Is 45th And Moncrief safe?
Jacksonville, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates 45th And Moncrief as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on 45th And Moncrief
“Skip. The 45th and Moncrief intersection and its surrounding corridors consistently report violent and property crime rates significantly above Jacksonville and national averages. Casual visitors should seek dining and cultural experiences in lower-risk neighborhoods unless visiting for a specific personal or community purpose.”
Local news frequently covers Jacksonville Sheriff's Office investigations into shootings and violent incidents around the 45th Street and Moncrief Road commercial plazas.
About the area
45th and Moncrief is an urban residential and retail crossroads in Northwest Jacksonville anchored by local convenience stores, soul food eateries, and historic churches. While it retains deep multi-generational community ties, the area faces systemic disinvestment, vacant storefronts, and persistent public safety challenges.
- Urban Crossroads
- Commercial Strip
- Car-Dependent
- Historic Community
Walking and biking in 45th And Moncrief
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no city bike-share presence, and dedicated bicycle lanes are absent along the primary corridors, forcing cyclists to navigate high-speed vehicular traffic.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Home to established, authentic local barbecue and Southern soul food counters.
- Convenient driving access to Interstate 95, Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, and Downtown Jacksonville.
- Strong neighborhood community fabric centered around historic churches and local civic organizations.
Cons
- Violent crime and homicide rates in the surrounding zip code are among the highest in Duval County.
- Substantial economic distress, including poverty rates exceeding 30% and elevated commercial vacancy.
- Sparse pedestrian infrastructure, inadequate street lighting, and minimal recreational draws for visitors.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and individuals asking for assistance are common near major commercial bus stops, gas stations, and vacant retail lots along Moncrief Road.
What 45th And Moncrief is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Morning hours see regular commuter and bus traffic, making it the safest time to pass through or stop at local shops.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Foot traffic around strip centers and convenience stores picks up, requiring standard situational awareness.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity transitions to convenience stores and takeout spots as safety risks and loitering increase after sunset.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking outdoors late at night is not recommended due to frequent reports of gun violence and minimal pedestrian activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates local bus routes through the intersection, including Route 3 along Moncrief Road and Route 22, connecting to the downtown Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC) roughly 4 miles south.
Parking is completely free and widely available via surface lots in front of local strip malls, small businesses, and on residential side streets.
Things to do in 45th And Moncrief
- Order traditional smoked ribs and Southern sides from historic neighborhood barbecue joints.
- Walk the shaded trails and access the recreation amenities at nearby Lonnie C. Miller Sr. Regional Park.
- Visit local community heritage sites and historic African-American churches along the Moncrief corridor.
Local favorites
- Holley's Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (290)Longstanding counter-serve staple renowned for oak-smoked ribs, chicken, and signature mustard-based sauce.
- Soul Food Express · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.1★ (340)No-frills takeout spot offering classic Southern comfort fare including oxtails, fried pork chops, and mac and cheese.
- Famous Sandwiches & Grill · Fast Food Restaurant · 4.2★ (160)Casual neighborhood corner eatery serving subs, hot wings, and seasoned fries for quick lunch runs.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.