Will My Dogs Be Safe?

[jagnole04]

Hello all.  I am new to this site.  My friend suggested I try it out and ask all questions I have.  I currently live in Mandarin.  I have been living at home getting myself in a position to buy a home and I am pretty much there.  I am in love with Springfield.  The homes, the people, the way of life.  It is everything I am looking for and more.   

I have really enjoyed the time I have spent there.  I have also heard a lot of stories.  Swat teams, break-ins, doors being kicked down and robbed.  Was actually looking at a home when the alarm went off and 5 police officers responded.  They said I should look somewhere else as they have a lot of problems on the block and that is why they come with reinforcements.

This all did change my mind about Springfield.  I started looking in Murray Hill and Riverside.  I just don't feel about them as I do Springfield.  Springfield is calling to me.  I have researched the crime stats on COJ.net and it is of concern.  Everyone I meet says they have not had any problems.  I am just curious as to who is having the problems?

I know this may seem trivial but I have two Chihuahua's and I love them so much.  If I was at work, or out and someone broke in and took them I would be devastated.  They are so tiny and scared and can't defend themselves.  I am 99% sure Springfield is for me.  I still have that 1% of "I don't know," what if something happens.  Will that feeling go away?  One of my friends that resides there told me it is all part of the process and they felt the same way and they LOVE it there.

This is will be my first home purchase.  I want to make a smart one.  I want to feel safe for me and my "family."  I know fences and alarms help.  Is that enough?  Will they be safe?

[ChriswUfGator]

Ironically, in Springfield it's not the burglars kicking your door down you really have to worry about.

It's those vipers at SPAR you need to watch out for, they'll tear your whole house down!

[jagnole04]

Ironically, in Springfield it's not the burglars kicking your door down you really have to worry about.

It's those vipers at SPAR you need to watch out for, they'll tear your whole house down!

Ha!  I have been warned about them too!

[fsujax]

Back to the topic. You have nothing to worry about! I have been in the neighborhood since 2005 and have not had anything like this happen to me. Some of these things are way over exaggerated. What block were you looking on?

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

You should buy two Rotties and have them fitted for a saddle for the Chihuahuas to ride on during the day.

[02roadking]

Jagnole, I've been here, 7th & Liberty, for about 13 years now. I guess I have been pretty lucky in the area of my block. What block are you looking at?

[The Compound]

This happens in Riverside, avondale and murray hill too, but you cant live your life scared of it, just take precautions. You can get a good surveillance camera system to monitor the outside of the home, they have majorly come down in price. This would definitely be a deterrent as well.

[danno]

I blame FBC!

[iloveionia]

Most folks are afraid of the "ankle biters." I have 4 dogs, 2 LARGE, 2 tiny, including an albino chihuahua.
Additionally some of what you hear is urban legend, and told by non-residents who don't know the real Spfld. Bad things can happen in "good" neighborhoods too. Think about it.
Follow your heart. Come buy in Spfld! 

[Sigma]

and you may want to post any concerns at www.myspringfield.org 

[Kiva]

Yes, your dogs will be safe. We have several people near our house in Springfield that have small dogs.

[jagnole04]

Jagnole, I've been here, 7th & Liberty, for about 13 years now. I guess I have been pretty lucky in the area of my block. What block are you looking at?

The one that I first loved was a bungalow on W 12th.  I think it might just be a little too close to Hogan's Creek....

Thanks for the input everyone.  It is really nice to hear everyone's opinion.  I know things happen in suburbia too.  We are no exempt from bad elements.  :-)  I just want to protect my kiddos.  LOL.

I think I will just focus my search a little farther south in Springfield.

[John P]

If you are researching Springfield I also recommend reading through myspringfield.org, sambajax.org, sparcouncil.org and springfieldwomansclub.org. Several months ago I remember reading a interesting piece about crime in Springfield on myspringfield. I move between properties but I have lived on and off in the neighborhood since 2003 and have observed postive changes. It's a nice place with nice people and still being gentrified. Welcome.

[BridgeTroll]

Your dogs may very well fear the giant feral cats known to roam the neighborhood...  I know someone who swears he saw them take down a golden retriever on foggy night...

[A-Finnius]

JagNole04, Welcome to MetroJacksonville!

I hope my suggestion to visit MetroJax proves fruitful and I'm sure you will get plenty of opinions about Springfield.  It looks like all of them have been positive so far!