Crime is everywhere and criminal activity occurs. You can’t make it go away or even forecast when it will, but you can lessen the likelihood of needless dangers. Some areas of Jacksonville are much more criminal than others, contributing to the city’s higher-than-average crime rate. This brief article will explore some of Jacksonville’s less desirable areas in the hopes of identifying one that is experiencing a revival.
Lake Forest
On Jacksonville’s northern edge, close to the intersection of 45th and Moncrief, lies Lake Forest. Stay away from Jacksonville’s North-West sector if you’ve done your research; it has a high crime rate. Even Lake Forest follows this rule. According to statistics compiled by SpotCrime, there have been thirteen gunshots, forty thefts, twenty-six assaults, and twenty-four arrests in the Lake Forest neighborhood during the past six months. Lake Forest has a somewhat lower population (1,500 fewer people) but a higher crime rate than 45th and Moncrief. The fact that the jobless rate is 9%, which is 5% greater than the US average, is not helping matters. Additionally, 87% of high school seniors graduate.
Listen, I’m going to tell you straight up: stay away from the Northside. Once again, finding a home to live in Jacksonville won’t break the bank. You should just be more careful and not go to the Northside.
Midtown
Midtown isn’t something I was planning to include on the list, but with a population of about 250, the reported crime rate is about the same as Lake Forest and 45th and Moncrief. Consider the following statistics from the past six months: 22 thefts, 6 gunshots, 28 assaults, and 22 arrests. In the heart of Jacksonville, just to the right of the river, you’ll find Moncrief. Even though you likely won’t be relocating there anytime soon, it’s best to stay away from Midtown when you’re in the Downtown area.
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Allendale
You can find Allendale on Jacksonville’s western side. Due to the high crime rate, you should avoid the northwest part of Jacksonville. There have been nine gunshots, fifteen thefts, sixteen assaults, and six arrests in the Allendale area in the past six months. While 45th and Moncrief have a somewhat lower population, Allendale has a slightly higher crime rate. The fact that the unemployment rate is 13%, which is 7% greater than the national average, is not helping matters. With a 78% graduation rate, that’s really impressive.
The Westside is not a good place to be, I’m sorry to say it. Once again, finding a home to live in Jacksonville won’t break the bank. Keep your eyes peeled and stay away from the Westside.
45th and Moncrief
On Jacksonville’s northern side, you’ll find 45th and Moncrief. Stay away from Jacksonville’s North-West sector if you’ve done your research; it has a high crime rate. 45, and Moncrief is not an outlier either. There have been eight gunshots, twenty thefts, fourteen assaults, and fourteen arrests at 45th and Moncrief in the past six months. Having an unemployment rate that is 8% greater than the national average (at 12%) is not helping matters. The graduation percentage from high school is 64%.
The average rent is $800–$850 per month, and the average property is roughly $50,000. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and safer neighborhood, such as Hidden Hills or University Park, you can find a place to live for about the same amount.
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Conclusion
While overall Jacksonville crime rates are higher than the US average, certain areas are noticeably worse. Moving to Jacksonville? Use one of many internet resources to learn about local crime rates. Listen, it is better to avoid a problem than to be in one.
