Is Merrimac safe?
Apopka, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Merrimac as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Merrimac
“Go. Merrimac in Apopka is a calm, modest suburban residential area that presents few safety concerns for typical visitors. General awareness is recommended primarily for minor property crime or when navigating nearby commercial corridors along Orange Blossom Trail.”
Local news coverage in the area is largely focused on regional traffic improvements along US-441 and growth management in northwestern Orange County.
About the area
Merrimac is an established residential enclave in southern Apopka characterized by single-family ranch homes, cul-de-sacs, and mature landscaping. It functions primarily as a quiet bedroom community with easy access to greater Orlando and the outdoor recreation spots of northwestern Orange County.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
- Residential
Walking and biking in Merrimac
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 36/100
There are no bike-share docking stations, but cyclists can reach the paved West Orange Trail within a short ride via connecting surface streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Predominantly quiet, low-density single-family residential streets with high owner-occupancy
- Violent crime rates are generally low and well below urban core averages
- Convenient driving access to regional parks, springs, and commuter routes via US-441 and SR-414
Cons
- Car-dependent design lacking continuous pedestrian and sidewalk infrastructure
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle burglaries
- Sparse commercial and dining options directly within the neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential streets of Merrimac, though occasional individuals or panhandling can be observed along the major commercial intersections of nearby US-441.
What Merrimac is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with light neighborhood traffic as residents head out for their morning commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with minimal street activity, making residential walks straightforward and secure.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-oriented, though reduced street lighting means bringing a light is advisable when walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark with almost no foot traffic; safe overall, though standard locking up of vehicles is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is managed by LYNX, with bus routes 106 and 436N serving the nearby US-441 and Piedomont Wekiwa corridors; SunRail commuter rail is located further east at the Altamonte Springs or Longwood stations (roughly a 15-minute drive).
Parking is very easy and free, with plentiful driveway space and unrestricted residential street parking throughout the neighborhood.
Things to do in Merrimac
- Take a short drive to Wekiwa Springs State Park for swimming, kayaking, and hiking trails
- Ride or run along the nearby West Orange Trail access points
- Visit local nursery markets and fruit stands scattered around the Apopka area
Local favorites
- Porkie's Original BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (3250)Popular local smokehouse serving tender ribs, pulled pork, and southern sides in a rustic setting.
- Caffè Positano · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (1600)Neighborhood spot offering classic Italian pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty entrees.
- Propagate Social House · Coffee Shop & Plant Bar · 4.8★ (480)Charming cafe combining specialty espresso drinks, baked goods, and indoor plant shopping.
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.