Howard Coker | March 16, 2025 | Personal Injury
Jacksonville, Florida, may be best known for its sprawling 22 miles of beaches, but “Florida’s Shrimp Capital” unfortunately has another, less desirable claim to fame: its high crime rate. Compared to national averages, Jacksonville’s rates of both violent and property crimes exceed the benchmarks.
This doesn’t mean you can’t find a safe place to settle down in Jacksonville. It’s just another factor to consider when making an informed decision about where to live.
According to our Jacksonville injury lawyers, while the city has its fair share of challenges regarding crime, it also has plenty of safe neighborhoods that are ideal for raising a family or starting a new chapter of life. Here are some of the standout communities this city has to offer.
Ponte Vedra Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach consistently ranks among the safest areas in Jacksonville. An affluent coastal town, it’s known for its gated communities, well-lit streets, and active neighborhood watch programs.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is a comforting presence for residents, helping drive crime rates down. On the whole, Ponte Vedra Beach — and St. Johns County, where it’s situated — experiences significantly lower violent and property crime compared to Jacksonville’s overall averages.
Mandarin
Located in the southern part of Jacksonville, Mandarin offers an appealing blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to city amenities. It also offers a diverse mix of housing options, with both established homes and newer developments. Residents often note how family-friendly it is.
Though proximity to the city almost always comes with a heightened risk of crime, Mandarin’s community pushes back through efforts like its active civic associations that work closely with law enforcement. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office patrols the area, and vigilant neighborhood watches — both on the ground and online — provide excellent backup.
San Marco
This historic neighborhood situated on the St. Johns River is known for its quaint charm, walkable streets, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. It also benefits from a dedicated police presence and active community involvement.
While property crime in San Marco is on the higher side, violent crime rates remain relatively low. Residents appreciate San Marco’s well-maintained public spaces and their neighbors’ proactive approach to safety.
Julington Creek Plantation
A master-planned community in southern Jacksonville, Julington Creek Plantation places a keen focus on safety and family living.
This neighborhood features gated entrances, well-lit streets, and its very own civic association dedicated to safety, which implements initiatives like security patrols and neighborhood watch programs. Residents praise the overall sense of security they feel living in this borough.
Atlantic Beach
A coastal community located east of Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach provides the kind of idyllic beach living you’d expect from a city with miles of surf and sand. The Atlantic Beach Police Department maintains a visible presence, contributing to the area’s low crime rates. As such, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to kick back and relax.
Keeping Your Family Safe No Matter Where You Live
Crime rate and safety statistics can offer valuable information, but they can’t paint a full picture of a place. No neighborhood is perfect, no matter how safe it looks on paper. Even if you’re living in a statistically safe area, car accidents and catastrophic injuries are always possible. When life invariably throws a curveball your way, you need to be ready to pick up the pieces.
Whether you move to one of Jacksonville’s safer communities or find a suitable place to put down stakes in another part of town, taking proactive steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property is a crucial part of living well. If the unexpected happens, make sure you have the resources you need to get your life back on track.
Contact The Personal Injury Law Firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
