Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta With Highest Crime Rate (2023)

Atlanta is rising, with a flourishing economy, beautiful weather, and a vibrant cultural landscape. It’s a fantastic place to call home or visit. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid dangerous areas in Atlanta. This article will explore the top 10 most unsafe neighborhoods in Atlanta. So, if you’re planning a trip to this city or currently living here, stay tuned to learn more.

Although Atlanta has a higher crime rate than many major cities in the United States, most parts of the town are still relatively safe. While there is a noticeable police presence in the Downtown area, specific neighbourhoods may still pose safety concerns. It should be noted that crime rates differ depending on the location, with the most dangerous places found in the Southwestern region of Atlanta.

Atlanta is unfortunately known for its high crime rate, with theft, pickpocketing, and car theft being the most prevalent crimes in the area. Sadly, violent crimes such as murder and assault occur in certain parts of the city. If you’re looking to move to Atlanta, it’s essential to be aware of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city to ensure your safety.

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta

1. Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta, is unfortunately also the most dangerous. With a population of 5,886, the neighbourhood has a violent crime rate of 2,517 per 100,000 people. Gun violence, often related to gang activity, is expected in the area. Residents frequently express their lack of security, particularly at night. The neighbourhood also experiences high theft, burglary, and auto theft rates. Many residents feel that the police presence is insufficient and safety codes are not adequately enforced.

2. English Avenue and Vine City

English Avenue and Vine City are two neighbourhoods situated next to each other and have a total population of 4,486 inhabitants. The Bluff, a region within these neighborhoods, has gained notoriety for being one of the most unsafe areas in Atlanta. Despite efforts to revitalize this area, violent crimes are still prevalent, with a rate of 2,126 per 100,000 people, and property crimes with a rate of 15,013 per 100,000 people. The Bluff also has high poverty rates, with almost half of the families living below the poverty level.

3. Adair Park

Adair Park is a hazardous neighbourhood in Atlanta, with a population of 1,479 and a violent crime rate of 2,024 per 100,000 people. This makes the crime rate 138% higher than the city’s average. Property crime is also a significant concern, with frequent home invasions, car theft, and personal theft incidents. As a result, residents of this neighbourhood have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.

4. Oakland City

Oakland City, situated in the southwestern part of Atlanta, has gained notoriety as the most dangerous neighbourhood in the city. The area has a high violent crime rate of 1,246 per 100,000 people among a population of 6,350, 29% higher than the national average. The neighbourhood faces various poverty-related challenges, with an average income of $22,857. Oakland City shares its borders with unsafe cities like West and Adair Park along the Atlanta beltline.

5. Lakewood Heights

Lakewood Heights, located in Southeastern Atlanta, is one of the most dangerous places to live in the city due to its high violent crime rate of 994 per 100,000 people. The neighbourhood is infamous for violent crimes, and gunshots are frequently heard, causing fear and concern among residents. However, it is interesting to note that despite the high crime rate, Lakewood is home to several television and film production studios, including Atlanta’s well-known EUE/Screen Gems soundstage, which opened its doors in 2010.

6. Center Hill 

Center Hill is a neighbourhood in central Atlanta with a population of 5,471. The area has a violent crime rate of 1,048 and a property crime rate of 3,720 per 100,000 people. Unfortunately, gun violence sporadically occurs in Center Hill, and assaults are relatively common. Property crimes, such as home invasions and car thefts, constitute the majority of criminal activity. Additionally, Center Hill is considered a low-income neighbourhood with limited access to essential services and employment opportunities. Overall, crime rates in the area are 21% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming victims of any crime.

7. West End

The West End is a historic neighbourhood in Atlanta and one of the most dangerous. The National Register of Historic Places has recognized it due to its rich history. Unfortunately, the violent crime rate here is 22% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 54% higher than the national average. Despite these alarming statistics, the neighbourhood is currently revitalising with many renovation efforts.

8. Adamsville

Adamsville, situated on the West side of Atlanta, is home to 7,789 people. Unfortunately, the area has a high violent crime rate of 859 per 100,000 individuals and is considered a low-income region with an average yearly income of $21,000. Residents of Adamsville often feel unsafe due to the prevalence of shootings and other violent crimes. They frequently report criminal activities, including robberies, prostitution, and open drug sales. As with Mechanicsville, residents complain that the police do not adequately patrol specific areas, such as gas stations, where crime often congregates. Furthermore, drug overdoses are common in these areas.

9. Grove Park

Grove Park, located in the Northwest Atlanta area, is one of the most hazardous places, with a violent crime rate of 829 per 100,000 residents. This figure is 21% higher than the national average, making it a place that requires extra caution. The property crime rate is almost twice the rate of violent crime, and the most common offences are burglaries, car thefts, and personal thefts. Despite being a transitioning neighborhood, many residents still fall below the poverty line, with an average household income of $28,000.

10. Adams Park

Adams Park, situated in Southwest Atlanta, has a population of 3,146. The neighbourhood has a violent crime rate of 623 per 100,000, which is relatively high compared to other areas on this list. Despite this, Adams Park boasts a higher average income of $50,000 per household. However, common crimes in this neighbourhood include assaults, thefts, and burglaries. While some parts of Adams Park are undergoing gentrification, several areas still face the challenge of high crime rates.

Conclusion

Atlanta is a constantly evolving city, but unfortunately, it still has a number of high-crime areas. Most violent neighbourhoods in the Southwest are plagued by gang activity and drug-related crimes, resulting in high violent crime rates.

However, with many of these areas transforming, criminal elements are decreasing gradually. If you are planning a visit or considering moving to Atlanta, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Using common sense can go a long way in ensuring your safety in this dynamic city.

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