How safe is Orlando?

judygarland

Off to Florida just after Christmas and I've found a really cheap camera shop just north of Orlando International airport. I remember a while back someone from the UK venturing off the tourist route and being mugged and shot dead. (although this was Sarasota).

This has got me thinking that I should read up on "no go" areas.

Where do I avoid? Apparently 3 miles away from Universal studios is one of these areas.

cheers

shaun_from_Africa

I've been to Orlando about 25 times (both work and pleasure) and have never had a problem.
Orlando is not really any different to most large cities around the world in that there are safe areas and no so safe ones.

The "3 miles from Universal" area is the area that I normally stay in (The North end of International drive) and whilst it's certainly true that this area is a lot more down market than the middle or South of I-drive, provided that you are sensible you shouldn't have any problem.
For instance, don't go wandering down side streets late at night especially if you've had a few drinks, and don't flash loads of money around.

One of the main roads through Orland is Orange Blossom trail, and if you get on this road and head north, it goes from a reasonably safe area to a distinctly dodgy one in a matter of a few miles.

What area that the shop you want to visit in?

judygarland

It will be my fourth visit but I've never really ventured outside of the touristy areas. The shop is in North Mills Avenue which is a 20 min drive from Orlando International. Postal area is FL32803. It looks like a business area and I daresay you wouldn't have an expensive camera shop without grills on the windows if it was an undesirable area.

Cheers

shaun_from_Africa

The area where the shop is located is quite busy during the day and you shouldn't have any safety problems.
If you have a hire car and you are confident driving on the interstate, it's quite an easy area to get to. If you are coming from I-drive or Kissimmee, you need the I4 East. You don't really want to do this drive before about 10am or after 4pm as the interstate goes right through the centre of downtown Orlando and the roads get extremely busy
After this time it's not too bad.

Moto2

The crooks are very clever these days
I believe all the major scams are now in the guise of legitimate businesses such as Walt Disney Corporation, Seaworld, Universal Studios etc.

I'd keep my eyes on them rather than worry about the locals.