When we think of living in a new city, the first question that pops into our mind is, “Is it safe?” It’s perfectly normal—we all want to protect ourselves and our loved ones. As the saying goes, safety first!
In the United States, many cities get a bad reputation for being dangerous when, in reality, the crime is often concentrated to just a few neighborhoods. People hear about shootings or violence and immediately think the entire city is a warzone, but that’s far from the truth. In most cases, you’d only find yourself in those sketchy areas if you’re actively seeking trouble.
On the other hand, there are those places that seem safe but are worse than people realize because of wildlife, gangs, drug activity, or petty crimes.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of safety—it’s all about perspective. What one person considers dangerous, another might shrug off. Safety in a city can change rapidly, so it’s always wise to get the latest scoop. Want to know what some Americans think? Here’s what some locals on a recent message board had to say.
Safer: Chicago, IL
When you hear about the shooting rates in Chicago on the news, it can sound pretty intimidating. While some neighborhoods are best avoided (crime rates are high in some parts, like West Garfield Park), the vibrant heart of the city offers a taste of museums, parks, and mouth-watering food that make Chicago truly special.
Here’s the spoiler: Chicago is safe! In 2023, 51.96 million people visited, enjoying everything from the urban beaches to the vibrant downtown. It’s best to stay in places like The Loop, Lincoln Park, and River North—some of the safest and most lively spots in town.
Safer: Detroit, MI
Detroit is a lot safer than it’s made out to be. Like many old American cities, the crime rate is higher than average, but in 2023, violent crime dropped by 10%, and the city saw its fewest homicides in 57 years. Downtown is thriving, and the locals are some of the friendliest you’ll meet.
Stick to safe neighborhoods like Palmer Woods, and you’ll be just fine. As one commenter said, “Never got hassled anywhere in the city. Definitely going back!” Avoid sketchy areas late at night, and you’ll have an amazing time in Detroit.
Safer: Minneapolis, MN
People outside Minneapolis often ask, “How are you all rebuilding after the George Floyd riots?” There’s a misconception that the city was burned to the ground. But after three intense years, crime is dropping. Homicides and gun violence in the first precinct are down about 50% from last year, and robberies and carjackings fell 25%.
Some residents say that The City of Lakes is safe and walkable. West Calhoun, or West Maka Ska, is safe, with violent crimes 99% lower than the national average. Don’t be afraid to give the city’s architecture and food scene a chance (it’s more than just tater tots hotdish!)
Safer: San Francisco, CA
One user said San Francisco is like many cities—you can be in the cutest, safest neighborhood but walk ten blocks the wrong way, and you’re suddenly in a much sketchier spot. That was my experience living there for ten years! Valencia Street in the Mission district had cute shops and trendy cafes, but walking two blocks on the other side of Mission Street was a lot diceier.
Downtown, you have to be careful with your bag and other belongings, as property crime is more common, but violent crimes are low. It’s also best to avoid the Tenderloin District—a gritty area with a high crime rate, though it’s also home to community organizations working hard to improve it. There’s no need to worry because the top attractions are in safe neighborhoods like NoPa, Nob Hill, North Beach, the Haight, Fisherman’s Warf, Embarcadero, and the Richmond District.
Safer: Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has way more to offer than just the National Aquarium, and it’s not as grim as some might think. The city is relatively small, so if you’re unfamiliar with it, you could easily wander from a charming area to a rough one—take a wrong turn out of Little Italy, and you might find yourself in the Perkins projects. But here’s the thing: most crime is gang-related, and you likely won’t find it if you’re not looking for trouble.
If you stick to safer areas, particularly after sundown, you’ll find lots to see and do in the city. Check out the city’s three leading art museums, best-of-the-best local restaurants, and the Guinness brewery.
More Dangerous: Indianapolis, IN
According to one comment, Downtown Indianapolis is soulless and creepy. Of all the major cities often visited in this country, Indianapolis probably made some tourists the most uncomfortable, especially the downtown. Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the town are Bos, Midtown, Tuxedo Park, Westside, and Martindale.
Do you want to know the biggest fear most people have about Indianapolis? It’s getting robbed on the street, assaulted, or murdered. I think I’ll stay out of Indy.
More Dangerous: Cody, WY
Even President Theodore Roosevelt praised the drive from Cody to Yellowstone’s East Entrance as the most beautiful 50 miles in the U.S. and a prime spot for wildlife sightings. Cody, Wyoming, is generally safe, but living on the outskirts does come with its dangers, but not from crime, surprisingly.
One local shared how, outside the small city center (you can walk across it in just two hours), you might need to carry a gun to take out the trash or let the dogs out at night due to coyotes, mountain lions, and relocated grizzly bears. It’s just part of life near Yellowstone—rugged, wild, and untamed!
More Dangerous: Albuquerque, NM
A former resident shared that she was a victim of three crimes in her first year living in Albuquerque, which isn’t too shocking given the city’s crime rate of 63 per 1,000 residents. Albuquerque ranks among the highest in America for crime across cities of all sizes.
Simple activities like walking alone at night or leaving your car unattended can sometimes cause trouble, especially in high-risk areas. While Albuquerque has plenty of safe public spaces and tourist spots, it’s wise to steer clear of neighborhoods like Quigley Park, La Mesa, Montgomery Heights, and the Jackson Area, where crime rates are significantly higher.
More Dangerous: Phoenix, AZ
As Arizona’s capital and the fifth-largest city in the U.S., Phoenix is a bustling hub with a strong economy. Thanks to TV and movies, it’s easy to picture the town as just sunshine and cacti, but there’s more to the story—including some rough neighborhoods and sketchy surrounding areas.
One resident recalled how he and his mom would play a guessing game of “gunshots or fireworks.” Central Village, the most dangerous neighborhood, has an over 500% higher crime rate than the national average—a harsh reality.
More Dangerous: Seattle, WA
Seattle is generally a safe destination if you stick to basic safety precautions, but property crime here ranks among the highest in the U.S. A national survey revealed that Seattle had the highest percentage of residents feeling pressured to move due to safety concerns.
With frequent reports of gun violence and high-profile crimes, it’s understandable why some neighborhoods feel risky. Belltown, for instance, tops the list as the most dangerous neighborhood in Seattle, with a crime rate 480% higher than the national average, including a significant number of violent crimes like assaults, robberies, and homicides.
Source: Reddit
12 of the Most Underrated Cities in the U.S. Americans Say To Add to Your Bucket List
There are a number of American cities that you hear about over and over again, like New York, Hollywood, and Miami. What about the cities you never knew would knock you off your socks? Users in an online forum rated this list of hidden gems across the USA as the most underrated places to visit. They’ll surprise you with their incredible attractions, tasty food, and natural beauty.
Read more: 12 of the Most Underrated Cities in the U.S. Americans Say To Add to Your Bucket List
10 of the Rudest Cities in the U.S. According to Residents
Preply, a language learning platform, recently surveyed over 1,500 residents of the 30 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. and asked them about the rudeness level of their city. They did this to help travelers determine what to expect when visiting. In this article, we’ll discuss what Americans consider the rudest cities in the country and why.
Read more: 10 of the Rudest Cities in the U.S. According to Residents
My Honest TrovaTrip Review as a Host – Why I Backed Out of My Trip With Them
I really hate writing negative reviews, but I also want to be truthful and provide my readers and fellow content creators with the most accurate information so they can make informed decisions about who to travel with. So, today’s review is all about my experience as a host with TrovaTrip and why I won’t be going forward with my Galápagos trip with them. I’ll go through this experience in extreme detail so you can best understand the TrovaTrip process, you will know what to expect if you decide to host a trip with them for yourself.
Read more: My Honest TrovaTrip Review as a Host – Why I Backed Out of My Trip With Them
