Is Marietta Safe?
The city of Marietta, Georgia, is located a few miles northwest of Atlanta. It’s a continuously growing community with a population of over 60,000 people. Marietta is rich in history and offers a lot of opportunities, but like any other city, living there has pros and cons for both residents and visitors. If you’re considering visiting the area, one of the few things you need to ask yourself is, “Is Marietta, GA, safe?” This article will examine the city’s crime rates, safest and most dangerous neighborhoods, safety measures, and the pros and cons of living in Marietta.
If you want to know if neighboring city Smyrna is safe, click here.
Crime Rates in Marietta
Crime rates are one of the most significant factors to look into when asking yourself, “Is Marietta, GA, safe?” According to data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, crime rates in Marietta are generally lower than the national average. The FBI’s UCR program compiles data on crimes such as robbery, murder, rape, burglary, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, and larceny-theft. Below are Marietta’s crime rates based on 2020’s reports:
Violent crime rates: The violent crime rate in Marietta per 100k people is 331.2, which is lower than the national average of 367.9.
Property crime rates: The property crime rate in Marietta per 100k people is 3,797.5, which is higher than the national average of 2,110.5.
The crime rates in Marietta may be below the national average, but it’s necessary to remain vigilant about personal safety because crimes can happen anywhere. Remember that crime rates also differ based on the city’s neighborhood or location, so research is essential to determine “Is Marietta, GA, safe?”
Safest and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Marietta GA
Marietta has neighborhoods with varying crime rates, and the following data provides an overview of the most secure and hazardous areas in the city below.
Safest Neighborhoods
Whitlock Heights: Located just west of Marietta Square, this neighborhood is famed for its streets adorned with trees, historic homes, and minimal crime rates.
Saint Joseph: Located just north of Marietta Square, this neighborhood boasts numerous parks, exceptional schools, and minimal crime rates.
Windy Hill: Located just east of Marietta Square, this neighborhood is home to several shopping centers, parks, and minimal crime rates.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods
Fair Oaks: Located just southwest of Marietta Square, this neighborhood has more criminal activities than others. Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that Fair Oak’s crime rates have continuously decreased over the years.
Dunleith: Located just northeast of Marietta Square, this neighborhood has more criminal activities than others. Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that Dunleith’s crime rates have also continuously decreased over the years.
Tips for Staying Safe in Marietta GA
Here are some tips for both residents and visitors to keep in mind to stay safe in the city:
Be aware of your surroundings: Whatever you’re doing, always be mindful of what’s happening around you and watch out for potential safety concerns. During the night, avoid walking alone and always stick to well-lit areas.
Lock your doors and windows: When you’re away from home, make sure to lock all doors and windows. You can also consider installing surveillance cameras or a security system to add more protection to your home.
Get to know your neighbors: You can join a neighborhood association or attend local events to build relationships with your neighbors and be acquainted with others in your community. Doing so can be a valuable source of information and support.
Stay informed about local news and events: Stay informed about safety concerns and local events by following local social media accounts or pages and reading the local paper. Staying alert and knowing what’s happening around you can help you take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Use public transportation and ride-sharing services safely: Stick to well-lit and populated areas while waiting for your ride. You can also use this time to verify the driver’s and vehicle’s identity to ensure your safety before getting in on public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Be cautious with your valuables: Always keep an eye on your valuables and don’t leave them unattended. If you plan to leave them in your car, make sure to put them somewhere that’s not visible to other people.
Attend local events and festivals: Marietta is a vibrant community that is known for having plenty of events and festivals. Attending these fun events is where you can safely meet new people and experience the local culture.
Follow local laws and regulations: Noise ordinances and parking restrictions are some of the local laws and regulations you have to be mindful of. You can avoid legal issues and conflicts with your neighbors by complying with local rules in your community.
Report any suspicious activity: Always report potential safety concerns to local authorities. Doing so aids in crime prevention and keeps you and your community out of harm’s way.
Initiatives to Improve Safety in Marietta
Marietta has implemented several programs for the city’s increased security and reduced crimes. Here are some of them:
Community Policing: The city’s police department employs a community policing strategy that focuses on developing relationships with community members to recognize and address problems collaboratively.
Neighborhood Watch Programs: Several neighborhood watch programs are implemented in Marietta. These programs encourage community members to work hand in hand to increase security and prevent crimes from happening in their respective neighborhoods.
Youth Programs: Youth programs prevent young people from participating in criminal activities and other juvenile behaviors by engaging them in positive activities. Marietta has implemented several of these programs, which help the youth build the necessary skills to become productive and successful community members.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design: In some areas of the city, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles are in place. CPTED aims to prevent or minimize crimes, create safer neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life in a community by designing physical spaces.
Pros of Living in Marietta
Affordable cost of living: Compared to other cities in the country, Marietta has a lower cost of living, particularly in housing and utilities. That’s what makes Marietta one of the best places to live in Georgia.
Strong sense of community: Marietta’s tight-knit and vibrant community offers plenty of events and opportunities to bond and build relationships with other community members.
Good schools: Marietta has several top-rated private and public schools in the area and is known for its excellent school system.
Proximity to Atlanta: Being close to Atlanta makes it more convenient for Marietta’s residents and visitors to access a central urban area and everything it offers.
Historic charm: The city of Marietta boasts of history, with its charming and characterful historic district showcasing numerous exquisitely refurbished homes and buildings.
Cons of Living in Marietta
Traffic congestion: Marietta often encounters severe traffic jams, primarily during peak hours and on arterial roads like I-75 and I-285, due to its sizable population.
Limited public transportation: Compared to more prominent cities, Marietta has a restricted public transportation system that can pose a challenge for residents who do not own a vehicle.
Weather: The city of Marietta has to endure scorching and humid summers, along with periodic extreme weather like tornadoes and thunderstorms.
Limited job opportunities: Marietta does provide employment opportunities, but the job market’s relatively restricted in comparison with bigger cities, which might pose difficulties for some residents in finding a career.
Crowded schools: Marietta’s educational institutions are commendable, but with the city’s population on the rise, certain schools in the vicinity may get overcrowded, resulting in larger class sizes and inadequate resources.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed all the essential factors in this article, you can already answer the question, “Is Marietta, GA, safe?” In conclusion, Marietta, GA, offers its residents and visitors many benefits. While there are potential downsides, the city has many qualities that make it an excellent place to call home. Marietta has crime rates lower than the national average, yet it is crucial to conduct thorough research on individual neighborhoods and remain vigilant about personal safety. This article provides several tips and recommendations to help you stay safe while enjoying everything the city offers.