The Villages, located in Sumter County, Florida, is a well-known master-planned retirement community with approximately 79,000 residents. Renowned for its golf courses, recreation centers, and active lifestyle, the safety of its inhabitants and visitors is a significant concern.
According to CrimeGrade.org, The Villages has received an overall crime grade of F, indicating a considerably higher crime rate compared to the average U.S. city. It ranks in the 6th percentile for safety, implying that 94% of cities are safer while 6% are more dangerous.
The crime rate in The Villages stands at 67.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing both the state average of 41.1 and the national average of 36.7. Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, are the most common types of offenses in the area.
As for violent crimes, The Villages reports a rate of 0.89 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the state and national averages of 3.92 and 4, respectively. Nonetheless, it’s essential to note that violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and assault, still occur in The Villages.
To visualize the distribution of crime, CrimeGrade.org provides a crime map, highlighting the safest and most dangerous places in The Villages based on per capita crime rates. The map uses green to denote the safest areas, yellow for moderately safe areas, and red for the most dangerous areas. It also takes into account the type and severity of the crimes.
Based on this crime map, here are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in The Villages:
Central The Villages:
This region encompasses the central part of The Villages, running along US-301 and CR-466. It features a dense cluster of retail stores, restaurants, banks, and offices, along with a sizable residential population.
Unfortunately, this area experiences the highest crime rate in The Villages, with a considerable risk of becoming a victim of crime, as high as 1 in 11. The prevalent offenses in this locality are theft and burglary.
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The Villages East:
This region encompasses the eastern part of The Villages, spanning CR-466A and CR-42. It comprises a blend of residential and commercial properties, along with golf courses and parks. Additionally, the area has a significant residential population.
However, it is worth noting that this particular area experiences a high crime rate within The Villages, with a likelihood of becoming a crime victim as high as 1 in 12. The most prevalent crimes in this locality are theft and motor vehicle theft.
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The Villages Northwest:
This region encompasses the northwestern part of The Villages, situated along CR-466 and Buena Vista Blvd. It features a blend of residential and commercial properties, along with several golf courses and recreation centers. The residential population in this area is moderate.
In terms of safety, the crime rate here is considered moderate within The Villages, with a likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime as high as 1 in 14. The most prevalent crimes reported in this area are theft and burglary.
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The Villages Northeast:
This region encompasses the northeastern part of The Villages along CR-42 and Morse Blvd. It primarily consists of residential properties, along with several golf courses and parks.
The residential population in this area is relatively low. The crime rate in this part of The Villages is moderate, with a likelihood of becoming a victim of crime as high as 1 in 16. The most frequently reported crimes in this area are theft and motor vehicle theft.
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The Villages Southwest:
This region encompasses the southwestern part of The Villages, along CR-44A and CR-103. It primarily consists of residential properties, along with a few golf courses and recreation centers.
The residential population in this area is relatively low. It boasts the lowest crime rate in The Villages, with a very low chance of being a victim of crime, as low as 1 in 21. The most prevalent crimes reported in this area are theft and burglary.
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Conclusion
These are the top five most dangerous neighborhoods in The Villages, as indicated by the crime map from CrimeGrade.org. However, it’s crucial to understand that the crime map may not accurately reflect the actual safety or danger of these areas for residents or visitors.
Various factors can influence crime rates and people’s perceptions of safety in any neighborhood, including police presence, lighting, security systems, community involvement, social conditions, and personal experiences.
Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution and use common sense while traveling or living in any area. Here are some tips to help prevent or reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime:
- Secure your home and vehicle by locking all doors and windows.
- Consider installing a home security system or car alarm for added protection.
- Avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas, if possible.
- Keep your valuables out of sight or stored securely.
- Report any suspicious activity or crimes to the police promptly.
- Consider joining a neighborhood watch or a crime prevention program to foster a safer community.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about your surroundings, you can contribute to making The Villages a safer place for yourself and others.
