Is Buckingham safe?
Fort Myers, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Buckingham as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Buckingham
“Go. Buckingham is a tranquil, semi-rural enclave in northeast Lee County with exceptionally low violent and property crime rates. It offers peaceful natural settings and equestrian landscapes, though you will need a personal vehicle to get around safely.”
About the area
Buckingham is a sprawling, rural-residential community northeast of Fort Myers known for its acreage lots, oak canopies, and equestrian properties. Visitors come to explore expansive nature preserves, community parks, and classic rural Florida scenery well away from urban congestion.
- Rural / Acreage
- Equestrian
- Quiet & Spread Out
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Buckingham
Walk score: 11/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There is no bike-share program available, and cycling on main thoroughfares like Buckingham Road is challenging due to high vehicle speeds and the lack of dedicated bike lanes, though off-road equestrian/multi-use trails exist inside Buckingham Trails Preserve.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to county and national averages
- High rate of homeownership and solid household incomes fostering community stability
- Scenic rural landscape with large acreage properties, mature trees, and ample open space
- Close proximity to expansive nature preserves like the Buckingham Trails Preserve
Cons
- Virtually zero pedestrian infrastructure with dark, narrow unlit two-lane roads
- Complete car dependency with no walkable dining or shopping corridors
- Long emergency response times and limited access to immediate medical services
- Occasional rural property theft and trespassing issues on unfenced acreage
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in Buckingham due to its low density, lack of public transit, and absence of commercial strips or social services, which are centered in urban Fort Myers.
What Buckingham is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet with minimal local traffic, though walking on road shoulders requires high visibility gear due to fog and speed.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with light residential and equestrian traffic moving along Buckingham Road and Orange River Boulevard.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet country atmosphere settling in; extremely safe from street crime, though lack of street lighting makes roads pitch black.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and deserted with negligible crime, but driving requires caution due to crossing deer, hogs, and other local wildlife.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually non-existent here; LeeTran does not operate regular fixed-route bus service through deep Buckingham residential areas, requiring all travel to be done by private vehicle or ride-hailing services.
Parking is abundant, free, and straightforward with dedicated gravel or paved lots at all parks, preserves, and local businesses, though on-street parking on narrow rural shoulders is prohibited.
Things to do in Buckingham
- Hike, ride horses, or observe local wildlife at Buckingham Trails Preserve
- Visit the historic Buckingham Community Center and surrounding park amenities
- Explore the nearby Orange River waterways by kayak or canoe launched from regional parks
Local favorites
- The Buckingham Blues Bar · Live Music Bar & Grill · 4.6★ (1050)Legendary open-air rustic blues venue hosting live touring bands, beer, and backyard BBQ events.
- Buckingham Farms · Farm-to-Table Restaurant & Market · 4.5★ (920)Rustic country eatery offering farm-fresh breakfast, lunch, and locally grown produce.
- Boondocks BBQ & Grill · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.4★ (380)Casual countryside spot serving generous portions of smoked ribs, brisket, and southern sides.
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.
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