Is University Park safe?
Jacksonville, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates University Park as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on University Park
“Go with care. University Park is generally safe around the Jacksonville University campus, but surrounding arterial corridors and aging commercial plazas experience elevated property crime. Visitors should stick to well-trafficked areas and keep vehicles locked.”
Local police reports in the University Boulevard and Merrill Road corridors consistently cite vehicle break-ins and occasional retail larceny as the primary safety concerns.
About the area
University Park is a historic Arlington-area neighborhood centered around the riverside campus of Jacksonville University. It consists of modest mid-century single-family homes, student rentals, and commercial strip centers along University Boulevard North.
- College Campus
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Riverfront
Walking and biking in University Park
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There is no municipal bike-share system here, and dedicated bike lanes are sparse, though the flat terrain and quiet residential streets allow for manageable neighborhood cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Dedicated Jacksonville University campus security provides a well-patrolled, low-crime zone along the river.
- Convenient access to the St. Johns River and nearby city recreation parks.
- Established, quiet residential pockets away from the main commercial thoroughfares.
Cons
- Above-average vehicle burglary rates in apartment complexes and retail parking lots.
- Lower-than-average median household incomes and aging infrastructure along commercial strips.
- Poor pedestrian street lighting across several interior residential blocks.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, mostly limited to occasional panhandling near commercial intersections like Merrill Road and University Boulevard, with no large encampments in the residential quarters.
What University Park is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with student joggers and daily commuters heading along University Boulevard.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy commercial traffic and student activity keep the area generally safe for routine visits.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel, though parking lots along major commercial strips warrant heightened awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Risk of opportunistic property crime increases; walking alone along unlit streets off-campus is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates local bus routes through the neighborhood, primarily Route 19 along University Boulevard and Route 10 on Merrill Road, with direct connections to Downtown Jacksonville.
Parking is abundant and free in private driveways and strip mall surface lots; Jacksonville University requires visitor registration or designated parking permits during operational hours.
Things to do in University Park
- Stroll the tree-lined riverfront grounds and view sculptures at Jacksonville University.
- Visit the Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery to view contemporary art and glass exhibits.
- Head north to nearby Blue Cypress Park for boardwalk fishing, river views, and birdwatching.
Local favorites
- Tabouleh Cafe · Mediterranean Restaurant · 4.6★ (720)Casual, popular eatery serving fresh shawarma, falafel, and classic Middle Eastern platters.
- Arlington Restaurant & Diner · Diner · 4.4★ (980)Longtime local fixture known for hearty country breakfasts and traditional American comfort food.
- Cliff's Bar and Grill · Bar & Grill · 4.3★ (750)Lively neighborhood pub offering classic wings, pub grub, and regular live entertainment.
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.