How can Orlando crime be worse than NYC or LA? (Miami: transplants, gated)

[GoingToCO2007]

I used to live in the 'Oh-lando' area until 2004 when I lost my property during Charlie. After looking at some data and visiting in the beg of Feb, I am kinda glad it worked out this way.

When I came down to visit my mom (who still lives in Lake Mary) and I was very concerned about crime. The streets are more dangerous than they used to, aren't they? I saw a lot of vagrants and suspicious types.

Oh another thing - Construction on every street, but it looked like none of those construction areas were about to be completed. Do they just start jobs without finishing the old ones and then you have a construction site on every streetcorner? Or is it just my impression?

I did some research on City-Data and learned you are more likely to become a crime victim in Orlando than in much bigger cities, like MIami, NYC, Philly, or even Detroit! I mean for gosh sakes Detroit is awful, how can Orlando have just as much crime?

Has Orlando become the Gaza Strip?? My mom says Orlando has gotten a lot worse, but how can it have gotten even worse in just under 2 years?

Why is Kissimmee so dangerous? I thought Kissimmee was not that big! I am glad I now live in Cincinnati. Yeah, winter is bad, but I live better, spend less, and worry less.

I would appreciate an explanation from locals... why is this city so violent? Not that it was safe in 2004 - but it was safer back then. How could Orlando ever pass Miami.. I always thought Miami was much worse than Orlando. What's happened?

Data from the City-Data website:

[OC2OC]

I'd say that the perception of high crime is due to:

1) Hype by media that creates sensationalism and hyper-sensitivism
2) Population growth that brings new sets of people and opportunities
3) City/County planners that are too slow to respond to rapid changes
4) Socio-Economic disparity- Economically challenged families are being displaced to make way to gated communities with expensive homes. Increase in cost-of-living forces many to either leave or suffer the consequences. Criminally inclined minds commit more crimes.

Two paths for Orlando:

Path A) Criminals control the city creating a divide. Drugs keep flowing into the city, government officials can't control the streets, courts still release the bad guys, gated communities become fortresses, and citizens arm themselves. Orlando becomes "Gotham City". Will need Batman.

Path B) Government controls the city. Crime is controlled creating optimal living conditions attracting even more people. Costs go up. Those who can't afford must leave. Orlando becomes a top destination for tourism, business and transplants at the cost of the lower and middle classes.

[CURT]

guess who is back?

[Floridian to relocate]

think path B sounds good to me , let all the criminals go somewhere else like back to new orleans . have you seen when the crime started to get real bad right affter everyone was moved from new orleans across the u s a it is not just orlandos crime rate that has risen its every where

[Prichard]

The stats clearly show that there is about 10 times more murders in LA than Orlando.

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by Prichard

The stats clearly show that there is about 10 times more murders in LA than Orlando.

About 10 times the population as well...

[flboi85]

"I'd say that the perception of high crime is due to:

1) Hype by media that creates sensationalism and hyper-sensitivism
2) Population growth that brings new sets of people and opportunities
3) City/County planners that are too slow to respond to rapid changes
4) Socio-Economic disparity- Economically challenged families are being displaced to make way to gated communities with expensive homes. Increase in cost-of-living forces many to either leave or suffer the consequences. Criminally inclined minds commit more crimes."


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This is well said.

[blueoktober]

Well, Altamonte was relatively safe..... things starting to spread there too now.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...home-headlines

[Seabeacon]

I was told that the murder rate in Orlando is surpassing that of LA. Its murder rate has increased the most out of the whole US. Scary...

[Angelrocks]

I like Orlando. There are many different parts to Orlando. Just find an area you feel comfortable with. It's really a lot of fun up there.

I did notice an abormal amount of Satanic worship when I was up there, but I wouldn't really let that get in your way of moving there. I love going to Orlando!