<p>I am about to select one of the PhD programs I was accepted to.</p>
<p>I went to FGCU for 2 years than transferred to FSU.</p>
<p>Had problems with drug users at the FGCU apartment complexes, and at FSU, gang members and bums (although I had no vandalism/break ins or anything chance are if I lived a block further I would have). </p>
<p>I am really worried about safety.</p>
<p>I have to get an apartment as a PhD student. I started looking at apartments, and there is not a SINGLE apartment listing that did not have the review of "they stole my car" or "they kicked down my door"....</p>
<p>Am I seriously at risk of being shot if I go to UCF or are these people from other apartment complexes posting lies on the reviews for their competitors. </p>
<p>I want a 1bed/1bed, close to school w/ security gate/guard.
Maybe a 2bed/2bed where I will just split rent with another one of the PhD students.</p>
<p>What are the options? I would rather not spend more than 800 a month including cable/internet...</p>
<p>Calm down. If you’re smart and play it safe, you’ll be fine. If you’re that concerned, maybe try living 10-15 min away, where criminals are less likely to be looking for college kids.</p>
<p>There are brand new gated apartments with security opening on right across the street from UCF. It is in your price range, has a 1 bedroom option and they open their doors on August 1st. They have a parking garage and you can even get a space assigned by your room. However it is a student apt. complex so most will be younger than you, I imagine. They are called Sterling Apartments. Google it and you can find the website. Worth a look.</p>
<p>Crime near UCF is RIDICULOUSLY low. Sorry, it’s true. Just avoid Campus Crossings and Arbour.</p>
<p>what do you mean ridiculously low?</p>
<p>redslash means you’re being ridiculous and crime here is REALLY NOT THAT BAD.</p>
<p>I’ve seen much nicer cars than yours in the UCF parking garages every day with not a scratch on them.</p>
<p>Most of the stuff you hear about crime in Orlando is referring to areas much closer to downtown, like Pine Hills, Parramore, or any part of Orange Blossom Trail. All of those places are at least 30 minutes from UCF.</p>
<p>People usually find what they expect. If you expect friends, you’ll likely find friends. If you expect crime, you’ll likely find crime.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>What if you can’t expect anything except another biased post from someone who can only say good things about FSU?</p>
<p>Take it from someone who lives here. The crime is not that bad.</p>
<p>When I first moved to Central FL I was very concerned about safety too. My first condo was in Ventura ([VENTURACOUNTRYCLUB.COM](<a href=“http://www.venturacountryclub.com%5DVENTURACOUNTRYCLUB.COM%5B/url%5D”>http://www.venturacountryclub.com)</a>) there are listings there, and I found my condo on a For Rent By Owner website. There is gated security that is manned 24/7, there are also security vehicles that drive through the neighborhoods 24/7 on patrol. I never heard of or saw anything out of line. I felt very safe there, and the prices are pretty reasonable considering what you are getting there. It is about 20 minutes from UCF. If you travel down Semoran it gets pretty ghetto, but just use Curry Ford and Goldenrod coming and going and you’re good. The community has golf, a full gym, pools, and a restaurant inside of it. Hope that helps :-)</p>
<p>The area around UCF is beautiful and the crime is very low. You should drive over to Orlando and experience the area for yourself for a weekend or a couple days. During my 4 years at UCF I have lived in many differernt housing. There are nice 1/1 near Waterford Towncenter (you can google a map because there are too many apartments to list on here). They are all safe and a lot of older students, masters and PhD students live in that area. I wouldnt live 20 minutes away like someone mentioned because its a long drive and you will get sick of it FAST. Not to mention, Orlando has toll roads everywhere (Yeah, you have to pay to use our highways haha). Right now I have 2 roommates in the same major and we rent a 3/2 house off University Blvd about a mile from campus for $1200. Granted, my house was broken into earlier this year and I had some stuff stolen… I would continue to say the area is safe and I think it was just a random bad thing that happened. Renting a house or condo would be a great route to take… check craigslist for listings and roommates. Good Luck! You will love UCF… beautiful campus, wonderful education and a great location.</p>