Is Lakewood safe?
Jacksonville, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Lakewood as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Lakewood
“Go. Lakewood is a peaceful, established residential community in Jacksonville's Southside that offers a safe and quiet base for visitors. While you should exercise standard awareness along the major commercial corridors, the neighborhood's residential streets have low violent crime rates and an inviting, suburban atmosphere.”
About the area
Lakewood is a mid-century, tree-shaded neighborhood situated just south of historic San Marco along the St. Johns River corridor. It consists largely of well-maintained single-family brick homes, local churches, and neighborhood shopping plazas anchored along San Jose Boulevard and University Boulevard.
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Lakewood
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no local bike-share program, and dedicated bike lanes are sparse on main corridors, making cycling best suited for quiet residential loops rather than commuting.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than the broader Jacksonville metropolitan average
- Established, owner-occupied housing stock on quiet, maturely landscaped residential streets
- Convenient Southside location with easy vehicle access to Downtown, San Marco, and major medical centers
Cons
- Commercial strip corridors along University Boulevard experience occasional petty theft and vehicle break-ins
- Highly car-dependent layout with fast-moving traffic along perimeter thoroughfares
- Limited pedestrian infrastructure outside of the immediate residential loops
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in the interior residential areas, with occasional individuals noticed near major intersections or bus stops along University Boulevard West.
What Lakewood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with neighborhood residents walking dogs and joggers using side streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm throughout the interior streets, though arterial roads like San Jose Boulevard see steady commercial traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and residential, feeling very safe with light neighborhood activity winding down after dusk.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-traffic on interior residential streets; generally safe, though staying alert along commercial strips is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates bus routes along San Jose Boulevard (Route 17) and University Boulevard, though frequencies are moderate and a car is strongly recommended for visitors.
Parking is abundant and free, with spacious private lots at all shopping plazas and effortless residential street parking.
Things to do in Lakewood
- Walk or picnic beneath live oaks at nearby Alexandria Oaks Park or River Oaks Park
- Browse local boutiques and neighborhood specialty grocers along San Jose Boulevard
- Drive a few minutes north to explore the historic dining and shopping square in San Marco
Local favorites
- The Loop Restaurant · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1150)Longtime local staple serving specialty burgers, personal pizzas, and milkshakes in a family-friendly setting.
- French Pantry · Bakery & Cafe · 4.8★ (2300)Iconic Jacksonville destination just east of Lakewood known for artisanal breads, gourmet sandwiches, and rich desserts.
- Southern Grounds & Co. · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (1650)Popular nearby neighborhood cafe serving craft espresso, light brunch dishes, and wine in a relaxed patio atmosphere.
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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