Arlington

Jacksonville, Florida, a sprawling city near the Georgia border, offers a unique blend of Southern charm, urban culture, and extensive coastlines [1]. While it boasts numerous attractive qualities, understanding its safety landscape is crucial for residents and those considering a move.

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Jacksonville's overall crime rate is higher than both the state and national averages, with property crime being a particular concern [1] [4]. The city scores a 7 on the NeighborhoodScout index, indicating it is safer than only 7% of U.S. cities [1]. The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Jacksonville is 1 in 140, compared to 1 in 345 for the state of Florida [1]. However, it's important to note that crime is often concentrated in specific areas, and many neighborhoods within Jacksonville are considered quite safe [4]. In fact, violent crime in Jacksonville saw a nearly 28% drop in 2021, and local authorities are actively working to continue this downward trend [4].

Safest Neighborhoods in Jacksonville

Several neighborhoods consistently rank high for safety, offering peace of mind for residents. These include:

• Deercreek: This golf course community on the southside is often ranked as the number one neighborhood in Jacksonville by Niche, receiving an A+ rating. It's a gated community with resort-style amenities, trails, lakes, and nature preserves, popular with families and retirees [1] [3]. It boasts a very low violent crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 [3].
• East Arlington: Balancing affordability and safety, East Arlington offers a suburban layout with access to beaches and larger homes. It has a violent crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 15.0 per 1,000 [3].
• Greenland: Known for its quiet streets, strong schools, and low crime, Greenland is a newer suburban area with a violent crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 12.7 per 1,000 [3]. It's appreciated by families and professionals for its calm atmosphere [3].
• Ponte Vedra Beach: An affluent coastal town, Ponte Vedra Beach consistently ranks among the safest areas. It's characterized by gated communities, well-lit streets, and active neighborhood watch programs, with significantly lower violent and property crime rates than Jacksonville's overall averages [2].
• Mandarin: Located in the southern part of Jacksonville, Mandarin offers a blend of suburban tranquility and city access. It's considered family-friendly, with active civic associations and neighborhood watches contributing to its safety [1] [2].
• Atlantic Beach: This coastal community provides idyllic beach living with a visible police presence and low crime rates [1] [2]. It maintains an upscale flavor while welcoming everyone to its community events and seafood restaurants [1].
• Jacksonville Beach: A charming area with a fishing pier, diverse dining, and good schools, Jax Beach is considered one of the safest neighborhoods. Stanton College Preparatory, located nearby, is ranked as the No. 3 public high school in Florida [1].
• Neptune Beach: With a laid-back vibe and local flavor, Neptune Beach is another top neighborhood, served by Duval County Schools, rated the No. 4 district in Florida [1].
• Avondale: Known for its walkable streets, historic Mediterranean Revival homes, and beautiful greenspaces like Boone Park and Riverside Park, Avondale is recognized as one of Jacksonville's safest neighborhoods [1].
• Miramar: With an A+ rating and ranked as the No. 2 neighborhood in Jacksonville by Niche, Miramar has a strong reputation for families, offering proximity to the St. Johns River and various amenities [1].
• Isle of Palms: This quiet neighborhood of mostly canal-front homes is ideal for those who love life on the water. It's a favorite for families and retirees, with nearly every waterfront home featuring a private dock [1] [4].
• Girvin/Greenfield: Located on the east side, Girvin offers marsh views, gated communities, and highly rated schools. Its proximity to Mayport Naval Station makes it attractive for families and military personnel [1] [4].
• San Marco: This historic neighborhood on the St. Johns River is known for its charm, walkable streets, and active community involvement, contributing to its relatively low violent crime rates despite higher property crime [2] [5].
• Julington Creek Plantation: A master-planned community focusing on safety and family living, it features gated entrances, well-lit streets, and a civic association dedicated to security initiatives [2].
• Eagle Bend: This neighborhood boasts a crime rate 94% lower than the Jacksonville average and is surrounded by the Seton Creek Historic Preserve, making it popular for retirees and small families [4].
• Ortega Forest: With a crime rate 81% lower than the Jacksonville average, Ortega Forest is highly walkable and close to top-rated schools, making it ideal for families with young children [4].
• Fort Caroline Shores: Situated northwest of Girvin, this neighborhood has a crime rate 85% lower than the Jacksonville average and offers a peaceful environment with access to nature and shopping [4].
• Jacksonville Farms Terrace: Located west of Downtown, this up-and-coming neighborhood has a crime rate 78% lower than the Jacksonville average and is popular among Amazon employees due to the nearby fulfillment center [4].
• Saint Johns Bluff: With a crime rate 81% lower than the Jacksonville average, this neighborhood is bordered by the St. Johns River and offers a quieter living experience, popular with families with small children [4].
• Cobblestone: This neighborhood has a crime rate 80% lower than the Jacksonville average and offers amenities for families, including access to schools, daycares, and parks, with affordable housing options [4].

Walkability in Jacksonville

While Jacksonville as a whole has a low walkability score (32.6 out of 100, ranking 50th among major metropolitan cities), certain historic neighborhoods stand out for their pedestrian-friendly design [5]. Walkability is linked to improved air quality, increased physical activity, and better mental health outcomes due to enhanced social interaction [5].

Highly walkable neighborhoods include:

• Downtown Jacksonville: With a walk score of 78, Downtown has the highest walk score due to its structure, nearby restaurants, and vendors. It's attracting young professionals, and efforts are underway to build more residential spaces [5].
• San Marco: Ranking as the second-most walkable neighborhood with a walk score of 76, San Marco features a central shopping district and numerous parks, making it attractive to pedestrians. Community efforts are focused on further improving the pedestrian experience [5].
• Riverside: Riverside has a walk score of 73 and was named one of the country's 10 Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association. It's very pedestrian-friendly, with its own grocery store, shopping, restaurants, and a hospital within walking distance [1] [5].

Areas with lower walk scores, such as Mandarin, Mayport, Dinsmore, Oceanway, and Jacksonville Naval Air Station, often lack the infrastructure of older neighborhoods that promote pedestrian activity [5].

Activities and Community Life

Jacksonville offers a diverse range of activities and a vibrant community life across its neighborhoods:

• Beaches and Water Activities: Jax Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach provide opportunities for fishing, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and enjoying the ocean [1]. Isle of Palms is a favorite for water enthusiasts, with many homes featuring private docks [1].
• Parks and Green Spaces: Many neighborhoods boast abundant parks. Boone Park and Riverside Park in Avondale offer walking trails, sports courts, and community events [1]. Mandarin has Tommy Hazouri Sr. Park with riverfront trails and recreational facilities [1]. Howell Park and Johansen Park in Atlantic Beach are popular for events and relaxation [1]. Deercreek features its own trails, lakes, and nature preserves [1].
• Arts and Culture: Riverside hosts the Riverside Arts Market, and its Five Points area is known for local shops, restaurants, and the historic Sun-Ray Cinema [1]. Downtown Jacksonville's Art Walk attracts thousands monthly [5]. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers world-class exhibitions [1].
• Dining and Shopping: Beaches Town Center in Neptune Beach, the historic "Main Street" in Riverside's Five Points, and the upscale St. Johns Town Center near Deercreek provide diverse dining and shopping experiences [1]. Mandarin Landing and River City Marketplace offer traditional mall options [1].
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Many safe neighborhoods, such as Mandarin, Deercreek, East Arlington, Greenland, and Duclay, are popular with families due to good schools, parks, and a laid-back lifestyle [1] [3].