Is New Town safe?
Jacksonville, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates New Town as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on New Town
“Go with care. Visitors generally only have reason to visit for Edward Waters University events, academic visits, or specific community engagements. Exercise high situational awareness, stick to well-patrolled campus zones, and avoid walking through the surrounding residential blocks after dark.”
The neighborhood and surrounding Kings Road corridor have experienced heightened security presence and community intervention initiatives following notable violent crime incidents in recent years.
About the area
New Town is an urban Northwest Jacksonville neighborhood defined by its rich history and Florida's oldest HBCU, Edward Waters University. While home to dedicated community revitalization efforts, the area faces high socioeconomic distress and elevated violent crime rates.
- Historic HBCU Hub
- Urban Core
- Residential
- Developing
Walking and biking in New Town
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no city bike-share stations in New Town, and dedicated bike infrastructure is minimal, consisting mostly of shared roadway lanes without direct access to off-street paved trails.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Centrally anchored by the historic, secured campus of Edward Waters University.
- Active grassroots community improvements led by the New Town Success Zone.
- Convenient direct road and bus access to Downtown Jacksonville via Kings Road.
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates are substantially higher than Jacksonville and national averages.
- Poverty rate exceeds 35%, accompanied by high vacancy rates and infrastructure neglect.
- Very few dining, hospitality, or entertainment amenities geared toward general tourists.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present along Kings Road and around public transit stops, primarily involving panhandling and individuals loitering near vacant parcels.
What New Town is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are generally quiet, with routine foot traffic from students and early commuters around major corridors.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are active around campus and Kings Road, though visitors should remain alert to surroundings.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity drops as businesses close, and pedestrian safety drops notably outside of lit university areas.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late night carries high safety risks due to frequent property and violent crime; walking is strongly discouraged.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) serves New Town directly via bus routes along Kings Road (Route 3) and Myrtle Avenue, connecting quickly to the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center downtown.
Street parking is generally free and accessible across residential streets, with surface visitor parking available on the Edward Waters University campus.
Things to do in New Town
- Tour the historic campus of Edward Waters University and view Centennial Hall.
- Attend a collegiate football or athletic event at EWU Community Field.
- Visit the New Town Urban Farm to learn about community-driven urban agriculture.
Local favorites
- Famous Sandwiches · Sandwich Shop · 4.2★ (145)Longstanding counter-serve neighborhood staple known for hearty subs, cheesesteaks, and quick takeout.
- Kings Sandwich Shop · Diner · 4.3★ (190)No-frills roadside eatery serving breakfast platters, classic burgers, and fried fish.
- Hip Hop Chicken & Fish · Fast Food Restaurant · 4.0★ (380)Casual strip-mall spot offering fried chicken wings, seafood baskets, and seasoned fries.
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.