Cities / West Palm Beach / Downtown West Palm Beach vs Downtown Hollywood
Downtown West Palm Beach vs Downtown Hollywood: which is safer?
Downtown West Palm Beach is the safer of the two — 74/100 against 70/100. Go. Downtown West Palm Beach is vibrant, active, and generally safe for visitors exploring the main shopping, dining, and waterfront districts. Practice normal urban awareness late at night around bar zones and avoid unlit streets immediately west of the rail corridor.
Downtown West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, Florida
74
out of 100 · Go, stay aware
Downtown West Palm Beach is an energetic coastal district centered around Clematis Street and The Square, blending historic architecture with modern luxury high-rises. It serves as Palm Beach County's premier urban core for dining, arts, and waterfront recreation.
- Walk score
- 88
- Bike score
- 72
Pros
- High security and dedicated police presence throughout the primary retail and entertainment corridors
- Substantial commercial investment and high median incomes supporting well-maintained public infrastructure
- Active pedestrian foot traffic day and night providing natural surveillance along main avenues
Cons
- Elevated rates of petty theft, bicycle theft, and opportunistic vehicle break-ins in public lots
- Visible panhandling and unhoused populations near major transit hubs
- Property and violent crime risks increase noticeably heading west across the rail corridor toward the Tamarind Avenue area
Downtown Hollywood
Hollywood, Florida
70
out of 100 · Go, stay aware
Downtown Hollywood is a historic urban core centered on Hollywood Boulevard and the ten-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle. It features an eclectic mix of international restaurants, independent cafes, colorful street murals, and growing high-density residential towers.
- Walk score
- 88
- Bike score
- 72
Pros
- Consistent foot traffic and dedicated police and CRA ambassador presence along primary retail corridors.
- Significant capital investment and new residential high-rise development around Young Circle.
- Well-illuminated, pedestrian-scaled layout along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street.
Cons
- Higher rates of property crime and vehicle break-ins relative to Broward County suburban averages.
- Noticeable panhandling and loitering concentrated around Young Circle and the Dixie Highway rail corridor.
- Occasional late-night disputes or disturbances linked to bars and nightlife venues.