Top 11 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta (2023)
Atlanta is a vibrant city with a flourishing economy, pleasant weather, and a diverse cultural landscape, making it an ideal destination for tourists and residents. However, exercising caution and avoiding unsafe neighbourhoods within Atlanta is crucial. This article will highlight the eleven most dangerous areas in Atlanta that you should steer clear of.
Although Atlanta has a higher crime rate than many other major cities in the US, it is essential to note that most parts of the city are generally safe. While there is a strong police presence in the downtown area, other neighbourhoods may raise safety concerns. It is worth noting that crime rates vary depending on the specific location and neighbourhood, with the Southwestern region of Atlanta being the most dangerous.
Atlanta is unfortunately not immune to crime, with theft, pickpocketing, and car theft being the most common offences. Additionally, incidents of violent crimes such as murder and assault do occur. It’s essential to know the most dangerous areas to live in Atlanta to ensure your safety.
Top 11 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta (2023)
Mechanicsville
Mechanicsville, one of Atlanta’s oldest neighbourhoods, is also the most dangerous. With a population of 5,886, it has a violent crime rate of 2,530 per 100,000 people, making it a dangerous place to live. Gang-related gun violence is frequent, and residents often express concerns about their safety, particularly during nighttime. Common crimes reported in this area include thefts, burglaries, and auto theft. Residents of Mechanicsville have also voiced their dissatisfaction with the inadequate police presence and lack of enforcement of safety codes in the neighbourhood.
Vine City
Vine City, also known as The Bluff, is one of the most challenging neighbourhoods in Atlanta. Though there have been efforts to revive the area, it continues to be characterized by violence. With a violent crime rate of 2,204 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 15,528 per 100,000, it is one of Atlanta’s most dangerous places to live. Moreover, almost half of the families in Vine City live below the poverty level, indicating that high poverty rates also plague the area.
English Avenue
The local crime rate in English Avenue is exceptionally high, making it one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Atlanta. Its proximity to Vine City means it shares similar issues, such as poverty and rampant crime. Shockingly, the violent crime rate in this area is a staggering 2,060 per 100,000 people. Assaults, robberies, and drug offences are the most frequent criminal activities reported in the neighbourhood.
Adair Park
Adair Park is considered a problematic area in Atlanta, with a population of 1,479 and a violent crime rate of 2,024 per 100,000 individuals, making the crime rate 138% higher than the city’s average. The prevalence of property crimes is also significant, with burglaries, car thefts, and personal thefts being the norm. As a result, residents of this neighbourhood face a 1 in 36 chance of being a victim of any crime type.
Oakland City
Oakland City, situated in Southwestern Atlanta, is widely regarded as the most dangerous neighbourhood in the city. With a violent crime rate of 1,246 per 100,000 people out of a population of 6,350, the overall crime rate in Oakland City is 29% higher than the national average. The area is plagued by several issues, primarily poverty, with the average income being $22,857. Oakland City shares its border with other high-crime localities, such as West and Adair Park, along the Atlanta beltline.
Lakewood Heights
Lakewood Heights, situated in Southeastern Atlanta, is considered one of the most hazardous places to reside. The neighbourhood has a violent crime rate of 994 per 100,000 people, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Atlanta. The residents frequently complain of hearing gunshots, and violent crime continues to be a prevalent issue in the region. Despite its notoriety for crime, Lakewood is home to several of Atlanta’s television and film production studios, including the famous EUE/Screen Gems soundstage, established in 2010.
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 incidents occur in this area, and other violent crimes like assaults are relatively common. As for property crimes, they mainly consist of home invasions and car thefts. The neighbourhood is known to be low-income, with limited access to basic amenities and employment opportunities. In general, crime rates in Center Hill are 24% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 36 chance of being victims of any crime.
West End
The West End is a historic Atlanta neighbourhood that has been around for a long time. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but unfortunately, it is also known for its high crime rate. The violent crime rate in this area is 22% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 54% higher than the national average. Despite these statistics, there are ongoing efforts to revitalize and gentrify the neighbourhood.
Adamsville
Adamsville, situated on the West side of Atlanta, is a low-income area with a population of 7,789 and an average income of $21,000. The violent crime rate in Adamsville is significantly high, at 859 per 100,000 people. Residents of Adamsville feel vulnerable and unsafe due to frequent shootings and violent crimes. Robberies, prostitution, and open drug sales are some of the commonly reported crimes in the area. Residents have often complained about the inadequate patrolling of specific properties, such as gas stations, which attract criminal activities. It is not uncommon to witness drug overdoses in the areas where crime is rampant.
Grove Park
Grove Park, located in the Northwest Atlanta area, is one of the city’s most perilous placesy. The neighbourhood witnesses a high rate of violent crimes, standing at 829 per 100,000, which is 21% higher than the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate is almost twice the violent crime rate, with burglaries, car thefts, and personal theft being the most common. Although Grove Park is considered a transitioning neighbourhood, many residents still live below the poverty line, with an average household income of $28,500.
Adams Park
Adams Park, situated in the Southwest region of Atlanta, is a neighbourhood with a population of 3,146. It has a violent crime rate of 623 per 100,000, which is relatively high. Despite this, the neighbourhood boasts an average income of $50,000 per household, which is higher than many other neighbourhoods on this list. Typical crimes in this area include assaults, thefts, and burglaries. Although some regions of Adams Park are undergoing gentrification, many parts of the neighbourhood still face high crime rates.
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