Orlando crime? (Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Edgewater: budget, housing, high crime)

[INeedAChange]

how safe is it to be driving around in a rental car in the orlando area??? I was thinking of coming down to look at the area as one possibility for a move, but based on this thread now I don't know if I should

[Dave Roby]

In the mid nineties the rental car companies became more aware of crime against tourist driving their carwhich had distinctive tag numbers.They now have regular Fla tag numbers but some still have stickers bearing the rental company logo which is a tip off for thieves looking to break into a car.If you rent a car try to steer clear of the tourist areas of International Dr.-Kirkman Road-Hwy 92.Buy the optional insurance rider.And dont leave valuables in plain site in the vehicle.Als avoid Ivey Lane,Parramore St.areas.

[jercie]

Pritchard,
Thanks for your reply. The area I am looking into is near the Millimum Mall. How about that area? Zip: 32839

[Suzanne1945]

Another Central Florida resident in agreement with your commentary on the crime issue here. Time to rethink safety in the neighborhood--not here.

[RedWingsFan]

They just said on the news today that Orlando is experiencing record high crime numbers. The crime there is growing. It's not a safe area.

[pianogal]

Originally Posted by INeedAChange

how safe is it to be driving around in a rental car in the orlando area??? I was thinking of coming down to look at the area as one possibility for a move, but based on this thread now I don't know if I should

I would not have a problem with it. As others have mentioned - stay away from the Parramore, Pine Hills area - basically anything west of Downtown. These two seem to be the worst areas. (I know there are pockets of good areas west of downtown but this is just to simplify)

The tourist area from I Drive down to Disney has some issues but they are hit and miss - just be alert in this area.

Otherwise, just be smart...don't leave valuables in plain sight (keep them in the trunk), watch around you at night - if I go out of a mall or store at night - I make sure I leave with others around. Be careful returning to your hotel at night - this seems to be a particularly vulnerable time. In fact, I would choose an upper end hotel for that reason.

Orlando is a beautiful place with so much to do and offer. Millions visit every year with no problem.

[blueoktober]

Historically Orlando had very low crime. With the influx of so many new people the crime is about on level with other cities the same size.

I will be honest, I lock my car doors when I exit onto Anderson coming from Altamonte - even in the daylight. I also live about 2 miles from there and I go jogging or walk my dog at night. You just have to be careful and sensible. The days of being care free are over....anywhere.

[backtofla]

actually, i think orlando's crime index is pretty darn high. it's all based on a per-capita basis, and jax and even miami have a lower crime index than orlando. jax' crime index is actually a considerable amt lower.

[pianogal]

Originally Posted by backtofla

actually, i think orlando's crime index is pretty darn high. it's all based on a per-capita basis, and jax and even miami have a lower crime index than orlando. jax' crime index is actually a considerable amt lower.

I wonder if there's any study done let exempted the Parramore/Pine Hills area so we could see what the real crime is in the remainder of Orlando. I'll bet it would be MUCH lower. I know there is one site where you could see the crime stats per zip code. I checked mine out and crime was almost nonexistent. I'll see if I can find it.

[blueoktober]

Jacksonville's suburbs are all in the same county where as Orlando's make up 3 counties. Take Orlando's population for the whole area - 2+ million and take Jacksonville's - 1.3 million and then look at the murder total. Jacksonville has double the murders as Orlando. Stats aren't always black and white.