As great a metropolis as
San Francisco is, many still consider it a dangerous city. There's no doubt that the place is far from the safest, especially with its mid to high crime rates, overcrowding that tends to devolve into rowdiness, and urban liveliness that could easily go south in any second. San Francisco shares many of the concerning attributes that other major American cities have when it comes to safety and security. With that said, however, is it fair to say that it's a “dangerous” city? Let's learn more about the true state of San Francisco's safety to find the real answer.
What are San Francisco's Crime Rates?
To determine whether San Francisco is a dangerous city or not, let's look at its
crime rates first. Unfortunately, the city's general crime rate is currently at a high 68.58%, not to mention a rate of increasing crimes at around 75.62%. This might dissuade anyone from thinking that the Bay Area is safe, but this doesn't necessarily mean that San Francisco is a dangerous city altogether. Though 68.58% is already considered fairly high, it's still technically just mid-range. It's simply on the higher end of the mid-range and is far from the highest crime rate in the US.
What are the City's Most Common Crimes?
Now, let's talk about the highest-rated crimes in San Francisco. Right off the bat, drug-dealing takes the top spot with a startling 78.73%, which is undoubtedly high. This comes as no surprise considering that drug dealing has long served as a major crime problem in big cities, including San Francisco. Car theft takes second place with a current high rate of around 77.68%, and third place goes to vandalism & theft, which has a combined rate of 75.69%. What does this say about the current state of San Francisco's crime rates? For one thing, it offers a silver lining that violent crimes against other human beings aren't the most rampant in the city.
What's the Safety Rate in San Francisco?
A huge reason why San Francisco doesn't deserve to be called a dangerous city is that it still has a fairly high safety rate. During the day, the city enjoys a high 64.27% safety rate, specifically in both central neighborhoods and more residential suburbs. This means you can still explore the city from the early morning to late afternoon without worrying too much about your safety. It's also why there are still so many people
moving to San Francisco despite the high crime rates. And though the safety rate decreases substantially after dark, with only 34.73%, it's still not so low that you should hole up in your home every night.
What are San Francisco's Most Dangerous Areas?
A city's neighborhoods usually convey just how safe it truly is. San Francisco, for instance, is such a massive metropolis that it has as many safe areas as it does dangerous districts. So which of
San Francisco's neighborhoods you're better off avoiding? A few of the usual suspects include Tenderloin, Bayview-Hunter's Point, and the Western Addition, to name a few. The city's world-famous Chinatown is part of the list, too, as it has long been notorious for all sorts of violence over the years. This beloved neighborhood is great to explore during the day, but you'd do well to be more wary of it at night. Overall, here are some notable San Francisco neighborhoods that are generally regarded as dangerous:
- Tenderloin
- Mid-Market
- Bayview-Hunter's Point
- Chinatown
- Mission District
- Western Addition
What are San Francisco's Safest Neighborhoods?
Now that you know the districts worth avoiding, let's talk about San Francisco's safest neighborhoods. Places like Golden Gate Heights, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, and the Richmond District prove that the Bay Area isn't all bad. Regardless of the city's often-negative reputation when it comes to crime, you'll still feel safe in any of these prominent areas. It helps that some of these are also among the most affluent parts of town. Nob Hill, in particular, has had a long history of wealth and prestige, remaining one of the Bay Area's most upscale neighborhoods. This and many other districts listed below are among the safest areas of San Francisco.
- Bernal Heights
- Golden Gate Heights
- Marina District
- Nob Hill
- Noe Valley
- Presidio
- Richmond District
- Sunset District
Is it Worth Moving to San Francisco?
After everything that has been said, is it still worth moving and
living in San Francisco? Well, it depends on what you're looking for. As far as crime and safety are concerned, the Bay Area is no different from many of America's other major cities. Its crime rates may often skew high, but that doesn't mean it's a dangerous city altogether. There are still many safe neighborhoods in San Francisco! And beyond all that, the still boasts a robust economy, a massive job market, a diverse population, a famous culinary scene, and lots of nature around. Who wouldn't want to live in a place like this?
Is San Francisco a Family-friendly City?
In a nutshell, yes, it is. Many families have proven that it's easy to live in San Francisco despite its hustle and bustle. Though high crime rates and sketchy characters in busy districts still pose a major concern, it's easy enough to avoid all of that by choosing the right neighborhood. Most of the city's safest areas (mentioned previously) are perfect for raising a family. Noe Valley, for instance, is beloved for its walkable streets, lush greenery, and more peaceful vibes compared to the rest of the city. Paired with great schools nearby, you won't have any trouble living a pleasant life with your kids in San Francisco.
Tips to Stay Safe in San Francisco
Let's end this post with a few tips on how to stay safe in San Francisco. You may think it's challenging considering it's a big city with all sorts of people, but at the end of the day, it's all about how you navigate it. By simply staying in safe neighborhoods, staying aware of your surroundings, and ensuring your valuables are secure on your person, you'll find that thriving and surviving in this bustling metropolis is easier than you thought. As such, here are a few safety tips you should never forget:
- Make friends with locals who know the city well.
- Avoid dangerous areas at night.
- Stay in well-crowded districts.
- Keep aware of your surroundings.
- Wear shoes you can easily run in.
- Keep your wallet in your front pockets.
- Keep your eyes to yourself in public transport.
While San Francisco is far from the safest city in the US, much less the world, that doesn’t necessarily make it a dangerous place. It’s worth learning more about crime and safety in the Bay Area to know if you’ll truly feel secure here.
