What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Paul Brannon | January 6, 2025 | Personal Injury

Although Fort Walton Beach was not founded until 1937, Indigenous people have lived in the area for thousands of years. The city, which has just about 20,000 residents, is best known for its white sandy beaches and emerald-colored waters. As idyllic as this setting may be, Fort Walton Beach also has a darker side.

Crime is but one of the many ways Fort Walton Beach has changed over the millennia. Although the number of crimes is not as high as in more populated cities like Jacksonville and Miami, its presence can deter visitors and make residents feel unsafe. Like the bigger cities, there are parts of Fort Walton Beach where you are more likely to become a victim of crime than others.

3 Safe Areas in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Crime maps can help you assess your risk of being victimized in and around Fort Walton Beach. Green areas on these maps reflect areas with less reported criminal activity, whereas orange and red areas represent places where crime is more likely. These maps often consider both property and violent crimes when assigning a color to a specific area.

Areas where tourists and residents should feel safe in Fort Walton Beach include:

1. East Fort Walton Beach

The extreme eastern part of the city, which includes parts east of Ferry Road NE and streets like Hollywood Boulevard NE and Bay Drive NE, has less crime than other parts of Fort Walton Beach. However, once you travel west of Ferry Road NE and Hollywood Boulevard NE, you enter areas with a greater likelihood of violent crime.

2. Near Cinco Bayou

Southeast of Cinco Bayou is a part of Fort Walton Beach that experiences moderate crime. This area is bounded by Beal Parkway NW on the north and east, Hollywood Boulevard on the south, and Memorial Parkway NW on the west. Although this part of town may not be as safe as the eastern section, it is still less likely to experience crime than some of the surrounding neighborhoods.

3. South of Mary Esther Cut-Off

Mary Esther Cut-Off connects East Miracle Strip Parkway with Beal Parkway NW and separates Fort Walton Beach from the town of Mary Esther. A small area bounded by the Mary Esther Cut-Off to the north, Hollywood Boulevard to the south, Wright Parkway NW to the east, and Jonquil Avenue NW to the west is less likely to experience crime than the surrounding area.

Be Alert in This Area of Fort Walton Beach

Central Fort Walton Beach may be the most dangerous part of the city, and visitors and residents should exercise caution when visiting this area to avoid injury. The neighborhood bounded by Hollywood Boulevard NE to the north, Beal Parkway SW to the west, and Eglin Parkway SE to the east has more crime than the surrounding areas.

Crime and Your Safety in Fort Walton Beach

Crime is unpredictable and does not always follow a map. Areas that appear safe can be the site of a violent attack without notice. Similarly, you could travel daily through an allegedly dangerous neighborhood without ever experiencing an issue. There are many factors that go into whether another person will victimize you, and the location is just one factor.

Wherever you travel in Fort Walton Beach, be proactive about your safety. If you have not visited the area before, learn whether it is generally safe and adapt your behavior accordingly. Keeping an eye on your surroundings. Hiding valuables can reduce the chance of a crime or other serious injury, regardless of where you are in town.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243