What does it mean for a place to be safe? For some, it’s about low crime rates, being away from natural disaster zones, and having friendly, welcoming people around. Others say it’s also about easy access to good healthcare and a high standard of living. Sure, life is unpredictable, and threats can pop up anywhere, but there’s nothing more comforting than feeling secure.
I grew up in a very safe suburb of San Diego, so when I moved up to San Francisco for college, I was naive about life in a big city. When it came to getting my first apartment on my own, I suddenly got a dose of reality about how important–and expensive–it can be to live in a safe place.
A recent online thread had hundreds of people chiming in about which locations they believe are safest. Here, we go over the top picks and why living in these places might keep you out of harm’s way.
New Zealand
You’ve probably heard the jokes about New Zealand being left off maps or how it’s the real-life version of the Shire, the Hobbits’ idyllic village in The Lord of the Rings. But here’s the deal: the country really does have a low crime rate, a trustworthy police force, and a top-notch healthcare system. It’s politically stable and fairly isolated, less prone to wild weather or rising sea levels. If things get out of hand, you’ll just be hanging out with sheep on scenic mountains—sounds like a win to me!
Honestly, the only way New Zealand wouldn’t be safe is if the entire world decided to move there! The only danger you might have to worry about is those strong UV rays.
Norway
Can you believe a local in Norway would take a dare to sleep with his front door wide open for a week? It’s not surprising, though! Norway has a high level of public trust. It’s normal to see people leaving their laptops at cafes while they dash to the restroom. With a strong economy, low unemployment, and high living standards, it’s no wonder everyone feels secure.
But don’t forget, the weather can be a bit wild. Winters are freezing with heavy snow, and summers barely hit 20 degrees.
Canada
There’s got to be a reason why everyone thinks Canadian people are so nice and polite…maybe they have less to worry about! The country has an impressively low crime rate—one of the best in the world! You’re unlikely to encounter even verbal assaults on the street, and urban burglaries are rare. Our neighbors to the north have excellent public services like universal healthcare and first responders who are always ready to help.
But that’s not all! Canada values diversity and inclusiveness, proudly supporting the LGBTQ community. It’s a welcoming place where everyone can feel at home.
Iowa
The Hawkeye State is a fantastic place to raise a family. With violent crime rates 20% lower and property crime rates 10% lower than the U.S. average, Iowa is a safe choice. Fun fact: the safest town in Iowa is Sherrill, a tiny gem in Dubuque County with just 189 residents.
Keep an eye on the weather, though. Iowa sees about 50 tornadoes a year because the western half sits in the infamous Tornado Alley. So, while it’s a great place to live, Mother Nature is always a wild card.
Asheville, North Carolina
Believe it or not, there are cities known as “climate havens“—places that might dodge the worst effects of climate change. Asheville is one of those spots, and it’s no wonder its population is booming!
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville sits at a high elevation, so extreme heat isn’t a big concern. It’s also far from the coast, so rising sea levels aren’t a problem. However, the area is notorious for torrential rains, so flooding can happen in the city.
Switzerland
Beautiful pictures of snow-capped Alps surrounded by charming Swiss chalets make you think Switzerland is a utopia. But is this Northern European country as perfect as it seems? With high living standards, excellent healthcare, well-paying jobs, and top-notch schools, it definitely looks appealing. Even the country’s neutral political stance gives its overall sense of stability and peace.
Switzerland boasts very low crime rates, with violent assaults being extremely rare compared to other industrialized countries. The country also has strict gun control laws and robust disaster preparedness.
Slovenia
You may have never heard of Slovenia, but this small country, neighboring Italy and Austria, is Europe’s best-kept secret! With the stunning Adriatic coast, majestic Alps, and beautiful springs, caves, and waterfalls, it’s a sight to see. The locals are friendly, and if you’re lucky enough to befriend one, maybe they’ll show you the best spot for delicious Slovenian buckwheat dumplings.
The country boasts such low crime rates that some locals even leave their cars unlocked while shopping! With a homicide rate of just 0.4, it’s far below the average of 2.6.
Iceland
According to data, Iceland tops the list as the safest country in the world, and they don’t even have a military! Their police officers don’t carry guns, either. Some locals even say you’ll see strollers with bundled-up babies left outside homes, shops, and restaurants. Reykjavik, the capital city, feels like a cozy seaside village, with downtown easily walkable at any time of day.
Iceland has ranked first on the Global Peace Index since 2008, thanks to extremely low crime rates—both petty and serious. With affordable healthcare and education, it’s no surprise Icelanders are among the happiest people on the planet!
Chile
While Chile might not top the Global Peace Index like Iceland, it’s still one of the safest countries in South America. With a low crime rate and friendly, welcoming people, it’s a great place to live.
Chile also has one of the most stable and prosperous economies in the region, hosting several Fortune 500 companies. The healthcare system is well-developed, offering both public and private options. Did I mention reliable public transport, especially in the bustling capital city of Santiago?
China
Many people consider China one of the safest places to live—and it’s easy to see why. Street violence is rare, and walking alone at night usually feels safe. Strict law enforcement, high conviction rates, and tough penalties keep crime low.
However, with its diverse geography, China faces natural risks like earthquakes, floods, forest fires, and typhoons. On the plus side, China’s transportation network is top-notch. Whether by plane, high-speed train, or car, traveling around is incredibly easy and convenient.
Source: Reddit
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