The Internet is a wonderful tool for realtors, buyers, and sellers alike. Thanks to the many tools at our fingertips, it has never been easier to get a feel for a home and neighborhood prior to moving forward with a showing. Likewise, realtors have the luxury of uploading photos and even video walkthroughs to their listings.
However, as is the case with all things digital, it’s important to recognize that the Internet isn’t always 100% accurate. This came to our attention in a weekly email blast that we receive from Trulia on the latest listings and happenings in the Coronado market.
602 Total Crimes in Coronado?? Wait a Minute…
In its April 9, 2016 weekend update, Trulia reported 602 crimes in Coronado—55 violent and 551 nonviolent. Anyone reading this who has ever been to Coronado—much less lived here—is likely shaking their heads along with us. Coronado consistently registers the lowest crime rate in all of San Diego County.
So, we took a closer look. And in doing so, we uncovered that these numbers are including crimes from Downtown San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, and other nearby areas. When you look at the color indications on the map, you will see that Coronado is pure “safest” green.
Crimes That Are Geographically Close to Coronado are Really a World Away
One of the reasons so many people love Coronado is that it offers quintessential island living. It’s quiet, peaceful, and tucked away. The San Diego–Coronado Bridge is the only way into and out of the island
On most crime maps, it would make sense to be concerned with crime in bordering neighborhoods that you might pass through on a morning jog or during weekend errands. But in this case, the areas that are bruising Coronado’s crime figures are a bay and bridge away.
Even Those Areas Aren’t That Bad
Even if we were to be concerned with crime in San Diego, National City, and Chula Vista, the numbers wouldn’t be cause for alarm. San Diego is a beautiful city, but it is still a city—the second largest in all of California at that. Its downtown is a hotspot for tourism and entertainment, which means unfortunate incidents are bound to happen. Even so, the city is considered to be relatively safe and has seen a decades-long decline in crime.
DUIs Happen Less on Coronado
In tourism and nightlife destinations like the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego, DUI is a prime concern. But people don’t come to Coronado to party, and in most cases, a car is not necessary for an outing here because the island is extremely walkable. Therefore, Coronado minimizes the likelihood of drunk driving all around, whether you’re more concerned that you might put yourself in a situation having to drive after one too many or that you will be hit by a drunk driver.
Your Biggest Concern in Coronado: Bike Theft
Island residents share a chuckle in knowing that the most prevalent crime on Coronado is bike theft. What a dangerous, devastating thing to worry about, right?
Even the term “petty theft” can give a sense of insecurity. But if you’re talking about petty theft in Coronado, it’s usually a bike that was stolen after being left unlocked. In many cases, stolen bikes are later found by their owners somewhere else on the island.
With Coronado being a bicyclist’s ideal place to roam, bike theft persists for the same reason that general crime happens in big cities. More people = more crime; more bikes = more bike theft.
To Say Coronado is Safe Would Be an Understatement
The truth harmed by Trulia’s numbers is that Coronado is undoubtedly and undeniably safe, no matter where you go on the island. Coronado crime rates are a fraction of the national average, and violent crime is virtually non-existent.
Thinking of living here? Let us give you a tour of the island and help you find your dream home!