13 Areas to Avoid in Orlando, FL [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an avid Orlando, FL visitor, I’ve learned over multiple trips that while the city has so much to offer in terms of attractions, restaurants, and entertainment, there are certain areas that are best avoided, especially for tourists unfamiliar with the city. Safety should always come first when exploring a new destination. Through asking locals and doing extensive research, I’ve put together this guide on areas to avoid in Orlando to help fellow travelers determine which neighborhoods they may want to steer clear of.

Orlando is known around the world primarily for its theme parks, with Walt Disney World and Universal Studios drawing huge crowds year-round. Many visitors never venture beyond the theme park districts. However, Orlando has much more to explore for those willing, from museums and gardens to boutique districts. While the main tourist zones are very safe, going farther afield does pose some risks. When visiting any major city, it pays to know which areas have higher crime rates, allowing you to plan accordingly and focus on enjoying your trip, rather than worrying about safety.

See Also: Best Hotels in Orlando

1. Mercy Drive

Mercy Drive, located west of downtown Orlando, is an area characterized by high crime rates and gang activity. As a tourist unfamiliar with the city, I’d advise avoiding Mercy Drive, especially at night. According to statistics, violent crimes like aggravated assault and robbery occur frequently in this area. Mercy Drive also has a reputation for drug dealing and prostitution. While driving through during the day is generally safe, hanging out or exploring the neighborhoods along Mercy Drive as a tourist is not recommended. This area is best avoided altogether unless you have a specific reason to visit. For your own safety and peace of mind, it’s best to stick to the more popular tourist districts when visiting Orlando.

2. Roosevelt Park

Roosevelt Park is a neighborhood situated along West Colonial Drive near the downtown area. While it may seem tempting to check out as a tourist looking to explore lesser-known areas, Roosevelt Park is actually considered one of the most dangerous parts of Orlando. This area is plagued by drugs and gang violence. Muggings and shootings frequently occur within the public housing units in Roosevelt Park. Visitors who accidentally venture into this area, especially at night, put themselves at risk of becoming victims of violent crimes. As a fellow traveler, I’d advise avoiding Roosevelt Park altogether when visiting Orlando if you want to ensure your safety. With so many amazing theme parks, nature spots, and safer neighborhoods to check out, Roosevelt Park is simply not worth the risk.

3. Malibu Groves

Malibu Groves is a predominately residential area located north of downtown Orlando. At first glance, it may seem like a nice neighborhood to explore or drive through. However, Malibu Groves has a reputation for being rundown and higher in criminal activity than other parts of Orlando. Security is low, so burglaries and car break-ins happen frequently. There is also some gang activity within Malibu Groves, particularly among youths. As an unfamiliar tourist, you’re an easy target in this environment. Visitors have also reported feeling unsafe in Malibu Groves due to the presence of vagrants and strained community relations with police. For your own security and comfort, it’s best to avoid spending time in Malibu Groves during your Orlando vacation.

4. Johnson Village

Johnson Village is situated east of Orlando’s downtown core. This public housing area is considered very high in crime and is ranked as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Orlando. Violent crimes happen frequently in Johnson Village. As a tourist, you could risk getting caught in the crossfire of gang violence or muggings in this area. Johnson Village is also known for drug use and dealing. Visitors who ignore warnings and end up in this neighborhood often regret it. With its reputation for shootings, the presence of vagrants, and strained community relations, Johnson Village is an area I would strongly advise tourists to steer clear of for their own safety and well-being when visiting Orlando.

5. New Malibu

Don’t let the pleasant-sounding name fool you – New Malibu is another of the areas to avoid in Orlando with a reputation for danger and criminal activity. Located north of downtown near Malibu Groves, New Malibu consists largely of aging apartment complexes with low security. This has led to a rise in various crimes from car thefts to burglaries and assaults. New Malibu has also seen an increase in gang-related violence and drug dealing in recent years. There tends to be a heavier police presence patrolling this area which speaks to the elevated safety risks. As a tourist unfamiliar with New Malibu, you could easily end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. For your own security, it’s best to avoid spending any time in this area when visiting Orlando.

6. Lake Sunset

The neighborhood of Lake Sunset wraps around the southern shore of the lake it’s named after in southwest Orlando. While the lake itself is scenic, the surrounding neighborhood has a disproportionately high crime rate that visitors should be aware of. Violent crimes are common in Lake Sunset, especially near the apartment complexes on 35th Street where gang activity is high. Muggings and burglaries frequently occur as well, often targeted at unsuspecting tourists. Laborers who live in motels along South Orange Blossom Trail have also contributed to increased crime and vagrancy in Lake Sunset. As a tourist looking to play it safe, I’d recommend avoiding this neighborhood altogether. With Orlando’s many theme parks and attractions nearby, there’s really no reason to risk your safety in Lake Sunset.

7. Rock Lake

Rock Lake is a neighborhood in northwest Orlando. It may intrigue tourists for its natural-sounding name and proximity to scenic Rock Lake, but it is actually one of the most dangerous areas in Orlando for visitors. Violent crime rates here are among the highest in the city, including aggravated assaults, shootings, and armed robberies. Gangs are active in the Rock Lake area as well. There is also a large homeless population living in makeshift camps around Rock Lake Park, which adds to the unsafe atmosphere. Given its reputation for violence, drugs, and vagrancy, touring Rock Lake is not recommended. As a tourist, you are much better off sticking to Orlando’s wealth of theme parks and safer, family-friendly neighborhoods.

8. Carver Shores

Situated west of downtown Orlando, Carver Shores is another neighborhood with high crime rates that is best avoided by tourists. Robberies, break-ins, and assaults frequently occur in Carver Shores. There is also extensive drug use and dealing within the neighborhood, largely related to the area’s gang activity. Carver Shores has strained relations with police as well, giving it an unsafe vibe. Visitors driving through could be targeted for opportunistic crime. Given its lack of tourist attractions and high risks to personal safety, spending time in Carver Shores is highly discouraged. Tourists are far better off sticking to Orlando’s wealth of theme parks and family-friendly neighborhoods away from this dangerous area.

9. Washington Shores

Washington Shores is an Orlando neighborhood located just southwest of Orlando International Airport. While its proximity to the airport and Lake Hancock may make it seem appealing, Washington Shores is actually quite dangerous compared to other parts of Orlando. Violent crimes like armed robbery and aggravated assault occur frequently, especially near the residential complexes on Pershing Avenue. Gangs and illegal drug activity also contribute to the dangerous atmosphere. The area has many vagrants as well that harass tourists. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid exploring Washington Shores during your Orlando vacation for your own safety. With so much to do in the theme parks and safer neighborhoods, there’s no need to risk it.

10. Lake Mann Estates

Lake Mann Estates encompasses a residential area surrounding Lake Mann northwest of Orlando’s downtown district. Despite its pleasant natural setting, Lake Mann Estates is plagued by higher-than-average crime rates and safety concerns. Robberies and break-ins are very common within the neighborhood’s apartment complexes in particular. There also tends to be extensive loitering and vagrancy around commercial areas that creates uneasiness for visitors. Overall, Lake Mann Estates has a rougher vibe and strained community relations that make tourists vulnerable. For your own security, it’s wisest to avoid spending recreational time in Lake Mann Estates and instead focus on Orlando’s wealth of renowned theme parks and attractions located in safer districts.

11. Holden-Parramore

Holden-Parramore is an Orlando neighborhood just northwest of the downtown district. It is one of the most impoverished and dangerous areas within Orlando proper. Robberies and violent assaults occur frequently in Holden-Parramore due to strained relations between residents and police. Gang activity and drug dealing are also problematic, creating an atmosphere that tourists should avoid. Given its lack of major attractions coupled with safety concerns, Holden-Parramore should be avoided by visitors who are unfamiliar with the territory. Orlando offers so many amazing theme parks and family-friendly areas that are recommended over taking any chances in Holden-Parramore.

12. Lorna Doone Park

Lorna Doone Park is a neighborhood located along West Colonial Drive on Orlando’s west side. It may seem like a convenient area to pass through given its proximity to International Drive and Universal Orlando. However, Lorna Doone Park comes with more risks than rewards for tourists. Violent crime rates are disproportionately high in the area compared to other Orlando neighborhoods. Muggings, shootings, and gang violence are key concerns, especially at night. There is also extensive drug use and vagrancy near the residential complexes on Hialeah Street. Overall, tourists are better off planning routes through Orlando’s safer neighborhoods and avoiding Lorna Doone Park. With so many great attractions located elsewhere, it’s not worth compromising your safety.

13. North Orange

North Orange refers to the area along North Orange Blossom Trail north of Orlando’s downtown core. Unlike the glitzier tourist districts, this stretch of road cuts through some of Orlando’s most impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods. Crimes like armed robberies and burglaries occur frequently in residential pockets off of North Orange Blossom Trail. Illicit drug use and prostitution are also common along the road itself near rundown motels. Overall, North Orange Blossom Trail has a reputation for attracting transients, drugs, and violent crime. Tourists who avoid this area entirely are less likely to become victims while visiting Orlando. With so many amazing things to do in safer parts of Orlando, North Orange is one area where you’re better off not venturing.

Conclusion

While legendary for its theme parks and family-friendly sights, Orlando still has areas affected by crime and violence, like any big American city. By knowing which neighborhoods to avoid in Orlando, tourists can better plan their visit to steer clear of high-risk zones and enjoy all the magic the city offers. Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and focus on making memories in Orlando’s safer, most vibrant districts. With some care taken, any trip to Orlando can feel like a dream vacation.