Atlanta is a vibrant city that boasts of a thriving economy, pleasant weather, and a diverse cultural landscape. It is a wonderful place to call home or visit. However, like any big city, there are areas in Atlanta that you should be cautious of. In this article, we will take a look at the eleven most perilous neighborhoods in Atlanta that you should avoid.
Although Atlanta has a higher crime rate compared to other major US cities, most parts of the city are still relatively safe for residents and visitors alike. The Downtown area has a strong police presence, but some other areas may raise concerns regarding safety. It’s worth noting that crime rates vary depending on the neighborhood and area, with the Southwestern part of the city being the most dangerous.
Atlanta is no stranger to crime, with theft, pickpocketing, and car theft being the most common offenses. Unfortunately, violent crimes such as murder and assault also occur in the city. To stay safe, it’s important to be aware of the most dangerous areas to live in Atlanta.
Top 11 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta (2023)
1. Mechanicsville
Mechanicsville, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta, is unfortunately also known to be the most dangerous. With a population of 5,886, it has a staggering violent crime rate of 2,530 per 100,000 people, making it a high-risk area to reside in. Gun violence is a common issue in this neighborhood, often linked to gang activity. Residents frequently express their concerns about their safety, particularly at night, due to the high frequency of thefts, burglaries, and auto theft. Many residents feel that police presence in Mechanicsville is not sufficient, and safety codes are not adequately enforced.
2. Vine City
Vine City, also known as The Bluff, is undeniably one of the most perilous neighborhoods in Atlanta. Despite attempts to restore the area, it continues to be plagued by violence, with a violent crime rate of 2,204 per 100,000 individuals and a property crime rate of 15,528 per 100,000 people. Moreover, the poverty levels in this neighborhood are alarmingly high, with nearly half of the families living below the poverty line.
3. English Avenue
English Avenue, located in Atlanta, is considered to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city due to its high crime rate. It shares its borders with Vine City and faces similar issues such as poverty and soaring crime rates. According to statistics, the violent crime rate in English Avenue is 2,060 per 100,000 people. The most prevalent crimes in this neighborhood include assaults, robberies, and drug offenses.
4. Adair Park
Adair Park is notorious for being a dangerous neighborhood in Atlanta. With a population of 1,479, its violent crime rate of 2,024 per 100,000 is 138% higher than the city average, making it a concerning place to live. Property crimes such as home invasions, car theft, and personal theft are also common in the area. Unfortunately, residents of Adair Park have a 1 in 36 chance of falling victim to any type of crime in this neighborhood, which is undoubtedly alarming.
5. Oakland City
Situated in the southwestern part of Atlanta, Oakland City is considered as one of the most perilous neighborhoods in the city. With a population of 6,350, this area has a violent crime rate of 1,246 per 100,000 people, which is 29% higher than the national average. The neighborhood is plagued with various challenges, primarily due to poverty, with an average income of $22,857. Oakland City borders other high-risk cities like West and Adair Park and is located along the Atlanta beltline.
6. Lakewood Heights
Lakewood Heights, situated in Southeastern Atlanta, is considered to be one of the most perilous places to reside in. With a violent crime rate of 994 per 100,000 inhabitants, this neighborhood has earned a notorious reputation for being unsafe. The residents of Lakewood Heights frequently report hearing gunshots, indicating how violent crime continues to be a persistent issue. Despite the concerns over safety, the neighborhood is home to many renowned television and film production studios. EUE/Screen Gems soundstage, one of Atlanta’s most prestigious studios, was established in Lakewood Heights back in 2010.
7. Center Hill
Center Hill, situated near central Atlanta, is home to a population of 5,471 residents. The city has a violent crime rate of 1,048 and a property crime rate of 3,720 per 100,000 individuals. Unfortunately, gun violence is not uncommon in Center Hill, and other violent crimes such as assaults are frequent occurrences. Property crimes, such as home invasions and car thefts, make up the majority of criminal activities in the city. Additionally, Center Hill is considered a low-income neighborhood with limited access to basic amenities and employment opportunities. Overall, crime rates in Center Hill are 24% higher than the national average, and residents face a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime.
8. West End
The West End is considered one of Atlanta’s most dangerous neighborhoods, despite its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as it has a high rate of violent crime that is 22% above the national average. The property crime rate is also 54% higher than the national average. However, despite these troubling statistics, the neighborhood is undergoing gentrification and renovation efforts. The West End is one of Atlanta’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, and it is heartening to see efforts to revitalize and improve the area despite its challenges.
9. Adamsville
Adamsville, situated on the West side of Atlanta, is home to 7,789 people and has a violent crime rate of 859 per 100,000 individuals. With an average income of $21,000, Adamsville is classified as a low-income neighborhood. The residents of Adamsville often feel apprehensive due to the prevalence of shootings and other violent crimes. Incidents of robberies, prostitution, and open drug sales are frequently reported by the locals. Moreover, the residents have lodged complaints that the police do not patrol certain areas, such as gas stations, where crimes are more likely to occur. As a result, the occurrence of drug overdoses is also high in the vicinity of these crime-ridden areas.
10. Grove Park
Grove Park, situated in Northwest Atlanta, is known to be one of the most perilous neighborhoods in the city. Its violent crime rate of 829 per 100,000 is 21% higher than the national average, making it a place where one should be extra cautious. The property crime rate in this area is almost twice the violent crime rate. Burglaries, car thefts, and personal thefts are common in this neighborhood. Although Grove Park is considered to be a transitioning neighborhood, many of its residents still struggle to make ends meet and live below the poverty line. On average, households in this neighborhood earn around $28,500 per year.
11. Adams Park
Adams Park, situated in Southwest Atlanta, is home to approximately 3,146 residents and has a violent crime rate of 623 per 100,000. This neighborhood boasts a higher average household income of $50,000 compared to some of the other neighborhoods mentioned in this list. However, Adams Park still faces common crimes such as assaults, thefts, and burglaries. Despite ongoing gentrification efforts in some parts of Adams Park, the neighborhood still experiences a high crime rate in certain areas.
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