Is Lake Davis safe?
Orlando, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lake Davis as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Lake Davis
“Go. Lake Davis is one of Orlando's most tranquil, safe, and desirable historic neighborhoods, characterized by lush canopy streets and scenic lake loops. Visitors can explore comfortably day or night with standard urban awareness, as violent crime is exceptionally rare.”
About the area
Located immediately southeast of Downtown Orlando, Lake Davis is an affluent, leafy enclave known for 1920s craftsman bungalows and historic brick-paved streets. It offers a relaxed residential feel centered around Lake Davis and the nearby Greenwood Urban Wetlands while remaining minutes from downtown dining and culture.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Lakeside Tranquility
- Upscale Residential
- Quiet & Picturesque
Walking and biking in Lake Davis
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 74/100
The neighborhood features bike-friendly, low-speed roads and connects seamlessly north to Thornton Park and the Orlando Urban Trail network, with shared e-bikes and scooters available via dockless downtown apps.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Orlando citywide averages.
- Strong socioeconomic profile with high median household incomes and high rates of homeownership.
- Well-maintained, highly walkable lakeside loop and park spaces with strong neighborhood pride.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crime, such as vehicle break-ins along street parking.
- Narrow brick streets and limited dedicated parking infrastructure near popular community spots.
- Bordered by busy corridors (Mills Avenue and SR 408) that introduce traffic noise and spillover activity.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the interior neighborhood and around Lake Davis. A small number of unhoused individuals may occasionally traverse major perimeter corridors such as Mills Avenue or areas near SR 408.
What Lake Davis is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and extremely safe, filled with neighborhood joggers, dog walkers, and commuters enjoying the lake loop.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and peaceful, with light pedestrian traffic and families relaxing around the parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and inviting, with residents walking dogs and diners gathering at the local neighborhood patio cafe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and low-traffic; streets remain generally safe, though lower lighting on residential side streets warrants basic caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
LYNX provides bus service along the perimeter on Mills Avenue and Orange Avenue (Routes 3, 11, and 40). The nearest SunRail commuter rail stop is the Orlando Health/Amtrak Station, roughly 1.2 miles southwest.
Free parallel parking is available along most residential brick streets, though spaces directly fronting the lake and commercial storefronts can be limited during peak dining hours.
Things to do in Lake Davis
- Walk or jog the pedestrian path encircling scenic Lake Davis while viewing historic architecture.
- Explore the shaded trails and wildlife boardwalks at the adjacent Greenwood Urban Wetlands.
- Dine on the relaxed outdoor patio of the neighborhood gathering spot, 903 Mills Market.
Local favorites
- 903 Mills Market · Cafe & Deli · 4.6★ (1280)Beloved neighborhood cafe and corner market serving deli sandwiches, craft beer, and breakfast on a leafy patio.
- Sister Honey's · Bakery · 4.7★ (1020)Award-winning craft bakery known for artisanal pies, cakes, cookies, and specialty pastries.
- Delaney's Tavern · New American Restaurant · 4.5★ (690)Upscale neighborhood gastropub offering craft cocktails, shared plates, and refined American fare.
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.