the realm 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 charge is 379% increased than the nationwide common.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions About Jacksonville Security
I’ve explored the neighborhoods, talked to long-time locals, and realized so much about Jacksonville security. Listed below are some frequent questions individuals are inclined to have.
Jacksonville’s crime charge is increased than the nationwide common, nevertheless, the high-crime areas usually are not in areas of curiosity or well-liked vacationer points of interest. Neighborhoods which can be frequent for vacationers to go to are very protected.
The dangerous 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 evening. It’s all the time finest to train warning and solely stroll in the course of 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 might not be thought of protected to stroll at evening.
Relying on the neighborhood, Jacksonville is protected for solo vacationers. Areas like Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Seashore, Avondale, and Mandarin are very protected neighborhoods in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is protected at evening in lots of areas, particularly the seashore cities. Mandarin, Avondale, and the Southside are all very protected at evening.
Keep away from high-crime areas like twenty ninth & Chase, East Jacksonville, and the Mid-West Facet.
Sure, Jacksonville is protected for households. Seashore 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 protected 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 twenty ninth & Chase. Different unsafe areas embody East Jacksonville and the Mid-West Facet.
The most secure a part of Jacksonville known as Eagle Bend, about half-hour north of downtown. Different protected 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.
Last Ideas – Is Jacksonville Actually Secure?
So, is Jacksonville protected? All in all, Jacksonville is a superb and protected metropolis for vacationers to go to and for individuals to stay in. Regardless that the info is alarming, it’s vital to understand that the vast majority of crime is happening in particular areas of Jacksonville. Many neighborhoods are very protected and are perfect for a trip, a getaway, or an evening out.
I’ve liked residing in Jacksonville for the previous yr. I’m constantly discovering so many hidden gems throughout the town and have by no means felt unsafe within the locations I frequent. When you’re planning a go to or pondering of constructing a transfer to the town, your security in Jacksonville doesn’t need to be a fear or concern.
