The problem with Beachplace is that you need to walk through the shopping center in front of the building in order to get to the beach. It is tawdry and tasteless but I have never felt that it was unsafe. There used to be a few interesting stores but most are long gone, and they've been replaced with chain restaurants, bars (Hooters) and stores selling beach towels and tacky souvenirs. etc. The only useful store there is the CVS. We always have a car when we stay at BPT, and in the evenings we usually drive away from the beach to a restaurant on the mainland. The food is better and less expensive, and we avoid the drunks in the shopping center. That said, BPT is a pretty nice resort. The units are very nice with great views from higher floors. The major problems are a) slow elevators and b) a poorly designed garage. The shopping center appears to be totally safe during the day and the beachfront promenade is glorious for walking, jogging etc.