Crime/murder rate increasing in Gville? (Greenville, Wade Hampton: crime rate, home, neighborhood)

[BuddyDog]

Is it just me or is the murder/crime rate increasing in Gville? I am reading news online so I don't experience the local scene. We have visited the area many times and during visits our experience was very positive, people friendly, etc. We like the Williamston, Greer and Taylors areas.

I would appreciate your insight if you live there. We are looking to escape the increasing crime rate in the Central FL area. Our research over the past 6 months indicated the crime rate was lower in Gville but I wonder if that's changing or just perception?

[catschmidt]

We have had a surge in crime here. I believe it's due to the population growth. This used to be a very safe place to live (and still is), but you hardly ever saw a murder on the 6 o'clock news. Now, it's every night we're told about a new murder or rape or meth lab or drug bust, etc. The one that has hit close to home was a murder that happened last Thurs down on Wade Hampton. This store owner was shot and killed in his antiques store. What always gets me-- no one saw a thing. Someone took his truck and parked it across the street behind some bldgs. I used to live in that area and it was shocking to know the man I used to visit was killed! Greenville is still safe, tho'. I'm originally from Atlanta and the crime there is a thousand percent worse than it is here. I still feel safe walking the streets downtown and we live in a good neighborhood where every one knows each other and looks out for each other. Greenville is a great city and as with any growing city, there will be crime. We just have to put our faith in our police force(s) and hope they do their jobs and find these criminals each time they commit a crime. With what I've seen, they do.

I wouldn't live anywhere else. I love Greenville and feel right at home here and I feel very safe living here. It's soooo much better than living in Atlanta!!