Located about 25 miles north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a great place to visit. However, before planning your next trip to this incredible city in South Florida, it’s important to know whether the area you’re going to is safe.
To help ensure your safety while traveling to this picturesque city, we took a closer look at crime statistics to provide you with a comprehensive guide.
About Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, a city in Florida, attracts many visitors because of its extensive shoreline and rich yacht and boating industry. Moreover, it is a business hub, drawing in hundreds of thousands of people each year to its rapidly growing markets.
This city is a great place for young professionals. If you are looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, you’re sure to find one in Fort Lauderdale. Victoria Park is just one example. With many attractions and experiences to be had, this city offers hours of entertainment for residents and tourists alike.
Fort Lauderdale’s beaches provide visitors access to a wide range of activities. You can engage in sailing, swimming, and more or take in the sights as you travel on the city’s tree-lined streets. This popular tourist destination boasts a plethora of family-friendly neighborhoods and entertainment options.
Is Fort Lauderdale Safe? | Violent Crimes and Property Crimes
This sounds great, but is this city a safe place to visit?
The truth is that Fort Lauderdale sees around 10 million visitors every year. Whether you want to head to a Fort Lauderdale beach to enjoy some outdoor fun with the family or enjoy the many cultural experiences available in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, it helps to know about the crime rate.
The good news is that it is indeed a safe place to visit. According to Travel Safe Abroad, this pristine city is considered low-risk. This is in comparison to other Florida cities along the Gold Coast.
Property crimes, such as burglary and motor vehicle theft, are more common in Fort Lauderdale than violent crimes.
While the low crime rate is definitely reassuring, it’s important to remember that this city is no stranger to criminal activity, so it’s important to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid being the victim of crime.
Common Crimes That Affect Tourists in Fort Lauderdale
Now that you understand the crime rate in Fort Lauderdale, let’s talk about some of the petty crimes that tourists often fall prey to.
Scams
If you’re new to Fort Lauderdale, be careful not to fall prey to common scams. One trick that some use is recommending a restaurant or shop that charges extremely high prices.
Many visitors fall for this scam because they are unaware of prices in the area and believe that they are being offered reliable advice from a well-meaning resident, only to find that they were tricked into paying exorbitant prices.
To avoid being the victim of a scam, make sure that you are conducting your own research and obtaining advice from reliable sources only.
Pickpocketing
Like most cities, Fort Lauderdale has pickpockets, and tourists make easy targets. If you are distracted, someone could steal your phone or wallet without you knowing. To prevent this, put your valuables in a crossbody bag and place it in front of you at all times. Avoid leaving items unattended or in your pockets, as this makes it easier for criminals to steal them.
Traveling Alone in Fort Lauderdale
Whether you’re heading to Las Olas Boulevard in Downtown Fort Lauderdale or Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, it helps to know what to expect when visiting the city solo. Fortunately, lone tourists aren’t targeted any more than regular visitors in this city.
However, to avoid being the target of property crime or violent crime, we do recommend taking the appropriate safety precautions.
What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale?
If you are looking for a place to stay during your vacation or are moving to the city, this next section is for you. Here are our top recommendations for neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
Harbor Drive
Does high security and a sparsely populated area sound appealing? If that’s the case, then Harbor Drive is a great place to consider. The best part is that crime is practically unheard of here, and there are many iconic beaches nearby, making it an appealing area.
Boulevard Park Isles
This neighborhood consists of just over 700 residents and has playgrounds and other amenities that may appeal to those traveling with children. It also has many parks that are safe enough for picnics or leisurely strolls.
Lauderdale Harbours
This area is one of the safest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, boasting a crime rate that is 37% lower than the national average. It’s also an appealing option because of its accessibility, as it can be found near the airport and key beaches.
What About Public Transport in Fort Lauderdale?
There are a number of transportation options in Fort Lauderdale, and the good news is that they are relatively safe. Whether you choose the Broward County Transit (BCT) or LauderGO shuttle, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to move around the city without having to worry too much about your safety. You could also choose to travel by water taxi, which is also a fairly safe travel option.
Related >> How to Spend One Day in Fort Lauderdale
Who to Call in an Emergency
While Fort Lauderdale is pretty safe, you could still become the victim of a crime. If you do, you’ll need to know who to call. Here are a few emergency numbers to take note of:
- Emergency – 911
- Non-emergency – 954-764-HELP (4357)
- Beach patrol (use only in an emergency) – (954) 468-1595
- Report stalking – 764-HELP
Final Thoughts
Fort Lauderdale is a relatively safe city that boasts a wealth of attractions and amenities. However, you should never assume that any area is free from crime. Always take the necessary safety precautions and make sure that you are doing your research before visiting the city.
We hope that this article has shed some light on the matter of crime and safety in Fort Lauderdale. For more helpful information and insight, we encourage you to browse our website!