Many women have proven that it's possible to live solo in
Los Angeles, from Hollywood stars to everyday locals just getting by. Naturally, the former have it easier as their fame and fortune afford them to stay in safer neighborhoods, with tight security, and the like. But what about the latter? What if you're not that wealthy and still have to live on your own in LA? Will you stay safe? Will you still find it fun? Yes and yes, but it's still a little complicated. It's worth learning more about what women truly go through in their everyday independent lives in Los Angeles.
Is LA a Dangerous City?
Many people consider
Los Angeles as a dangerous city, and that's not necessarily fair. While there's no denying that the city is far from the safest, especially with its mid-to-high crime rates, LA, as a whole, isn't that dangerous. On the contrary, a majority of the city is largely safe, from its famous affluent areas like Beverly Hills to even the smaller cities in the San Fernando Valley like Glendale. Even Downtown Los Angeles, which many consider the most dangerous part of the city, remains relatively safe during the day. So no, LA isn't an entirely dangerous city.
The Safest LA Neighborhoods for Women
As already mentioned, there are many
neighborhoods in Los Angeles that remain safe, especially for women. Right off the bat, the city's most affluent areas are entirely safe, possibly among the safest in all of California. Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Pacific Palisades, in particular, are known for their tight security and well-secured homes. But if you prefer to stay in the more urban parts of LA, look no further than West Hollywood. As the city's resident “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ+ community has made all sorts of safe spaces within this well-known district.
Here are ten of LA’s safest neighborhoods:
- Bel Air
- Beverly Hills
- Culver City
- Glendale
- Los Feliz
- Mar Vista
- Pacific Palisades
- Sherman Oaks
- Playa Vista
- West Hollywood
Choose a More Crowded Neighborhood
If you're a woman
moving to Los Angeles on your own, you'd do well to stay in more crowded areas. West Hollywood is also a great example of this since it has a population of over 35,000. With its very urban landscape and bustling commercial scene, it's easy for women not to stand out too much. Crowded areas allow you to just blend in with the public, thereby hiding you from sketchy characters who might target you. This isn't exactly a foolproof method to avoid getting into trouble in LA—or any other city, for that matter—but it does help!
Avoid Walking Outside at Night
When people talk about how high
LA's crime rates are, they're usually referring to the city at night. During the day, Los Angeles remains safe enough for women to be out and about on their own. Though some notorious districts can still get sketchy at times, they're simply not on the same level come nightfall. Numbeo even confirms it! According to this data site, LA's safety rate enjoys a high 65.70% during the day, but it falls to a low moderate 40.92% at night. This alone should tell you that staying out alone at night in LA isn't a good idea.
Get a Car
Despite how efficient
LA's public transport is, it's still not that easy to navigate. And unfortunately, it's also not the safest. It's even to the point that LA's very few train stations tend to be the most dangerous spots in the city, especially at night. And though you can still commute via taxi or even apps like Uber or Lyft, you never know the kind of person behind the wheel. So to avoid all the risks of getting into all sorts of trouble as a single woman in the big city, you're better off driving around Los Angeles instead.
Having a Dog will help
Dog lovers, rejoice! Having a dog will make it easier for you to stay safe as an independent woman in LA! Specifically, if your canine is of a big breed with a notable size. They're the best types to be guard dogs for you and your luxury apartment in Los Angeles. Time and time again, criminals tend to avoid homes with dogs. Part of it is that they don't want to dog barking and catching people's attention, and another is the possibility of getting attacked by your pet. So if you're up for it, you'll be safer living on your own in LA with a dog.
Make Friends with a Local
The most difficult part about living on your own in LA is always in the beginning. You just relocated to the city, and you're not that familiar with it yet. In your confusion and ignorance, you'll find yourself stumbling upon the sketchiest parts of Los Angeles. And it's even worse if you catch a nefarious person's attention along the way. So how do you avoid getting into such a situation? Befriend locals! Talk with your neighbors, check out local clubs and other social groups, and even make small talk with nearby workers, from convenience store clerks to the local hairdressers. They'll tell you what's up about avoiding trouble in LA!
Be Wary of Who to Meet
One of LA's many strengths has always been its diverse population. The city has all sorts of people, which then makes it easier to make friends or even
date in Los Angeles. But at the same time, however, this also poses many risks of meeting bad people. Take dating apps, for example. Since meeting online has become the new norm in dating in LA these days, you never truly know what kind of person you're talking to through your phone. Hence, you'd do well to have your first meetup at a crowded and well-lit place. This will make it easier for you to stay wary of the stranger, and possibly escape the moment things go south!
Think what you want about Los Angeles, but it’s still a city where women can live independently. Though it has its many dangers, it’s still possible for a woman to stay solo and remain safe and secure.
