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Is Stockholm Safe in 2023? Areas You Should Avoid…

In the Swedish Capital, Rampant Crime is Shattering Illusions. Is Stockholm Safe still?

I am very suspicious of the traditional media. I am not some sort of conspiracy theorist, not even close to that.

But in the current monetization model that most journalists are part of, we all know that they need clicks, so readers see their ads or purchase their subscriptions.

This incentive tragic headlines and this is what we see when we look for news about Stockholm on the internet:

And all of this only in a space of two months in 2023.

Right now I am very cautious before writing about any city.

I don’t want to overjudge any location (especially after my article about the most dangerous cities in Europe generate some explosive repercussions in newspapers like The Mirror, The Daily Star, and, according to The Express, what I wrote made the Bradford police chief furious).

I was just writing about facts, but still…

This is not the first time we publish a polemical ranking. On other occasions, we told you about:

The 10 most violent cities in Europe
The 8 safest large cities in the US
Cities with the highest ratio of public libraries in the world (Maybe this one here was not very polemical, but equally interesting).
The 7 Countries With the Worst Work-Life Balance in the World
The most (and the least) beautiful European capitals.

Therefore, before answering our main question (Is Stockholm safe?), let’s dive into some numbers.

Book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights — Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

So… How Safe Is Stockholm Really?

We compared the crime rates of Stockholm against 4 other major European capitals (Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Warsaw) in 5 different types of criminal offenses: rapes, murders, burglaries, assaults, and car theft.

I could compare it with other Scandinavian capitals, like the super-safe Copenhagen, but that would not give a proper dimension to the issue.

In the few cases where specific data for the city was not available, we used the national-level data. Sources are websites like Statista, Knoema, Macrotrends, and Brå.

Let’s check how the Swedish capital performed:

Rape crimes (Rate per 100,000 people)

Stockholm, Sweden 6.9
Paris, France 2.1
Berlin, Germany 1.4
Rome, Italy 1.2
Warsaw, Poland 0.9

Murders (Rate per 100,000 people)

Paris, France 1.0

Stockholm, Sweden 0.9
Berlin, Germany 0.8
Rome, Italy 0.6
Warsaw, Poland 0.5

Burglaries (Rate per 100,000 people)

Stockholm, Sweden 539.9
Paris, France 396.7
Berlin, Germany 341.8
Rome, Italy 250.0
Warsaw, Poland 210.0

Assaults (Rate per 100,000 people)

Stockholm, Sweden 3,107.3
Paris, France 2,694.0
Berlin, Germany 2,332.5
Rome, Italy 2,020.0
Warsaw, Poland 1,600.0

Car theft (Rate per 100,000 people)

Stockholm, Sweden 1,080.0
Paris, France 740.0
Berlin, Germany 620.0
Rome, Italy 480.0
Warsaw, Poland 360.0

As we can see, Stockholm led every single indicator except the murder rate, where it followed in second place close to Paris. It is important to say, however, that at least in the case of the murder rate all these cities had considerably low numbers.

The same, however, cannot be said about the other modalities of crime.

But the crime rate of Stockholm also conveys us a curious message when we see it broken by region.

What the Stockholm Crime Rate Tell Us

The website Max-Security plotted on a map the areas that have the highest security risk in Stockholm according to the police.

Look at this map for a minute and tell me if you notice a pattern:

Stockholm Risk Map — Source: Max-Security

The fact that the riskiest areas in Stockholm are either in the far south or the far north of the city is not something really unknown.

In London, the safest areas are in the western part, while the most violent districts like Tower Hamlets or Barking & Dagenham are in East London.
In Glasgow, the most dangerous regions are in the northern area of the city.

There could be many other examples where violent crimes prevail in zones distant from the center of a major city. There are also some exceptions, where violence is concentrated in a zone very close to the city center.

There is, however, a striking similarity in what makes the most dangerous parts of Stockholm, London, and Glasgow that violent.

The Most Violent Parts of Stockholm

Tensta

Tensta is a suburb located in the northwest part of Stockholm. It is part of the Rinkeby-Kista borough and is known for its multicultural atmosphere. The neighborhood was developed in the 1960s as part of the Million Programme, a Swedish initiative to construct affordable housing for the growing population.

Nowadays, Tensta is home to approximately 20,000 residents, and at least 53% of them had a foreign background.

Criminal gangs (take note of this expression, because this is one of the roots of most violence issues in Sweden) have so much power there that they instituted district-wide curfews for the residents. Nobody could go out of their houses at risk of suffering severe penalties from the criminals.

This is something that we often see in Rio de Janeiro‘s poorest communities (“favelas”), but it was the first time I read about it happening in Europe.

Husby

Husby, also located in the northwestern part of Stockholm, is another neighborhood that has experienced significant challenges, particularly in terms of crime and social unrest.

It has gained notoriety for its higher crime rates compared to other parts of Stockholm, but also due to some instances of cultural clash (more than 80% of the district has an immigrant background).

A few years ago, women denounced that in Husby it was active some sort of morality police, that went around the streets harassing females that didn’t have their hair covered.

Before that, in 2013, intense riots started in Husby and spread all across Sweden. Trucks burned, cars were destroyed, businesses were vandalized, and the once idyllic image of this suburb got obliterated.

Only 3 years later, it all happened again.

Rinkeby

In the same northwestern region of Tensta and Husby, there is also a neighborhood called Rinkeby (in a borough of the same name).

Just like in the previously mentioned areas, Rinkeby has a serious problem with organized crime and gangs.

One of the local cops from Rinkeby told France24 during an interview:

You’ll see wounds, people who’ve been shot with AK47s, who’ve been stabbed, people who have war wounds. It’s like a totally different society … another type of Sweden

One of the most feared gangs is called The Death Patrol.Criminal activities from this gang even spread to other European countries, like the murders they committed in Copenhagen.

Gangs are responsible for most of the bomb attacks in Sweden, and often riots start after gang members get killed by rivals, like during the Christmas of 2022.

Avoiding Bad Areas of Stockholm

As you noticed, the most dangerous part of the city is quite far from the center.

Therefore, embarking on a Stockholm sightseeing trip while bypassing the pockets of concern requires a blend of creativity and planning, but it is not that difficult.

By employing a proactive approach and exploring the city’s vibrant offerings, you can enjoy the wonders of Stockholm while minimizing exposure to areas like Rinkeby and Tensta.

Here’s a creative roadmap for a safer trip:

Explore Gamla Stan: Begin your Stockholm adventure in the enchanting Gamla Stan, the city’s historic Old Town. Wander through its narrow streets, soak in the historic charm, and admire the captivating architecture while staying in a safer area of the city. Be aware, however, that petty crimes and scams in still happen close to tourist attractions.
Discover Stockholm’s natural beauty by visiting Djurgården island, where you can explore lush parks, visit renowned museums like the Vasa Museum and enjoy the serenity of Lake Mälaren.
Prefer lively districts like Södermalm and Östermalm, known for their trendy shops, cafes, and boutiques. These neighborhoods offer a lively urban experience while staying away from areas with higher safety concerns.
Consider Guided Tours: more about it in a few paragraphs.

Where to Stay and The Safest Neighborhoods in Stockholm

If you are visiting Sweden’s capital, you really don’t need to expose yourself to a dangerous situation in Rinkeby.

As a modern Scandinavian city, Stockholm has plenty of green spaces, areas with substantial historical landmarks, and is easily accessible. So here is where you should stay to enjoy all that:

Norrmalm

Situated in the heart of Stockholm, Norrmalm is a bustling district known for its central location and excellent public transport connections, including the Stockholm Central Station.

Norrmalm is home to many iconic attractions, such as Sergels Torg, one of the major public squares in Stockholm, and the main pedestrian shopping street in the Swedish capital, Drottninggatan. The district offers a wide range of accommodation options, from three-star hotels to luxury establishments.

Östermalm

Located in the eastern part of Stockholm, Östermalm is a sophisticated and upscale district with excellent public transport connections, including the Östermalmstorg metro station. Östermalm is known for its elegant, contemporary architecture throughout, and the Östermalm Market Hall.

Södermalm

Located to the south of Stockholm’s city center, Södermalm has a distinct bohemian atmosphere. Despite its edgy vibe, Södermalm is considered safe for tourists. It offers excellent public transport connections, including several metro stations like Slussen and Medborgarplatsen, making it easy to reach the Old Town.

These three districts in Stockholm (Östermalm, Norrmalm, and Södermalm) offer a safe and enjoyable stay for tourists. With good public transport connections to Stockholm’s Old Town, a range of three, four, and five-star hotels, and unique attractions, each provides a distinct experience while ensuring comfort and convenience for visitors.

Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity Cover — Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

Stockholm: Travel Safety Tips

Here are some more specific, street-wise safety tips to visit Stockholm:

1st — If you visit Stockholm for a day trip, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags while seeing its many tourist attractions. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — If want to discover some more isolated places or other Swedish cities, hire a guide. You can find some amazing guides and tours at Viator. Not only they will give you insider information about the gorgeous natural beauty of the country, but they will also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

3rd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from one of the airports in Stockholm (or from any of the train stations) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

4th — Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually close to the tourist attractions in the safest part of the city area (at least in Europe), unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

5th – Remain alert in crowded places. Even in tourist areas, there are still cases of petty crime.

6th — As travel insurance for visiting Sweden (and any country in northern Europe), we recommend Ekta.

Conclusion: Is Stockholm safe to visit right now?

Despite its previous status as a safe city, recent incidents have shown that Stockholm has a certain exposure to risks of terrorist attacks, organized crime, gang activity, or dangerous situations.

This realization serves as a reminder that no city can guarantee absolute safety, no matter how beautiful or popular it may be. In light of these unsettling events, it is essential for travelers to exercise common sense, and extreme caution, and remain vigilant while exploring Stockholm’s inner city. This is especially true during the summer months when the city attracts a large influx of tourists, increasing the likelihood of encountering potentially risky situations.

In addition to concerns about criminal activities and the threat of terrorism and even grenade attacks, Stockholm also grapples with other safety issues.

Visitors should be aware of the prevalence of alcohol-related violence, particularly in nightlife areas, where confrontations can quickly escalate. Petty theft remains a persistent issue in the city, with pickpocketing and thefts occurring in crowded areas or at closing times.

While public transportation in Stockholm is generally reliable, travelers should exercise caution, as crowded buses, trams, and subway stations can attract the attention of opportunistic criminals.

The Swedish police and security guards are present in public spaces, but just their presence may not be enough to combat the increasing dangers in the city. It is crucial for visitors to prioritize their personal safety and take necessary precautions.

Familiarizing oneself with the local neighborhoods and consulting with local authorities or trusted sources for up-to-date safety information is highly recommended. Additionally, travelers should consider employing safety measures such as using a money belt, securing travel insurance, and avoiding displaying signs of wealth.

While the city’s allure in parts like Gamla Stan remains, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential risks and exercise vigilance at all times. By staying alert, following your own safety precautions (in the beginning of this article we gave you some really good ideas), and being aware of the changing safety dynamics, travelers can navigate Stockholm more cautiously in the face of its increasingly precarious environment.

If you enjoyed this article answering if is Stockholm safe, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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Levi Borba is the founder of the Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

City and Safety Guides

Is London Safe in 2023? Here What Journalists Don’t…

Is London Still Safe in 2023?

Ps: Check also our Youtube Channel.

Once a friend asked me how safe is Sao Paulo, a huge city in Brazil where I lived in the past.

I told him (and this conversation inspired me to write one of my most-read articles to this date) that violence in Sao Paulo is very localized. Some districts have crime rates comparable to Europe, while others are quite dangerous.

While one could say “But this is true to every city”, here is the thing: it is not. Warsaw, the place where I live right now, for example, doesn’t have a single district that has a high prevalence of violent crime.

On this point, however, London is more similar to Sao Paulo than Warsaw.

Especially during the last few years, London witnessed a very curious phenomenon: areas of this great city that were already safe, became safer, while areas that were already dangerous, became even worse.

During the new few paragraphs we will dig into the numbers, but first, let’s talk about the city as a whole.

City of London — Is London Safe? It depends on where, and in the next paragraphs, you will understand it better. Image from Canva.

Is London Safe or Dangerous?

If you are asking Is London Safe from the perspective of someone who lives in major cities like Chicago (US), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), or Cape Town (South Africa), then yes, London is safe.

But if you want to know this answer from the perspective of someone who lives in Europe, then the answer is different.

Below are the violent crime rates in the largest capitals in the European Union:

Budapest, Hungary – 3.1 per 1,000 people (2019)
Warsaw, Poland – 3.3 per 1,000 people (2019)
Vienna, Austria – 3.4 per 1,000 people (2019)
Paris, France – 3.7 per 1,000 people (2019)
Bucharest, Romania – 3.5 per 1,000 people (2020)
Rome, Italy – 5.2 per 1,000 people (2019)
Madrid, Spain – 5.3 per 1,000 people (2020)
Berlin, Germany – 5.5 per 1,000 people (2019)
London, UK – 17.6 per 1,000 people (2020)

To put it into perspective, here are the violent crime rate (per 1000 residents) in some notoriously dangerous major cities across the globe:

Detroit, USA – 20.7 per 1,000 people (2020) (Source: Detroit Police Department)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 34.8 per 1,000 people (2020) (Source: Instituto de Segurança Pública)
Cape Town, South Africa – 63.4 per 1,000 people (2020) (Source: South African Police Service)

So I think you got my point.

Still, I must make a disclaimer: the meaning of “violent crime” may change by country, which can affect the comparison.

Not all types of common crime are violent.

Violent crimes are generally defined as offenses that involve the use or threat of physical force against another person: kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, homicide, etc.

The Criteria to say where is safe in London (and where it is not)

Here we start the interesting part:

Even when we consider the same indicators and the same definitions for violent crimes, there are some regions in London that are quite safe and others that are considered dangerous.

The numbers we will use in this article are from the following sources:

The rate we will show below also considers both violent crimes and sexual offenses, and that is why they can be higher than only the violent crime rate per 1000 residents.

Why we didn’t consider the numbers from Westminster and City of London?

When comparing the different districts, neighborhoods, and boroughs of London, we preferred to leave out Westminster and the small area known as City of London (the core of central London)

The reason is that any number from this part of the city is probably highly skewed since it has abnormally high traffic of tourists, and a lot of occurrences are related to events like concerts, parades, music venues, protests, etc. that happen in this region.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the bad areas of London in terms of safety.

You Will Likely Never Get Shot in London, But…

One could think that London is a very safe city from the perspective that it is very unlikely you will get shot like in Latin America.

However…. we are still talking about a big city with over 1000 cases of knife crime per month!

While it is perfectly possible for someone to stay safe in London, the English capital is more violent than other popular European cities, and street crime is considerable in some areas.

The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in London

Crime rates across boroughs in London. Source: CrimeRate UK

Tower Hamlets

Police recorded violent & sexual crimes per 1000 residents: 35.07 per year.

Tower Hamlets is a borough in East London that is famous for the Brick Lane market. It is also a borough with an extraordinary number of cases of domestic violence, and almost 70% of all victims are female.

There are also issues with street violence, with at least 8 gangs active in the area.

While there is no single explanation for this trend, there are several factors that may contribute to the higher rate of violent crime in this area:

Demographic makeup. Tower Hamlets has a relatively young population, with a high proportion of people aged 25-34. The borough has one of the lowest proportions of residents above 65 years old in the entire country: only 5.6%.
There have been reports of tension and conflict between different ethnic and religious groups in the borough, particularly involving Somali communities. Tower Hamlets is one of the most diverse boroughs in England, and 60.8% of all residents are considered part of minority groups.

Here is how a former resident of Tower Hamlets described the place:

I lived in Tower Hamlets all my life. I used to live in Bromley by Bow (an area of Tower Hamlets), but there were gang wars and stabbings going on literally every day. I saw kids selling drugs and riding on mopeds, creating noise almost 24/7. Even when I used to go shopping, I used to see boys chasing people with very big knives. Now I live in Canning Town, which is a very quiet place.

Greenwich

Police recorded violent & sexual crimes per 1000 residents: 36.49 per year.

Greenwich is one of the nightlife hotspots of London and has some infamous parts that get quite rough during the night.

Reasons that contribute to high violence rates in this region are:

Gang activity: There are reports of gang activity in some parts of the borough, which may engage in drug trafficking, robbery, and other forms of violence. The borough even resorted to offering money for kids so they are not recruited by gangs.
Nightlife and entertainment: Greenwich is a popular area for nightlife and entertainment, particularly around the O2 Arena. Large crowds of people often lead to different degrees of violence.
Proximity to other high-crime areas: Greenwich is located near other areas of London that have higher levels of crime and violence, such as Lewisham and Deptford. This proximity can make it easier for criminal activity to spread into Greenwich.

Barking & Dagenham

Police recorded violent & sexual crimes per 1000 residents: 37 per year.

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham - Wikipedia — Barking & Dagenham. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

The violence rate in Barking & Dagenham skyrocketed in recent years. From 2016 to 2022, violent crimes increased almost 30%.

Some of the reasons that turned this north east London borough into one of the most violent in the metropolitan area are:

Ethnic tensions. Together with the previously mentioned borough of Tower Hamlets, Barking & Dagenham is one of the most diverse districts in London, and 69% of the population has a non-British background.
Gangs. Organized criminal groups of young males are partially responsible for rampant crime according to many of the residents. In only 3 years, gangs committed over 200 crimes, from kidnappings to murders.

The Safest Neighborhoods in London

If you read until here, probably you are thinking twice about even visiting or moving to London.

But not everything is lost. Many boroughs are still safe, particularly in West London.

Richmond in West London has the lowest violent crime rates among all of them – a beautiful residential district with some of London’s finest restaurants and parks.

Other safe areas in London for tourists include Notting Hill (West), Berminghamsey (South East), and Highbury (Northeast).

Read also: Is Rio de Janeiro Safe?

What is the safest area in London?

Below are the 2 boroughs with the lowest violent & sexual crime rates.

Barnet

Barnet is a borough in North London that was created in 1965 by joining parts of Middlesex and Hertfordshire. It’s the second largest borough in London with a population of 389,344 people, making it the 17th largest district in England.

It is also very safe, with police recorded violent & sexual crimes per 1000 residents of only 20.91 per year (while London’s rate is 28.19).

Below are some of the possible reasons for such a low rate:

Low levels of deprivation: The 2019 Indices of Deprivation report ranks Barnet as the 252nd most deprived borough in England out of 317, with lower levels of deprivation compared to other London boroughs. This indicates that Barnet has relatively low levels of poverty, unemployment, and overcrowding, which can contribute to lower levels of crime and violence.
Strong community engagement and cohesion: The Barnet Community Safety Partnership (BCSP) is a group of organizations working together to address safety issues in the borough. The BCSP is a coalition made up of local government agencies, the local police station, and community groups. Its main goal is to improve safety by building partnerships and working with local people.
Geographical location: Barnet is located in the northwest of London, with a mix of urban and suburban areas. It is far from the most violent parts of the city, contributing to the relative isolation and low-to-inexistent gang related activity.

The Safest Borough in London: Richmond upon Thames

Richmond-upon-Thames, located at the west end of the city bordering the river Thames, remains London’s safest area. If you ever asked if is London safe, at least in this part of the city the answer surely is positive.

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames - Wikipedia — Richmond upon Thames location in London. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Some of the possible reasons are:

Very low levels of deprivation: The 2019 Indices of Deprivation report ranks Richmond-upon-Thames as the 272nd most deprived borough in England out of 317, with much lower levels of deprivation compared to other London boroughs. This means low levels of poverty, unemployment, and overcrowding.
Community cohesion and engagement: The Richmond Community Safety Partnership (RCSP) is a group of organizations working together to address safety issues in the borough. The RCSP includes local government agencies, police, and community groups, and focuses on building relationships and engagement with local residents to address safety concerns. This partnership helps to create a sense of shared responsibility for safety in the borough.
Demographic makeup: Richmond-upon-Thames has a relatively affluent and educated population, with a high proportion of residents in professional and managerial occupations.

File:Richmond Riverside, London - Sept 2008.jpg — Richmond upon Thames. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Is London Safe to Visit for Tourists?

In general, yes. London may look dangerous when we consider the crude statistics, but as we saw, crime is still concentrated in some areas like Tower Hamlets, Barking & Dagenham and others not mentioned like Croydon, or Brixton.

These places are not close to most tourist attractions like Big Ben or the Hyde park (except for Camden Town, which is close to some dangerous parts of the city centre).

If you stay always aware of your surroundings in these areas and take some usual common sense precautions, you should be fine.

Just like most large European cities such as Rome, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, London also has crime linked to tourist targeting.

Tourists in big cities are often targeted by pickpockets (acting inside the public transportation) and other scammers. The same precautions you would take to walk in the La Rambla in Barcelona or in the tourist parts any big city in the US, you take in London.

Some Extra London Safety Tips

Here are some more specific, street wise safety tips to visit London:

1st —If you visit London, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags while visiting a top tourist destination. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — If you are visiting some more isolated place or tourist destination in a major city, hire a guide. You can find some amazing guides and tours at Viator. Not only they will give you insider information about historical and natural curiosities, but they will also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

3rd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from one of the many airports in London (or from any public transport station) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

4th — Stay in a good hostel. Hostels are usually in close to the tourist attractions in the safest parts of major cities (at least in Europe), unlike hotels. Most hostels have private rooms that are as comfortable as a hotel, plus a friendly staff to give information. When looking for hostels, I visit Hostelworld and filter for those above grade 7.

Want to enjoy London’s nightlife?

London is a thrilling and exciting city, if you want to go to a concert, party or just drink at a pub. However, you should always follow these basic, common sense safety advice:

Never accept drinks from strangers, and never leave your drink unattended.
Be aware of your surroundings, like in any major city.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Avoid wearing football shirts of local clubs, especially during derby days, in pubs that are considered “demarcated territory”.
Watch out for your wallet and mobile phone if you visit crowded places like street markets, inside public transportation, or during events like the Notting Hill Carnival.
Don’t carry too much cash.
Always have the number of the emergency services and your emergency contacts recorded on your phone.

What More You Should Know if You Travel to London

1. How safe is London for tourist and is it safe to visit in 2023?

London is generally a safe city for tourists and is expected to remain so in 2023. Like any major city, it has its share of crime, but the majority of visitors have trouble-free trips. It’s important to follow some basic safety tips to stay safe and make the most of your travel to London.

2. Which part of London is the safest place to stay for a tourist?

Check our previous paragrapahs for some really good ideas, but many parts of Central London are considered safe for tourists. Some popular areas known for being safe places to stay include West London, Notting Hill, and West End. However, it’s still important to research your specific accommodation and the surrounding borough to ensure safety during your visit to London.

3. What is the crime rate and the nature of crime in London compared to other major cities?

For specific values, check the previous paragraphs above in the article. The crime rate in London is generally lower than in some other major cities. However, like any big city, it has its share of crime. Common crimes in London mostly include petty crime, such as pickpocketing, rather than violent crime. As long as tourists remain aware of their surroundings and follow safety precautions, they should have an enjoyable time in the city.

4. Is Camden a safe part of London for tourists?

Camden has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, known for its markets, music venues, and pubs. While it is generally safe during the day for tourists, it’s essential to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded areas. At night, be extra cautious to ensure your safety.

If you enjoyed this article answering if is London safe, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

THESE Are the Cheapest Cities to Fly to In Europe

9 Books about Relocating to Gain an Edge in Your Life

City and Safety Guides

The Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico & Their Similarities

Murder Capitals: Things in Common Among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

The world is full of cities that may seem vastly different at first glance.

The climate, culture, and cuisine can vary wildly from one urban area to the next. However, upon closer examination, it’s often possible to find surprising similarities between seemingly disparate cities.

This is certainly the case when it comes to some of the most dangerous cities in the world. Despite differences in geography, demographics, and history, there are a number of striking commonalities that tie these cities together.

The Mexican cities of Tijuana, Acapulco de Juarez, Ciudad Victoria, Ciudad Juarez, and Irapuato are all known for their high rates of violent crime.

But they couldn’t be more different, at least at first glance.

However…. what if we dig deeper? Despite thousands of murders and blood-stained streets, what else do they have in common?

Check also: The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe in 2022

Recommended book: Moving Out, Working Abroad, and Keeping Your Sanity

Why the most dangerous cities in Mexico matters to you in the US or Europe?

Here is the thing: we found the things that tie all these hyper-violent Mexican metropolitan areas together. If you observe these symptoms in your town or city, this is a very bad sign.

This is exactly what makes the next paragraphs so valuable even if you don’t live in Mexico: the phenomenon observed in Tijuana or Ciudad Juarez is being replicated in multiple places across the world.

With this article, we’ll delve into the weird, odd, and even eerie commonalities between the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Use this as an alert for you, no matter where you live.

National flag and red stain to illustrate article about the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

Mexico Is Home to Five of the Six Most Dangerous Cities in the World.

Of the 10 most violent cities in the World:

5 are in Mexico (all of them in the Top 6)
3 are in Venezuela
2 are in Brazil
1 is in South Africa

Here is the list of the most violent cities in the world by murder rate, according to Statista:

10 – Cape Town, South Africa

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 66.36

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 4,758,405

9 – Fortaleza, Brazil

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 69.15

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 3,936,509

8 – Natal, Brazil

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 74.67

•Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 1,262,741

7 – Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 78.3

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 950,000

6 – Irapuato, Mexico

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 81.44

• Total number of residents of the metropolitan area: 874,997

5 – Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 85.56

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 1,527,482

4 – Ciudad Victoria, Mexico

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 86.01

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 374,000

3 – Caracas, Venezuela

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 99.98

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 2,957,000

2 – Acapulco, Mexico

• Murder rate per 100k residents: 110.5

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 782,661

1 – Tijuana, Mexico

• Homicide rate per 100k residents: 138

• Residents of the metropolitan area: 2,070,875

9 of the Most Dangerous Cities in the World are in Latin America

This striking concentration of cities in only 4 countries is also replicated when we consider not only the 10 most violent, but the 50 most dangerous urban areas in the world. In this case, the numbers are like that:

15 are located in Mexico
14 are in Brazil
6 are in Venezuela
4 are in the United States of America
3 are located in South Africa

It is easy to find something to blame for the violence in certain countries, like the collapsed economy in Venezuela or the racial tensions in South Africa.

But both Mexico and Brazil (the place where I was born, by the way), pose a very curious puzzle.

So instead of looking for reasons to blame, we searched for what the most dangerous places in Mexico (and the world) have in common.

The results are truly jaw-dropping.

What Do The Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico Have in Common?

Each dot represents one of the 5 most dangerous cities in Mexico (and all of them are among the 6 most dangerous places in the world)

In the next paragraphs, we put together the similarities between all (or almost all) of the five most dangerous cities in Mexico.

At first glance, it may look that things like size or weather are trivial, but all of them contribute to a thin, conducting thread that leads to the true causes of the elevated violence in these metropolitan areas.

All of them are relatively large

The most dangerous city in the world, Tijuana, is in a metropolitan area with over 2 million inhabitants. Ciudad Juarez has more than 1.5 million people. While smaller, Acapulco, Irapuato, and Ciudad Victoria are all above 350,000 inhabitants.

One could think that the most dangerous places come in all sizes, and that is not totally wrong. But only large cities have the structure, economy, and population to support widespread criminal activities like:

Racketeering and extortion. Large cities often have a complex and diverse economy, which can provide opportunities for organized crime groups to engage in racketeering activities such as loan sharking, gambling, and money laundering.
Extortion: Due to the larger population and more significant number of businesses in urban areas, extortion can be a lucrative criminal activity, but also brings drug related violence.
Drug trafficking: Large cities provide anonymity, making it easier to maintain complex operations for manufacturing and transporting large volumes of narcotics.
Gang violence: Due to the larger pool of opportunities for organized crime mentioned above, a large city attracts more gangs that want to dominate their zones, resulting in gang wars and elevated crime rates that leave multiple dead bodies.

That is why, even the safest big cities in the US are not that large. There are also exceptions. Mexico city or Guadalajara are relatively safe, despite being large cities, and there you just need to use your common sense and take the normal precautions. Not the case of the other cities we will mention next.

All of them have hot and dry climates

Map showing Tijuana and part of Baja California Sur

Below is the average precipitation (rain or snowfall, but most likely rain since it is Mexico) in all os the 5 most dangerous places in Mexico.

Tijuana, the most dangerous city in the world, is also one of the driest cities in the country: 230 mm (9 inches) of rain per year
Ciudad Juarez: 275 mm (11 inches) per year.
Irapuato: 600 mm (24 inches) per year.
Ciudad Victoria: 900 mm (35 inches) per year
Acapulco: 1,700 mm (67 inches) per year

Arid rainfalls, per definition, are those that receive less than 25 inches of rain per year. So 3 of the most violent cities in Mexico are arid. Ciudad Victoria is not that far either.

Only Acapulco is the exception (and we will see this city being the exception a few more times here, for a curious reason).

Such dry weather is not a rule in Mexico. In fact, Mexico has plenty of remarkably wet cities like Veracruz or Tampico. Cities in the state of Chiapas, like Tapachula, experience over 2000mmm of rainfall per year.

But apparently, organized crime prefers dry weather, for the very simple reason that it is easier to transport their product (drugs and people, since we are talking about the drug trade, cartels and human smugglers). When these organizations need to cross rainy areas of Mexico, they often resort to boats or airplanes.

The majority of them are close to the US border (or on the way to it)

Located in the northwestern state of Baja California, Tijuana shares a border with the American city of San Diego, California. The distance between both, the busiest border crossing in the world, is only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Ciudad Juarez is also a border city, directly across from El Paso, Texas, and the border crossing is only 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles).

While not that close, Ciudad Victoria is not far either, The nearest border crossing at Nuevo Laredo is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) and the city is located in one of the two important routes that leads to the US via Monterrey.

The same is valid for Irapuato. Despite being not that close to the US (around 800 km), it is on the way to America via Monterrey.

Lastly, Acapulco is again the exception. The city, one of Mexico’s main tourist areas, is really far from the US (over 1,800 kilometers). But soon things will start to get interesting for Acapulco too.

All of them are routes for drug cartels

Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Ciudad Victoria are all located along the US-Mexico border, a significant transit point for drugs smuggled into the United States. The US drug enforcement agency has offices in some of these cities due to their importance in the international drug trade.

Irapuato, as we stated previously, is further inland, but is located in a state that is a famous transport route for drugs. Guanajuato (the state where Irapuato is located) is also a spot for drug production activities, particularly related to synthetic drugs like methamphetamine.

This is likely due in part to the state’s central location in Mexico, which provides easy access to major cities and transportation routes.

Acapulco, on the other hand, is located on the Pacific coast, which makes it a key location for drug trafficking operations. The city has several major ports and highways that provide easy access to other parts of the country, as well as to international drug trafficking routes.

Recommended book: Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide: 50 Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Ways to Free Stuff & Cheaper Flights

All of them are battlegrounds for criminal organizations

In Tijuana, The Tijuana Cartel, also known as the Arellano Felix Organization (AFO), is one of the oldest and most well-known drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. It has been active in the place since the 1980s. However, in recent years, the Sinaloa Cartel arrived in the city, and there have been reports of cartel related violence that even required the Mexican government to declare an army intervention.

Ciudad Juarez has been a major center of drug trafficking and violence for many years, with multiple organizations vying for control. The C.D.J (Cártel de Juárez), also known as the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Organization, was one of the dominant groups in the city decades ago, but has since been weakened by arrests and infighting.

Nowadays, other groups are active in the area, including the incredibly dangerous Sinaloa Cartel. The battles between rival gang members often result in multiple murders and massacres.

Ciudad Victoria, like many cities in the state of Tamaulipas (where it serves as the capital city), has been plagued by violent crimes and instability due to the presence of multiple drug trafficking organizations, including the Gulf Cartel (Cártel del Golfo) and the Cártel del Noreste.

In Irapuato, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación – CJNG) is one of the main criminal groups operating there and in the wider state of Guanajuato.

The CJNG is a powerful and highly organized cartel that has been responsible for a significant portion of the drug-related violent crimes in the region. Another criminal organization that has been active in Irapuato is the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, which is also based in Guanajuato. The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel has been involved in turf wars with the CJNG, and that resulted in massive violence and an increasing crime rate.

Lastly, Acapulco is a more peculiar case.

It is historically the most popular tourist destination on the Pacific coast of Mexico. But many tourists and an inflow of US dollars turned the place into an attractive location for drug traffickers looking to launder money through the local economy. Its proximity to the pacific ocean also puts it en route for drug smugglers and human trafficking.

The cartel violence between rival gangs that want to dominate the city has had a significant impact on touristy areas (since often innocent bystanders are affected) in recent years, leading to a decline in visitors and economic hardship for many residents.

The place, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, has been a battleground for several drug trafficking organizations, including the Beltran Leyva Organization, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the Los Rojos gang. In recent years, the Sinaloa Cartel gained ground in the area.

All of them are part of migration routes

All 5 cities are located in regions of Mexico that are known to be major transit points for migrants from Central America who are seeking to reach the United States. However, the role that each city plays in this process can vary.

Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, as border cities, are major entry points into the United States for both legal and illegal migrants. Migrants may travel through Mexico by foot, car, or bus to reach these cities, and then attempt to cross the border into the United States, either at official ports of entry or through more remote areas.

Acapulco, Ciudad Victoria, and Irapuato are located further inland but are very important transit and gathering points for human smugglers that handle the immigrants coming from Central America. For example, many migrants may pass through Acapulco as they travel along the Pacific coast of Mexico toward Tijuana or other northern border cities.

Another example was the massive caravan that arrived in Irapuato coming from countries like Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.

Human trafficking is almost as profitable as drug trafficking. Therefore, just as drug cartels fight for the supremacy of these zones, part of the violence can be attributed also to battles between human traffickers. Often both activities are operated by the same organizations.

What More You Should Now If You Are Visiting Mexico?

Which are the most dangerous cities in Mexico for tourists in 2023?

The 10 most dangerous cities in Mexico 2023 include some of the country’s major urban centers as well as smaller cities. These cities experience high levels of crime such as violent crime, drug trafficking, and robberies, making them a risk for tourists.

The list can change year over year, but some common cities mentioned as dangerous places in Mexico are Tijuana, Acapulco, Ciudad Victoria and Chihuahua City. Factors like cartel presence, drug trade, and the drug trafficking-related violence contribute to these cities’ unsafe reputation. It’s essential to stay informed about the current situation in these cities and potentially avoid them on your visit to Mexico.

2. How is the homicide rate in Mexico currently?

Despite recent improvements, Mexico’s homicide rate—26.6 deaths per 100,000 people—remains close to historical highs.

The homicide rate in Mexico varies by region, with some areas showing lower rates than others. In parts of the country where drug cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel or the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel are more active, the homicide rate tends to be higher.

While the overall homicide rate is concerning, some parts of Mexico are still considered safe for tourists. Pay close attention to travel advisories and choose safe travel destinations to avoid getting caught up in violent crime.

3. What should tourists know about traffic and safety in Mexico City?

Mexico City is known for its busy streets, and tourists should be aware of the traffic conditions before navigating the city. It’s essential to be cautious while crossing streets, comply with traffic rules, and maintain a heightened sense of awareness in crowded areas.

Traffic accidents can occur due to reckless driving or poor infrastructure, so take extra precautions when driving in the capital of Mexico. Utilize public transportation or reputable taxi services and always follow local laws and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico City.

4. Is Cancun still a popular tourist destination despite its crime rates?

Despite the rise in crime rates, Cancun remains a top destination for many tourists visiting Mexico. The city offers beautiful beaches in a hotel zone that is quite far from the city of Cancun itself.

Mexico: Travel Safety Tips

Here are some more specific, street-wise safety tips to visit Mexico:

1st — If you visit Mexico for a day trip, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags while seeing its many tourist attractions. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — If want to discover some more isolated places, hire a guide. You can find some amazing guides and tours at Viator. Not only they will give you insider information about the gorgeous natural beauty of the country, but they will also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

3rd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from one of the major airports in Mexico to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

4th – Remain alert in crowded places. Even in tourist areas, there are still cases of petty crime.

5th — As travel insurance for visiting Mexico, we recommend Ekta.

If you enjoyed this article about the most dangerous cities in Mexico, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The 5 Fastest Growing Cities in Europe Have Some Curious Things in Common

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe

Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transactions.

Brazil

The Most Unusual Scam Methods Used in Brazil in…

Scam Methods: How Brazilian Criminals Are Getting Creative to Steal From You

I recently wrote an article about the mind-blowing tourist scam methods we can find in Europe. It contains the things I learned after visiting over 30 countries on the continent.

I thought the article would be helpful, or at least amusing, for anyone interested in how criminals can be creative here on the Old Continent.

Curiously, however, I received some harsh comments from people who thought I was unfair to Europe. Why don’t you write about scams in the US? You sound like a bitter American!

Or this one below:

Here is the truth: I cannot write about the US (in this matter) because I have never been there and I have little knowledge about the strategies used by thieves there.

But to satiate the thirst for more unusual methods used by lawbreakers, I can write about the country where I was born and lived for more than two decades: Brazil.

Because, oh boy, there are plenty of criminals there (and some decent people too, don’t take me wrong).

This could be material for an entire book, but here I separated the most absurd (but still effective) methods used by scammers, thieves, and robbers in Brazil.

We also wrote two other articles that anyone interested about Brazil and safety should read:

Trigger alert: if you were a victim of a robbery or burglary, the stories below may trigger undesired emotional responses (although they are not graphic in nature and there are no violent pictures), so you should stop reading here.

Ps: Check also our Youtube channel.

AI-Powered Fake Kidnappings

At this point, most of us are familiar with the possibilities (and menaces) opened by the rapidly advancing capabilities of artificial intelligence.

Not long ago, the entire world was lured to believe that Pope Francis was wearing a white puffer rapper-style coat because of an image produced by AI.

Scammers learned how to use AI to make their scam methods more effective too, probably inspired by occurrences in the US that shocked even the FBI.

Criminals train DeepFake tools by uploading samples of the voices of their potential victims.

They do that by using things that the victim herself uploaded on the internet: videos from Instagram reels, YouTube, TikTok, and so on. Whatever contains the victim’s voice is useful to train the Deepfake program.

Later on, they call any close relative of the victim and use the voice synthesized by the Deepfake software.

They tell this relative that he or she (the victim) suffered an accident, is lost far away from home, or even was kidnapped, lost his or her phone and is calling from a passerby, and needs a bank transfer immediately to not be in serious trouble.

Since the voice is extremely similar, relatives often fall for the scam and transfer the money to the scammer’s account.

The only way to avoid this is to doubt anyone calling from a strange number, but this may result in false negatives, meaning that when a relative really lost his phone and needs help, you will not believe him.

Curious fact: many of the gangs that execute fake kidnappings operate from jails. It is not uncommon for criminal organizations to operate entire schemes from inside penitentiaries, like in the picture below, made in the CDP So Vicente penitentiary.

CDP So Vicente penitentiary. — Prisioners operate phone centrals and develop scam methods from inside Brazilian detention centers. Source: G1.

The Selfless Photographer

Imagine that you are in places like Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo, a beach promenade in Rio, or the Pampulha area in Belo Horizonte.

These places are gorgeous, and you are also looking neat, so it is the perfect background for a new photo for your Instagram or whatever social media kids are using these days.

A selfie would look weird since you would need to cut your arm or your head would be too close to the lens, so you decide to ask a well-dressed, good-looking passerby.

He smiles back and says that is no problem; he can take a picture of you, so you give him your new iPhone.

He takes one picture, but then asks you to go a few steps back so as not to cut your legs from the picture and fit better into the scenic background.

“Smile!” he says.

Then, suddenly, he turns and runs away.

The place is crowded, and you shout for help, just in time to see him turning the corner and jumping onto a motorcycle where his partner already waits for him.

Goodbye, iPhone. Just a selfie would be a better idea.

The Fake Police Officer — A Variation of the Selfless Photographer

If, in the crime described above, the criminal passively waits in a tourist hotspot until someone asks him to take a picture, in this scam method the thieves are more active.

They dress like police officers. and ask tourists (often foreigners) to show them their documents, and later to inspect their bags to look for things like narcotics.

Once you hand them your valuables, they just run to their vehicle, and… it’s gone.

To avoid this, remember that the police often ask to see only ID documents (like your passport). If they want to inspect your bag or something like that, it is your right to ask for their badge and credentials.

ATM or Credit Card POS Skimming

Credit Card Machine or POS for article about Scam methods — ATM and Credit Card Skimming is one of the most used scam methods in Brazil. Photo by Yoco Photography on Unsplash

ATM Skimming is a common crime in Brazil, and it frequently occurs at gas stations.

Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs and credit card POS machines to steal personal information, such as credit card numbers and PINs, from unsuspecting victims.

The skimming devices are designed to look like normal card readers, making them difficult to spot.

When a victim uses the ATM or POS machine, the skimming device records their card information. Later, they clone your card and make multiple purchases using your credit card and bank data.

To avoid falling victim to ATM skimming, it is important to be vigilant when using ATMs or POS machines, especially those located at gas stations. Look for any signs of tampering or suspicious devices attached to the machine.

If you suspect that a machine has been tampered with, do not use it.

One effective method to protect yourself against ATM skimming is to purposefully enter the wrong PIN on the first attempt.

If the credit card machine or POS accepts the wrong password, it means that the machine has been skimmed. In this case, it is best to leave the place and report the incident to the police and your bank immediately.

Unusual Methods Used By (Often) Armed Criminals

The Good Samaritan

This is a common scam in Brazil, where criminals take advantage of the kindness of strangers to steal from them or rob them.

The scam involves a criminal pretending to be in distress or danger, and the victim offers to help. Once the victim stops to offer assistance, the criminal either robs the victim or distracts them while an accomplice robs them.

One variation of this scam involves a criminal pretending to be a stranded driver with a flat tire. The victim offers to help, but while the victim is changing the tire, the criminal steals their belongings from their car or distracts them while an accomplice steals their belongings.

Another variation of this scam involves a criminal pretending to be injured or sick on the street. The victim offers to help, but while they are distracted, the criminal steals their belongings or pickpockets them.

To avoid falling victim to the Good Samaritan Scam, it is best to be cautious when approached by strangers and not stop to offer assistance unless it is in a safe and public area.

Egg in Your Windshield

Egg in a Windshield (Ovo no para brisa) Scam and Assault Methods — Source: Youtube video in Portuguese about this type of crime.

You are driving on some of the avenues in cities like Rio or Sao Paulo that pass below multiple bridges.

Suddenly, after passing below one of the bridges, something hits your windshield, and a giant yellow stain similar to egg yolk partially blocks your vision.

Here is the thing:

Do not use the windshield wiper!

Do not use the windshield water fluid!

Because if you do, the egg yolk and water will form a viscous substance, such as milk, and you will need to stop as it will block your vision by about 90%.

If your vision is not totally blocked, just keep driving without using the water fluid or the windshield wiper. By doing that, you will gain distance from the criminals and can stop at a safe, illuminated place.

Some people say that this crime is a hoax, but if that is the case, it is a hoax only until some bandits use it for the first time.

Paper on Your Rear Windshield

Imagine you go to your nicely parked car, open the door, get in, lock the doors, and start the engine.

The same stuff you do all the time

But when you look in the inside rearview mirror, you see a piece of paper on the rear window that blocks your view.

So, after cursing whoever stuck a goddamn ad on your back window, you put the car in neutral, put the handbrake on, open the door, and get out of the car to remove the damn paper or whatever it is there.

When you get to the back, a robber appears out of nowhere, points a gun at you, and takes your car with the key in the ignition, the engine running (if it has a blocker, it will already be unlocked anyway), your wallet, documents, and whatever else is in the car.

So, don’t get out of the car if something is in the way of your view.

You can safely start your car by using the outside rearview mirrors and then get out at a different stop further ahead.

The Valet

You are having a good time with your friends or family at a restaurant or bar where you are all laughing together.

Then, all of a sudden, a person arrives, saying that he is the valet of a nearby private parking lot or garage.

He inquires as to who owns a particular car that has a certain license plate and is parked on a certain street nearby.

The valet requests that the owner of the vehicle go outside and move it so that another vehicle can more easily exit the parking space.

You, who are very helpful, go, and when you get to your car, some other men appear, and the group announces the robbery, taking away your car and your belongings.

The solution for that is to park only in authorized places where you are clearly not blocking anyone. If the fake valet appears, tell him that you don’t know who the car owner is and call the police.

What other unusual methods do criminals use in your country? Were you familiar with any of the strategies mentioned above? Tell us in the comment section!

The Expat Consultancy Safety Guides

My team wrote some guides to help you keep safe, avoid tourist scams, choose the best districts, and avoid the worst neighborhoods. Here are some of them:

Athens, Greece
Belgrade, Serbia
Berlin, Germany
Munich, Germany
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dublin, Ireland
Edinburgh, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland
Lisbon, Portugal
Madrid, Spain (We also wrote a guide with tips on immigrating to Spain)
Manchester, England
Milan, Italy
Rome, Italy

What More You Need to Know About Scams

1. What are the most common types of scams and how can I recognize them?

The most common scam types include phishing emails, fake websites, phone and text message scams, government agency impersonation, subscription traps, and gift cards scams. Recognizing these scams involves being cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information, checking the legitimacy of websites and emails, examining caller ID details, and being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.

2. What methods do scammers use to obtain my personal information?

Scammers use a variety of methods to obtain your personal data. These include phishing emails, malware, fake websites that mimic legitimate ones, phone calls with spoofed caller ID information, and social security number theft, among others. They often use emotional manipulation or scare tactics to get victims to reveal sensitive information.

3. How can I protect myself from scam calls and emails?

The best way to protect yourself from scam calls and emails is to never provide your personal information or online payment details to unknown sources. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails, especially if they ask for sensitive information. Verify the contact information of any government agency or business before sharing any information and don’t rely on caller ID alone, as it can be spoofed.

4. Should I send money or provide account details to people I don’t know and trust?

No, you should never send money or provide your account, bank’s, or site’s details to people you don’t know and trust. Scammers often create fake profiles or impersonate someone you know to trick you into sending money or revealing financial details that can be used by scammers for identity theft or other illegal activities.

If you enjoyed this article about scam methods, here are a few other travel tips and reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

City and Safety Guides

Is Pasadena (CA) Safe? The Good and Bad Neighborhoods…

Is Pasadena safe in 2023?

Here is an anecdote to give you a bit of context before answering the main question: Is Pasadena safe? Likely you will identify it with many other real-life stories you witnessed:

Anna and Mark were a couple living in a small town in the Midwest. Mark received a job offer to work in Pasadena, California, and the couple saw this as an opportunity to start a new life in a different state with quite an attractive salary.

While Anna took charge of some of the arrangements, like looking for a job for herself, Joseph focused on finding a place for them to live that was not far from his new job.

The couple found a nice house and contacted the agent. However, as they started to research the area more, they realized they had overlooked a crucial factor: safety.

It wasn’t until the last minute that they asked themselves, “Is Pasadena safe? In this neighborhood, can we get as relaxed about our kids going to school as in our city in the Midwest?”

During their research, they found it difficult to get accurate information. Most of the material they found on the internet was from real estate brokers or official pages with an overly optimistic tone about the city.

After all, real estate brokers must keep an optimistic tone to convince buyers, since real estate in Pasadena is 85.8% more expensive than the national average. It is even expensive by Californian standards.

If your story is similar to the one of Anna and Mark, let’s make it clear:

We are not here to be optimistic (and neither pessimistic) but to show you the reality and help you take a decision.

Pasadena Crime Rates

Before jumping into the various crime statistics, it is important to make a distinction between types of criminal occurrences, and the two most important categories are violent crime and property crime.

The main difference between the two is that violent crime involves the use or threat of physical force, whereas property crime involves the theft or destruction of property, which may not involve the use of physical force.

There may, however, be an overlap between both categories: a robber who uses a gun to rob wallets is committing violent and property crimes at the same time.

Examples of violent crimes include murder, rape, assault, and robbery.

Examples of property crimes include theft and burglary.

This distinction is important because often cities will have a high rate of violent crime and a low rate of property crime, and vice versa.

Safe cities have a low number of occurrences of both, while dangerous cities (hi, Baltimore!) have high rates of both violent and property crimes.

Violent Crime Rates in Pasadena, CA

Pasadena (the one in California, because there is also one in Texas), has a relatively low rate of violent crime compared to other major cities in the United States. However, the city still faces challenges in this area.

According to recent data (Check the table a few paragraphs below for a full comparison of the crime data against other similar cities in California and the US), there were 2.82 homicides per 100,000 residents in Pasadena, which is somewhat low but still a cause for concern.

The city also had 411.7 assaults per 100,000 residents, and there were 3.89 rapes and 132.2 robberies per 100,000 residents, all of which are relatively low rates compared to other major cities. Overall, while the violent crime rates in Pasadena are relatively low, however not as low as the safest cities in the US.

Pasadena’s Property Crime Rate

Different from what we saw with violent crimes, property crime rates in Pasadena are relatively high by US standards.

The city has a high rate of theft, with 999.4 incidents per 100,000 residents.

This means that almost 1% of the population is a victim of theft every year.

Motor vehicle theft is also a significant problem, with 343.6 incidents per 100,000 people per year, well above the national average for vehicle theft rates. Finally, Burglary has a rate of 429.8 cases per 100,000 residents.

Among the main property crimes, only arson is relatively rare in the city, with a rate of 31.39 incidents per 100,000 residents, well below the national average.

Property crime rates in Pasadena have numbers similar to Rancho Cucamonga and slightly worse than in Sunnyvale, both in California.

When you compare the rate of property crime in Pasadena against cities considered “dangerous” by many, like Oklahoma City, you will a very curious phenomenon: a low overall crime rate but a high number of crimes like robberies.

In the table below we compare Pasadena with multiple Mid-sized cities in the US.

Violent Crime Comparison: Pasadena vs Other Cities in California and the US

Crime Rate of Pasadena (Proportional to the Population) Compared to Other Cities

Here the overall crime data (provided by the FBI and other sources) numbers are divided by the population and demonstrated as cases per 100,000 habitants, meaning that they are proportional to the number of residents. By clicking on the name of each city, you will find a complete article with their best neighborhoods, areas to avoid, crime rates, etc.

City	State	Population	Total Criminal Offenses per 100K Resid.	Assaults per 100K Resid.	Homicides per 100K Resid.	Rapes per 100K Resid.	Robberies per 100K Resid.
Escondido	CA	150,507	4,857	931	3	15	93
Chula Vista	CA	275,978	3,265	718	2	11	91
Palmdale	CA	169,450	1,731	315	6	30	91
Pasadena	CA	135,732	2,696	412	3	4	132
Santa Ana	CA	310,227	2,698	280	5	47	129
Santa Rosa	CA	178,127	2,154	374	2	62	76
Anaheim	CA	346,824	2,918	196	5	38	119
Huntington Beach	CA	198,711	2,229	158	2	35	54
Hialeah	FL	220,490	1,961	145	3	12	45
Tallahassee	FL	196,169	3,879	545	12	103	122
Honolulu	HI	985,138	4,764	958	1	17	73
Oklahoma City	OK	670,872	7,705	1,430	15	61	97
Pittsburgh	PA	302,971	4,168
Salt Lake City	UT	205,929	15,723	3,009	9	132	215

Crime rate numbers. Total criminal cases, assaults, homicides, rapes, and robberies in multiple American cities we analyzed, in cases per 100K residents. Data from 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Why Pasadena Has a High Number of Robberies Despite the Low Overall Crime Rate?

There is one reason that comes to mind to explain the curious case of Pasadena.

The city may have few murders and rapes but many robberies since the police department manage to reduce violent crimes through surveillance, law enforcement, and community policing. This means targeting policing of high-crime areas.

But robberies often don’t happen in high-crime areas.

The factors driving this type of crime are different. It is not a dispute for drug-selling points between gangs or vengeance.

Robberies are motivated by immediate financial gain.

So a major factor that could contribute to higher rates of robbery in Pasadena is the presence of valuable targets, such as banks, high-end retail stores, luxury car sellers, and other businesses that deal with large amounts of cash or high-value goods. These locations attract criminals who see them as easy targets for theft or robbery.

So Pasadena became a victim of its own wealth and affluence (summed with the relaxed approach in terms of punishment for property crimes).

The Rose Bowl, one of the most iconic points of Pasadena. Image by Ted Eytan , CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Areas to avoid in Pasadena, CA

Northwest Pasadena

Northwest Pasadena is known for its high crime rates, particularly when it comes to property crimes like theft and burglary. In addition to property crime, Northwest is also known for its high rates of violent crime, including assault and robbery. Recently, Jamal Patterson, a father of 2, was murdered in front of his mother’s house.

Gun violence, despite the strict laws, is rampant.

The area has a high poverty rate, and many residents struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues, increasing some types of crime occurrences. If all that was not enough, the place is home to several gangs. So, if you ask yourself if Is Pasadena safe? The answer may be “Not in the Northwest”.

East Central

Tupac mentions Pasadena in California Love for a reason. In the 1990s, there were some extremely violent gangs in that area. Some of the last remaining areas of Pasadena that aren’t cleaned up or gentrified are now in East Central’s impoverished remnants.

The neighborhood is also home to a high number of drug dealers and users. Additionally, many of the buildings in the area are run-down and in disrepair, adding to a sense of neglect. Lastly, there is a large number of motels and prostitution points.

Safest Places in Pasadena and Best Neighborhoods in Pasadena

Chapman Woods

Attracting those looking for proximity to downtown but also low crime rates, Chapman Woods is one of Pasadena’s safest areas.

This family-oriented district has large lots and tree-lined streets. Chapman Woods is mostly residential, with Tudor, Spanish Colonial Revival, and mid-century modern architecture. Gated entrances and security patrols make the neighborhood a safe place. The neighborhood’s proximity to great schools, parks, and shops is another draw. On the downside, the place has well-above-average real estate prices.

South Arroyo

South Arroyo has beautiful streets and good schools. Residents take pride in their well-maintained homes and public spaces. Arroyo Seco Park, a popular walking, biking, and hiking spot, is one of many nearby parks. Young families enjoy the neighborhood’s low crime rate.

The median income per male resident ($85,510 per year) is way higher than the US national median and one of the highest among Pasadena residents.

Unfortunately, what is good often has a higher price tag. South Arroyo’s real estate median home prices are among Pasadena’s highest. It borders South Pasadena, another districtthat is equally appreciated by families and with high median home value.

South Pasadena, in California, is close to South Arroyo. Both neighborhoods are in a safe area of Pasadena. Image by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Linda Vista

Linda Vista is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood in western Pasadena.

Tree-lined streets and large, well-maintained homes define the place. The local green area, Linda Vista Park, has playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. However, Linda Vista’s high real estate prices may deter some buyers and renters despite it being one of the safest places in the city.

Is Pasadena safe at night?

While this may not be the most decisive answer, it is the correct one: it depends on the place and part of the city.

In a general sense, it is safe.

However, there are certain areas you might want to avoid walking. Stick to the more well-lit and populated areas, like South Lake Avenue, and you should be fine. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops in these areas, and you’ll usually see lots of people out and about.

On the other side, there are a few neighborhoods in Pasadena that can be a bit sketchy, especially after dark. Places like Northwest Pasadena or East Central are known to have higher crime rates (see our section about the areas to avoid in the city), so you might want to steer clear of those zones, especially at night.

Also read: The 8 safest large cities in the US at the moment.

Other Tips for Staying and Visiting Pasadena

1st — If you are visiting the city (or nearby cities), there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from the Hollywood Burbank Airport (or from any station) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

3rd — If you want to walk around and see some historical spots without the risk of getting lost or wasting your time, hire a guide. You can find some amazing and reliable guides and tours at Viator. They will give you insider information about historical facts and curiosities, and also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

If you enjoyed this article answer the question Is Pasadena Safe? here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

Living Costs

Retire in Peru – Pros, Cons, and Costs in…

Discover how the Rentista Visa is making feasible plans to retire in Peru and the downsides of this country.

If you have already read any of my other articles about retirement abroad, you can jump straight to the first subtitle (The Pros and Cons of Planning to Retire in Peru). If not, keep reading from the beginning to get some context.

My company helps expats. Many of these people know what they want and just need help. What about retiring in X? What’s your opinion? they ask me.

Often I don’t know what to say. I tell my team to research the destination and write a detailed report so I can give our customers the information they need.

Not surprisingly, most of the destinations are warm places with idyllic beaches. Below is the resumed version of some reports we did, available for free for you:

Ps: Check also our Youtube Channel.

But all these destinations didn’t raised my curiosity as one that I should be familiar with. After all, this country is very close to the place where I came from.

Still, never crossed my mind the idea that someone from the US would like to retire there (despite the fact that, according to official data, this country has almost as many US pensioners as Costa Rica).

It’s time to find out what the pros and cons of choosing to retire in Peru are.

Check also: Best Countries to Retire in High-Style (Even If You Are Not a Senior)

The Pros and Cons of Planning to Retire in Peru

Balance and Arequipa in the background to illustrate section about the Pros and Cons of retire in Peru — Arequipa in the background. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

For sure some of the pros of living in Peru are already known, like the delicious food, lower living costs and pleasant weather. But how low are the living costs, and how pleasant is the weather? And what are the downsides? (You can be sure that there are downsides).

So first, let’s have a deeper look at the favorable and negative points of retirement and living in Peru.

Check also: Countries Enticing Pensioners By Offering Retirement Visas

Retire in Peru: Pros

Peruvian girls dressed in traditional clothes. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Cost Of Living

Peru offers an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Lima, Peru’s capital city, is 54% lower than in New York City. Housing costs are particularly affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment in Lima costing around $370 per month.

Peru is one of the least expensive countries in South America, despite having a quality of life and HDI superior to places like Colombia or Brazil.

Weather

Peru’s diverse geography offers a range of climates, but much of the country enjoys warm, pleasant weather year-round. Along the coast, where many of the major cities are located, temperatures typically range between 60°F and 80°F. This makes it an ideal destination for retirees who want to avoid harsh winters or extreme heat.

Private Healthcare is Affordable

Private healthcare in Peru is generally more affordable than in the US and is available in big cities like the capital Lima, and the quality is much better than the average public hospital.

Compared to the United States, private healthcare services in Peru can be significantly cheaper. For example, the cost of a routine doctor’s visit in Lima can be as low as $30-$50, compared to an average cost of $200 in the United States. Many doctors from private hospitals are familiar with medical care for foreign nationals.

Foreigners Can Buy Property in Peru

Foreigners can buy property in Peru, and this is something that differentiates this South American country from many others. Poland, for example, does not allow non-Europeans to buy land, unless they are already in the country for a long time.

It gets even better: the Peruvian government has taken steps recently to make the process simpler for foreign buyers. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

Get a tax identification number (RUC): Before you can buy property in Peru, you’ll need to obtain an RUC, the local tax identification number. This can be obtained from the Peruvian tax authority.
Find a property: Once you have your RUC, you can start looking for properties to buy, either using a real estate agent, searching online, or looking for properties advertised in local newspapers.
Hire a lawyer: It’s recommended to hire a lawyer to help with the buying process. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal requirements and ensure that the transaction has no hidden traps.
Make an offer: Once you’ve found a property you’re interested in, you can make an offer to the seller. If the seller accepts your offer, you’ll need to sign a purchase agreement and put down a deposit.
Complete the transaction: The final step in the process is to complete the transaction. This will involve transferring the funds to the seller and registering the property with the local land registry office.

While the process of buying property in Peru can be relatively simple, it’s important to work with a reputable lawyer and real estate agent to ensure that everything is done correctly. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any restrictions that may apply to certain types of property, such as beachfront property, which is subject to special regulations in Peru.

Decent airline connectivity with the USA and Europe

Peru is well-connected to the rest of the world, with major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United offering regular flights to Lima and other cities. Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport is the main hub for international flights in Peru, with direct connections to destinations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

It is Relatively Easy to Obtain a PERUVIAN RENTISTA VISA

Well, let me put it this way: compared to other countries (some of them we already analyzed, check list in the beginning of this article), getting a retirement visa in Peru is like ordering a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

It’s pretty straightforward, and most people will get what they want without too much hassle if they have some expert assistance (eg: specialized lawyers).

Compare that to some other countries in South America (hi, Brazil), where getting a permanent visa can feel more like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.

Retire in Peru: Cons

Peruvian canyon and thumbs down to illustrate section about the cons of retirement in Peru — Peruvian canyon. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

Check also: The Easiest Countries to Adopt From.

Crime

This may be a pro or a con, depending where you come from and to what are you comparing to.

Let’s take for example the homicide rate. In Peru, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), had a homicide rate of 6.9 per 100,000 two years ago.

Here are the homicide rates of other places in the same period:

Baltimore, USA: 50.3 per 100,000 people in 2020 (FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting — UCR)
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): 20.4 homicides per 100,000 residents.
New York (US): 11.4 per 100,000 people (FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting — UCR)
São Paulo (Brazil): 7.2 homicides per 100,000 people.
Poland: 0.6 homicides per 100,000 people (Eurostat)
Italy (one of the best places in the world to retire): 0.5 homicides per 100,000 people (Italian National Institute of Statistics).

The same pattern we see for murders is also evident in robberies, burglaries and so on. So, the safety situation in Peru can be considered positive if you are coming from large US cities like New York, but negative if you compare to Europe.

You Will Need to Speak Spanish to Navigate the Immigration Bureaucracy

English is not widely spoken in Peru, and proficiency in English is relatively low compared to many other countries. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, which measures English proficiency in non-native speakers worldwide, Peru ranks 51th out of 111 countries surveyed, with a “moderate” level of English proficiency.

The same index estimates that only around 5% of the population of Peru speaks English fluently, with another 12% having a basic understanding of the language. In urban areas and among younger people, English proficiency may be slightly higher, but overall, it’s not a language that most Peruvians speak on a daily basis.

Imports Will Cost You Dearly

Peru has a relatively high cost of living, and imported goods can be particularly expensive. This can be a significant concern for retirees who rely on imported goods such as medications, certain foods, or other items that may not be readily available in Peru.

Another issue is the large chance that any item that you bring for you former home country to Peru and looks brand new to the eyes of the Peruvian revenue service may be taxed. This is a common issue in entire South America.

Insurance Becomes More Expensive and More Difficult to Obtain as You Age

Like anywhere else in the world, as you age, finding and affording adequate health insurance can become more challenging. While Peru does have a public healthcare system, many expats prefer to purchase private insurance to ensure access to high-quality care.

Altitude Sickness

Many parts of Peru, including popular retirement destinations such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, are located at high altitudes. Altitude sickness can be a real concern for some retirees, particularly those with underlying health issues. This is not valid to Lima, however, since the city is slightly above sea level.

Retire In Peru — The Benefits Of The Rentista Visa

The Rentista Visa is a type of visa available in Peru for foreign individuals who are not planning to work in the country but instead have sufficient funds to support themselves. Here are some potential benefits of the Rentista Visa in Peru:

Extended stay: The Rentista Visa allows for a stay of up to three years, which can be extended for additional three-year periods, meaning that the visa holder can stay in Peru for an extended period without having to worry about renewing their visa frequently.
Ease of application: The Rentista Visa application process is relatively straightforward and does not require the applicant to have a job offer or to engage in any business activities, making it an accessible option for retirees or individuals with independent means.
Path to citizenship: After holding a Rentista Visa for three years, the visa holder may be eligible to apply for Peruvian citizenship, which would give them full rights and benefits as a citizen of Peru.
Access to healthcare: Rentista Visa holders in Peru are eligible to enroll in the country’s public healthcare system, which provides affordable healthcare services to all residents, regardless of their citizenship or visa status.

Required documents to apply for a retirement visa include

First of all, before starting the process of applying for a residence visa, remember that you should always visit the country first on a tourist visa to see if fits your lifestyle and then decide if you choose Peru or not.

The rentista visa is a type of residence visa that is intended for people entering Peru that don’t need to perform or execute any kind of paid job (if that is the case, you would need a work visa to).

The specific requirements for a Rentista Visa in Peru may vary depending on the consulate or embassy where you apply, but generally, you will need to provide the following documents:

A valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from Peru.
An original document that attests you have a stable passive income (from rental properties for example), or a private pension from abroad (your home country or another). This document must prove that you earn at least $1000 as pension money, which must be legalized by the Peruvian Consulate and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or apostilled.
Police clearance certificate: You will need to obtain a police clearance certificate from your country of origin or any country where you have lived in the past five years. This certificate should show that you have no criminal record.
Medical certificate: You will need to obtain a medical certificate from a licensed physician in your country of origin, which should indicate that you do not have any communicable diseases.
Application form (Rentista visa application form F-007): You will need to fill out an application form for the Rentista Visa, which can be obtained from the Peruvian consulate or embassy where you plan to apply.
Passport-sized photos: You will need to provide several passport-sized photos, typically 3.5cm x 4.5cm in size.
Payment of fees: You will need to pay the application fee for the Rentista Visa (paid to a peruvian bank account on the Banco de la Nación), which may vary depending on the consulate or embassy where you apply.

It’s important to note that these requirements may be subject to change, so it’s best to check with the Peruvian consulate or embassy where you plan to apply for resident visa for the most up-to-date information.

How long does it take for my visa to be approved?

The average processing time for a Rentista Visa application in Peru can vary depending on several factors, such as the consulate or embassy where you apply and the completeness of your application. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to obtain approval for a Rentista Visa in Peru.

To minimize the processing time, it’s recommended to submit a complete and accurate application, provide all necessary documents and information, and follow up with the consulate or embassy periodically to check on the status of your application.

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Peru?

Money symbol and Mancora in the background to illustrate section about the cost of living in Peru — Mancora, in Peru. Image edited by ExpatriateConsultancy.com team using resources from Canva.

It’s time for a comparison of the cost of living in Peru. I will not compare the living costs in Peru with those of New York or London, because nearly anywhere in the world is cheaper than those two cities.

Let’s compare the cost of living in Lima (Peru) with the best city for retirement in Europe (Valencia, Spain) and one of the favorite cities for pensioners in the USA (Tampa, Florida).

All prices are from Numbeo and Expatistan, two websites that crowdsource prices and living costs from thousands of users and contributors. Be aware that Lima is likely one of the most expensive places in Peru, and smaller cities tend to be even cheaper.

Cost of Living in Lima (Peru) vs Valência (Spain) and Tampa (the USA)

Values in USD	Lima	Valencia	Tampa
Meal for 1 Person, Inexpensive Restaurant	8	11.59	21
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) in a Supermarket	1.53	2.9	1.57
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.5	1.98	3.29
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	2.2	6.4	11.24
Gasoline (1 liter)	1.49	1.56	1.2
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Garbage, etc.) for 85m2 Apartment, monthly	72.72	128.6	182.51
Internet (60 Mbps or More)	28.27	31.88	63.85
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	6.7	7	14
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes)	25	73	104
Standard men’s haircut in an expat area of the city	10	20	25
Rent of an apartment (1 bedroom)	506.25	720.77	2,035.75
Price per Square Meter to Buy an Apartment	1,925.00	2,999.91	4,635.63

Cost of different items in Lima (Peru), Valencia (Spain), and Tampa (Florida, the USA).

Best Retirement Places in Peru

Lima

Lima is the capital of the country and a popular destination for expats looking to retire in Peru. The city offers a low cost of living (compared to the US or Europe, but it is expensive if compared to the rest of Peru), with affordable housing, food, and transportation options. Lima is also located at sea level, making it a great option for retirees who are sensitive to high altitudes.

Peruvian cuisine is world-class and Lima even has many restaurants with Michelin stars.

Additionally, Lima is home to a vibrant international community, with many expats from North America, Europe, and Asia choosing to settle in the city. Expats often prefer to live in districts like San Isidro.

Arequipa

Arequipa is a charming city located in southern Peru, known for its beautiful colonial architecture, mild climate, and proximity to the stunning Colca Canyon. The city offers a lower cost of living than Lima, with affordable housing, food options and lower basic expenses that will not stress your monthly budget.

On the downside, Arequipa is situated at an altitude of 2,335 meters above sea level, which is relatively high. This may be an issue for people with health problems.

Mancora

Mancora is a small beach town located on the northern coast of the pacific ocean in Peru, known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and relaxed lifestyle. Despite being considered a beach resort and holiday destination, the town offers affordable housing, food, and transportation options.

Mancora is situated at sea level, which makes it a great choice for retirees who are looking to avoid altitude sickness. The town is also popular among surfers and backpackers, which gives it a laid-back and welcoming vibe.

If you enjoyed this article about plans to retire in Peru, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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City and Safety Guides

The Mind-Blowing Tourist Scams You Can Find in Europe in…

From bird drops to lucky eyes, there are some very creative tourist scams in Europe

After visiting over 30 countries in the entire Europe, I witnessed natural and human beauties that will never be erased from my memories. But I also saw some very creative tourist scams and all sorts of people trying to take advantage of travelers that came to visit a new country on this splendid continent.

People that, in their greed of separating innocent tourists from their valuables, developed travel scam methods so creative that one would stand up and clap for their talent — if, obviously, they were not the criminals they are.

I am not talking about obvious things like taxi scams or taxi cab drivers taking the long way to your destination… no, no, no. I am talking about real scam artists. People that could teach at the recently discovered Scam University in Brazil.

In the next paragraphs, you will discover a selection of tourist scams used by con artists all over Europe, from London to Athens, from Lisbon to Moscow.

Be aware that as scary as some of these scams may look, Europe is still a very safe place, especially when you compare it with Mexico’s violence rates, for example.

Since we are talking about scams and criminal methods, check later our article about the creative methods used by Brazilian criminals.

The Pigeon Drop Scam (Popular Scam in Spain Also Known as Fake Bird Poop)

Image of Athens, Greece, a place where tourist scams use the distraction of the fake bird poop. — Athens has plenty of birds in some squares, so scammers have the perfect excuse.

Scam Location: Athens (Greece) and large cities in Spain, but also happens anywhere with lots of pigeons around.

Athens is a place prolific for scammers. From the shady types walking around Omonia to the common scams targeting tourists in places like Syntagma square. My family fell victim to criminals there two times in a matter of days, and I wrote an entire article about safety in Athens.

Likely the pigeon drop scam is not particular only to Athens, but happens in other places where you have the presence of these birds (or similar ones, like seagulls). There is another type of scam called Pigeon Drop, so it is important to not confuse both.

How the Fake Bird Poop Scam Works:

Imagine that you are calmly strolling across Syntagma square in Athens or in La Rambla in Barcelona, minding your own business.

Suddenly, you feel something drops in your hair, shoulder or back. It is some white, sticky, disgusting thing that looks like bird poop.

Almost at the same time, an innocent looking person picks her tissue and helps you to clean the mess, while cursing those damned birds.

This is all a distraction for this person or someone nearby to steal your wallet.

This is one of the many distractions used by pickpockets. My father had his cell phone stolen when pickpockets (a group of kids) dropped close to him a cup of soda. To avoid travel scams that use distractions, it is important to be extremely wary of your surroundings if you are in a crowded place in a foreign country. Another option is to use a money belt.

The Lucky Eye Scam

Just like in the previous example, you are again walking in a touristy area, but this time in London. Suddenly, someone comes closer to you and tricks you into thinking that they are some sort of fortune teller or wizard, and they say that you have a lucky eye and they can tell you how you can use this gift to reach fortune, love, etc.

They either do that to lure you and:

Demand money for their advice, or
Sell you one necklace with a “charm” that just looks like an eye, or
Just use this as a distraction to pickpocket your wallet or cellphone.

The High Fashion Scam

Center of Milan. Italy is known for its culture, beauty, and history, but is Is Milan safe... — Fashion capitals like Milan are the spot for a very peculiar type of tourist scam.

This is a scam that happens in fashion capitals like Paris, New York, London, and Milan.

While taking pictures or visiting a place packed with tourists, you are approached by an elegantly dressed man that politely asks for a minute of your time.

He then proceeds to explain that he is a shop owner in another place and just attended some important fashion fair or show, but then his credit card got blocked or he lost his money. Now he needs to sell his high-quality luxury products to go back home.

He explains that all the things are original and he is selling them way below the fair price or the cost he paid just to raise some money to pay his expenses.

Sounds too good to be true? Because it is, and the products are fake.

The Bracelet Scam

Scam Location: I saw it in Milan (more about it here), but in Italy, it is among the most common travel scams.

There are many variations of the ever-present (and very annoying) bracelet scam.

The friendship bracelet (which is often offered for pairs of tourists, scamming two people at once).
The African bracelet of good luck.
The bracelet from a hidden tribe in the Amazon.

All of them have a thing in common: street sellers will call you calmly and politely. They will tell you that this bracelet looks good on you (or on your new friend there), and ask if you can just try it, until they convince, between smiles and little jokes, you to give it a try.

Suddenly, they will demand money, sometimes even aggressively. To avoid problems (often the sellers are not alone), people just give them whatever they ask.

To avoid this, simply walk away from any pushy vendor.

The Rickshaw Tourist Scams in London (or Tuk Tuk Drivers Scammers)

the cost of living in London — Not all rickshaw drivers in London are scammers, but there are reported cases.

Reported location of the tourist scams: I was a victim of it in London, but I guess it is also common in other places.

Anyone that lives in London for some time already knows the common travel scams
involving tourists being ripped off by the local pedicab (or rickshaw) drivers. Rickshaws are similar to tuk tuks, but the first is moved by pedals while the second is motorized.

This is exactly what happened to me during my very first trip to Europe, 12 years ago. I took a rickshaw for a very short distance and he charged me multiple times what a taxi driver would charge.

I thought the problem was solved, but recently there were multiple reports of overpriced tuk tuk tours as well as rickshaw drivers charging tourists £1000 for a 10-minute trip.

The Picture Scam

Reported location of the tourist scams: I saw it in Rome, but it is common in multiple touristy areas.

I wrote more about this scam in my article The Most Stupid Thing You Can Do in 5 European Capitals.

Here is how it works: in some popular places in Rome like the Coliseum you will find people dressed as gladiators, emperors, etc. Kids (and sometimes adults) are often attracted to taking pictures with them.

They will initially be cordial and even smile for your photo. After that, they will charge you a payment, and if you do not pay, things may turn aggressive. If you call the closest police officers, likely the cops will take the side of the street artists in this case — after all, you were the one that requested to take a photo with them.

Another article that you may find useful if you are traveling to Rome (in my opinion, the most spectacular city on earth) is this one: Her Wallet Was Stolen in Rome For Doing a Little Mistake.

The Hooker Scam (Or the Strip Club Scam)

Amsterdam - Imagem de Iulian Ursache por Pixabay — No surprise that some infamous tourist scams happen in Amsterdam.

Reported location of the tourist scams: as you may guess, close to red light districts.

I will not spend a lot of words explaining this one, primarily because I was never a victim of that, but as a hostel owner, I heard backpackers tell their stories about getting scammed in red-light districts like the one in Amsterdam or in strip clubs in Warsaw.

In Amsterdam’s red light district, scamming is so rampant that you can find some really curious stories on their Tripadvisor page. Things like girls charging $50 just to walk inside a suit.

In Poland, often the scam involves strip clubs spiking drinks (the free beer they offer) with chemicals that numb customers and make them use their credit cards to pay huge amounts for nothing or to just give their credit card details during a dance. Recently there was a scandal involving US soldiers.

Fake Charity Petitions

Fake charity petitions are a great way to get you to sign a petition by playing on your emotions and convincing you that a cause is important.

Often, this is just another distraction. Although it doesn’t sound too sophisticated when compared to the previous examples, this is a fantastic opportunity for a pickpocket disguised as a friendly local to attack.

Travel Agent Scams

In many popular cities, you will find travel agents or local offices offering cheap tours, train tickets, or even skip-the-line entrances to crowded or sold attractions (too good to be true things). Local taxi drivers often advertise these travel agents to their customers, because they receive a commission.

Not rarely, unfortunately, it is a scam, and you will just realize that your ticket is fake or expired by the time you are trying to enter the attraction (or they sold you a boat tour and at the place there are no boats). That is why when traveling to different cities and buying tours, I prefer to check their reputation using Viator.

The Money Exchange Scam

Reported location of the tourist scams: I witnessed it in Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague disappointed me, and that was only one of the reasons. There still happens one of these common travel scams that targets people who prefer to use cash (like me) instead of a debit card.

Never (and I mean never) change cash on the street, especially in touristy areas like the area around the Old Clock. If someone approaches you in front of an exchange office and offers you a better rate, you can be sure that you are being scammed. You won’t be able to get Czech money very often. You’ll end up with some Eastern European money, which won’t do you much good here.

Use an ATM if you require Czech currency (which you will since the Euro is not recognized as legal tender here).

Always ask the exchange office how much you’ll get for your money when you see one (and there are many of them everywhere). You may be duped into believing you are getting a good deal by many exchange offices. You might be shocked when you sign the bill and only get half of what you anticipated. Please be advised that once you sign the bill, you are indicating your acceptance of the offer and cannot request a refund.

The Fake Police Officer Scam

(There is also another version, the Fake Ticket Inspector Scam)

Tram in Lisbon, to illustrate article about Is Lisbon safe. — Trams and Buses are some of the favorite areas for the fake ticket inspector scam.

Reported location of the tourist scams: There are reports of this scam in Vienna.

In many European cities, you enter the public transport system without physical barriers that demand you to insert a ticket. Therefore, the public authorities often hire ticket inspectors to randomly check if passengers have valid tickets. If they don’t, they are fined and can pay it (with a discount) on the spot.

Knowing that often tourists are confused by how the ticketing system works, fake inspectors (sometimes even with very realistic fake uniforms) make regular checks in train stations, trams, and buses in large cities to fine unwary people.

The best way to avoid that is to have a valid ticket, and if the fake inspector tries to confuse you, ask for the assistance of the local people to verify if your ticket is valid.

I got scammed on the street, what should I do now?

You don’t need to be in the most dangerous cities in Europe to be a victim of scam artists.

What you should do if you are a victim of a tourist scam?

A) Shout loud your anger out on your social media accounts, or

B) Find the closest police office

While often we see people choosing A, the most efficient way to recover at least part of your losses is to call the alternative B (call the police). Some countries have a special division of their police forces focused on helping tourists. After that, it is fine to vent your dissatisfaction online :).

One thing that could not be understated is the importance of travel insurance. Especially when traveling to areas that have higher risks or exposing yourself to some situations, find a reliable travel insurance provider (since there are also plenty of travel insurance scams). I recommend EKTA, which has great coverage and very affordable prices (likely among the cheapest for Europe).

To avoid scammers from separating you from your hand luggage, a good idea is to hire a temporary storage facility while you visit the city. Radical Storage has storage facilities in central areas all over Europe and very good prices.

To avoid fake travel agents selling you fake tours and train tickets, I recommend purchasing tours using Viator and train tickets using Trainline.

Lastly, to avoid the unfortunate cases of scammers disguised as taxi drivers, something very common in airports, I prefer to schedule my airport transfers in advance using GetTransfer. They will compare multiple options and give you the cheapest and most reliable one.

The Expat Consultancy Safety Guides

My team wrote some guides to help you keep safe, avoid tourist scams, choose the best districts, and avoid the worst neighborhoods. Here are some of them:

Athens, Greece
Belgrade, Serbia
Berlin, Germany
Munich, Germany
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dublin, Ireland
Edinburgh, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland
Lisbon, Portugal
Madrid, Spain (We also wrote a guide with tips on immigrating to Spain)
Manchester, England
Milan, Italy
Rome, Italy

If you enjoyed this article about travel scams, here are a few other travel tips and reading suggestions for you:

The 7 Countries With The Worst Work-Life Balance in The OECD

The Best Cities for Remote Workers in 2023

City and Safety Guides

Is Hialeah Safe?

How dangerous is the most diverse city in Florida? Is Hialeah safe as a place to live in or visit?

Like many other cities in Florida, Hialeah is a popular tourist destination, and also an attractive spot for pensioners or people looking for a better (and cheaper) place to live than NY or LA. But is Hialeah safe?

First some context…

Every year, many tourists are drawn to this region for its many sites and activities, such as Amelia Earhart Park, Casino Miami, Hialeah Park Racing & Casino, and many more! Hialeah gets a big piece of the action, being so close to Miami, located just north of it.

Hialeah is part of the most populous county in Florida – Miami-Dade County. It boasts a population of 220,000 people, making it the sixth most populous city in Florida.

An exciting feature you’ll notice while visiting Hialeah is its significant Hispanic presence, as they account for 95% of the city’s population, the majority of whom are Cubans. In fact, the city has the second-highest Hispanic population proportion of any city in the United States, with more than 100,000 residents.

For that reason, if you’re considering relocating to Hialeah, it would be good to learn some Spanish because the city is one of the largest Spanish-speaking communities in the country. The reward? You can be sure you’ll find a diverse mix of restaurants, entertainment, music, and dance.

Fountain at the Hialeah Park Race Track, to illustrate article about how the city is safe. — Fountain at the city’s park race track. In the next paragraph, you will have some important numbers to answer the question: *Is Hialeah safe?* Image by Phillip Pessar on Flickr.

Where does Hialeah get its name from?

When pioneer developer James Bright asked Seminole Indian Willie Willie to describe the property, he dubbed it Hialeah (Hi-ale-ah). It means “beautiful prairie” or “high prairie” in Cherokee. You can be confident that you’ll also find a ton of history here.

Hialeah started as an industrial town, with the primary industries being manufacturing and apparel. Still, it has slowly evolved to fit the community’s changing needs. Their economy has developed and is now modern and diverse, but it has preserved its local feel, with the mom-and-pop businesses dominating the scene.

Here in Hialeah, you’ll find that the local businesses have outperformed national name-brand retailers, outfitters, and franchises because they understand the wants and needs of the local population.

However, like many densely populated cities, Hialeah has its share of issues.

Here in this article, we’ll break down some important details like the crime rate, places to avoid, some of the best suburbs to check out, and its overall feel for someone looking to relocate or stay for an extended period.

So let’s get right to it!

Hialeah Crime Rate

Infographic for article Is Hialeah Safe — Our infographic with the answer to the question, “Is Hialeah Safe?” (Feel free to share, but please give proper credit by linking back to this article 🙂 )

We’re not going to sugarcoat it for you – Hialeah does have its risks. The crime rate borders on the yellow and orange scale (red being the most dangerous) of the crime needle.

It is not, however, as dangerous as many other mid-sized cities in the US—something you will discover in our comparison table in a few paragraphs.

According to Niche.com, a website that analyzes cities for families looking to move and locate safe schools, Hialeah scores in the C to D range (F being the lowest score). The rest of Florida doesn’t do so well, with many more cities scoring about the same.

What is the crime rate in Hialeah, FL.?

The crime rate is higher than in the average US city. Hialeah ranks in the 16th percentile for safety, which means that 84% of cities are safer and 16% are more dangerous.

During a typical year, the crime rate in Hialeah is 50.56 per 1,000 residents. In Hialeah, your chances of becoming a victim of crime might range from 1 in 15 in the eastern areas to 1 in 30 in the northwest, with property crimes being the most common (motor vehicle thefts were first with 2,053, followed by 1,576 robberies).

Total Crime: Hialeah, Florida, and National Average

How Hialeah’s Crime Rate Compares to Other Cities

Below you can see two tables that will help you to answer the question Is Hialeah safe?

The first table shows the crime rate (as well as the homicide rate and other information) of Palmdale and compares it with other cities we analyzed. The source of the data is the FBI reports.

Crime Rate of Hialeah (Proportional to the Population) Compared to Other Cities

Here the crime numbers are divided by the population and demonstrated as cases per 100,000 habitants, meaning that they are proportional to the number of residents. By clicking on the name of each city, you will find a complete article with their best neighborhoods, areas to avoid, crime rates, etc.

City	State	Population	Total Criminal Offenses per 100K Resid.	Assaults per 100K Resid.	Homicides per 100K Resid.	Rapes per 100K Resid.	Robberies per 100K Resid.
Escondido	CA	150,507	4,857	931	3	15	93
Chula Vista	CA	275,978	3,265	718	2	11	91
Palmdale	CA	169,450	1,731	315	6	30	91
Pasadena	CA	135,732	2,696	412	3	4	132
Santa Ana	CA	310,227	2,698	280	5	47	129
Santa Rosa	CA	178,127	2,154	374	2	62	76
Anaheim	CA	346,824	2,918	196	5	38	119
Huntington Beach	CA	198,711	2,229	158	2	35	54
Hialeah	FL	220,490	1,961	145	3	12	45
Tallahassee	FL	196,169	3,879	545	12	103	122
Honolulu	HI	985,138	4,764	958	1	17	73
Oklahoma City	OK	670,872	7,705	1,430	15	61	97
Pittsburgh	PA	302,971	4,168
Salt Lake City	UT	205,929	15,723	3,009	9	132	215

Crime rate numbers. Total criminal cases, assaults, homicides, rapes, and robberies in multiple American cities we analyzed, in cases per 100K residents. Data from 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Crime Rate of Hialeah in Absolute Numbers Compared to Other Cities

City	State	Population	Total Criminal Offenses	Assaults	Homicides	Rapes	Robberies
Escondido	CA	150,507	7,310	1,401	5	22	140
Chula Vista	CA	275,978	9,010	1,982	6	31	251
Palmdale	CA	169,450	2,934	533	10	51	155
Santa Ana	CA	310,227	8,370	869	15	145	401
Santa Rosa	CA	178,127	3,836	667	4	110	135
Anaheim	CA	346,824	10,122	681	16	133	412
Huntington Beach	CA	198,711	4,430	313	3	70	107
Hialeah	FL	220,490	4,324	319	7	27	99
Tallahassee	FL	196,169	7,609	1,069	24	202	239
Honolulu	HI	985,138	46,933	9,438	8	166	719
Oklahoma City	OK	670,872	51,689	9,595	100	406	653
Pittsburgh	PA	302,971	12,629
Salt Lake City	UT	205,929	32,378	6,196	19	271	443

The numbers of total criminal cases, assaults, homicides, rapes, and robberies in multiple American cities we analyzed, in absolute numbers. Data from 2021 and 2020.

It would be best if you took all this information with a grain of salt. These numbers appear to be alarming, but most of the crime is concentrated in the bad areas of Hialeah.

Knowing which areas to avoid will help you steer clear of any risks or dangers.

The Bad Part of Hialeah

By now, you know that Hialeah isn’t the safest city in the United States to visit. Hialeah features some dangerous locations and communities you should consider avoiding if possible. But there are also decent, good places to live. Using data, we named each of them.

Image of the Palm Avenue, which crosses Hialeah from North to South, passing through safe and not-so-safe areas. Image by Ivan Curra, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. — Palm Avenue crosses Hialeah from North to South, passing through safe and not-so-safe areas. Image by Ivan Curra, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

What are the bad parts of Hialeah?

Opa-Locka is one of the most dangerous areas in Hialeah. This city, which borders Hialeah, is regarded as one of the most hazardous in the country. Visitors to this town should be wary of gang-related activity.

Opa-Locka was named among the top 100 most hazardous cities in the United States by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. This dangerous area came in third of the 100.

Not to be outdone, four Florida cities also made the top 25, trailing only Michigan with six.

Other Florida communities on the top 100 list include:

11. Cocoa

17. Belle Glade

41. Homestead

72. Daytona Beach

94. Miami

To help give you an idea of how bad crime can be in the area, four cities were in Miami-Dade County: Opa-Locka, Florida City, Homestead, and Miami. That was more than any other county in the state.

So that’s covering the greater area and surrounding region. But what about the neighborhoods that are bad in Hialeah?

So, what are the bad neighborhoods in Hialeah, FL.?

It should be no surprise that some of the worst neighborhoods that are found in Hialeah are smack dab in the middle of the poorest and most dangerous areas there. While you’re visiting Hialeah, be sure to avoid:

Hialeah Acres
Trojan Park
Seminole City

Is Hialeah, FL., dangerous? Not Really, But some parts might be.

Hialeah can be dangerous after dark, so always walk in groups after the sun sets. If you want to go out for dinner or a drink, bring your friends along, so you have someone to walk back to your hotel or home with.

It would be best if you also avoided any homeless or gang members because they can be dangerous encounters at any time of the day or night. That said, always travel in groups and avoid traveling alone whenever possible.

The eastern section of Hialeah has the highest population density and the fewest resources of any portion of the city. In the last few decades, there has been less money invested in the neighborhood, and there have been more reports of violations, including the development of efficiency or unlawful units added to homes without the proper permissions.

It’s not only the government that is holding this area back, but lots of gang fights and violence aren’t helping the situation. As mentioned earlier, Hialeah isn’t somewhere you want to be caught alone.

Bad Areas of Hialeah

Map marking the bad neighborhoods in Hialeah. In these places, the answer to Is Hialeah Safe would likely be… not really. Map by Google Maps — Bad neighborhoods in Hialeah. In these places, the answer to *Is Hialeah Safe* would likely be… not really. Map by Google Maps

We hope you’re not alarmed by all this talk about how risky the Hialeah area can be. Yes, there are places you should avoid, but there are also fantastic places to check out and stay.

Hialeah Best Neighborhoods

What do most people look for when trying to find a good neighborhood? Is it the access to great restaurants and food? The arts and culture? Or is it the safety and amenities?

Finding a great neighborhood depends on the one looking. And in Hialeah, you’ll be able to find a little bit of everything. Of course, not all Hialeah suburbs are created equal, so we set out to uncover the best ones.

What are the best neighborhoods in Hialeah, FL.?

Some of the city’s loveliest areas would be rated pretty low in California or New York. Still, with Florida’s high affordability and low cost of living, it’s a fair compromise. The top neighborhoods on the list include Sunset Lakes, Bay Harbor Islands, Weston, Surfside, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Aventura, Miami Shores, Bal Harbor, and Sunny Isles Beach.

The Top 3 of the Best Neighborhoods in Hialeah

1. Sunset Lakes

The clubhouse and recreation center at Sunset Lakes is a big draw for those looking for luxury at an affordable rate. The facilities include a tropical resort-style swimming pool, a children’s wading pool, and a poolside shade pavilion. The nearest Gulf Coast resort is 1.5 hours away at Clearwater, and the Atlantic Coast and Kennedy Space Centre are both within 1-hour drive, not to mention not even an hour from Walt Disney World Resort.

2. West Lakes Estates

It’s very safe at West Lakes Estates, and the locals are about as wealthy as you’ll find in the Hialeah metro region. However, if you could manage to find a spot in this area, you’ll be able to enjoy the rich nature spaces, the clean and beautiful atmosphere, and partake in the local biking and cycling clubs. There’s even a freshwater lake in the center park to enjoy some morning or afternoon fishing.

3. Bay Harbor Islands

It’s very safe at Bay Harbor Islands, and the locals are about as wealthy as you’ll find in the Hialeah metro region. The disadvantage? Schools are becoming increasingly crowded, and the high cost of living makes most of the city out of reach for most families.

Hialeah Seaboard Air Line Railway Station, to illustrate article about how safe is Hialeah — Hialeah Seaboard Air Line Railway Station. Right now, you can answer to *Is Hialeah safe?* But… is it a good place to live? Image by Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Is Hialeah, FL, a Good Place to Live? Our Conclusion

Hialeah is a relaxed town with tight-knit neighborhoods. Hialeah’s cost of living and real estate is relatively low, making home ownership reasonably possible. As we mentioned earlier, the crime rate in the city is mild, but it is on a steady decline.

Hialeah’s infrastructure is well-built and managed, so you will have access to all necessary amenities without some of the bigger city inconveniences like heavy traffic, pollution, or loud noises. However, taking extra precautions to secure your home if you decide to live here is a good idea.

What is there to do in Hialeah, FL.?

Mountain biking, football, and picnics are just a few of the activities available in the many parks in Hialeah for individuals who enjoy spending time outside. The park’s new Miami Water sports Complex is also available for boat wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake surfing, kneeboarding, and paddle boarding.

Milander Park also contains an auditorium and a stadium with 10,000 people for sporting events. Hialeah Park Racing Track is also a popular gathering place for horse race watchers and bettors.

Is Hialeah safe for families?

Hialeah can seem to be a decent place to raise a family because it is affordable. However, a lot of the crime spills over into many other areas of Hialeah and can leave you and your family feeling vulnerable. This is definitely a personal decision to make, especially because your dollar goes a lot further than in other cities around the US. So you need to do what’s best for your family.

Hialeah, Florida, is famous for being the city where everyone knows your name. However, this does not imply that it is entirely without its flaws. The schools in the area don’t rank the highest in the nation and have a reputation for not being the safest in the country either.

But that’s not to say that it’s entirely not worth checking it out for yourself. You just have to have your risk-benefit analysis checklist done beforehand.

Extra Tips to Make Your Stay in Hialeah Even Safer

1st — If you are visiting the city, there are plenty of options in terms of luggage storage, so you don’t need to walk around with your carry-on bags. Reliable, convenient, and inexpensive luggage storage services you can find at Radical Storage.

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from the Miami (MIA) Airport, or from any station, to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

3rd — If you want to walk around and see some historical spots without the risk of getting lost or wasting your time, hire a guide. You can find some amazing and reliable guides and tours at Viator. They will give you insider information about historical facts and curiosities, and also warn you of risky areas and keep you safe.

If you enjoyed this article answering the question Is Hialeah Safe? here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

9 Books about Relocating to Gain an Edge in Your Life

The Most Violent Cities in Europe BY COUNTRY

THESE Are the Cheapest Cities to Fly to In Europe

Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

City and Safety Guides

Hold Your Breath: The Dirtiest Cities in the World…

We analyzed air pollution, water quality, and wastewater disposal to list the dirtiest cities in the world

What makes a city… dirty?

When I was 21, I moved from a countryside town where the air smelled like orange cake (since we had some fruit processing plants around) to an 11-million-resident metropolis. Every day on my way back from work, I needed to take a road close to a river that smelled like sewage (and probably had some illegal sewage discharges on it).

The streets had rats (I never saw an urban rat in my life until I moved there), and the air was so dirty during the winter that after a day out, you could rub a white napkin in your hair and it would turn gray. My lungs are glad that I don’t live there anymore.

That was a dirty city for me, and I bet you agree with me.

And using criteria that measure air and water quality, plus sewage treatment, me and my team at Expatriate Consultancy compiled this list of the dirtiest cities in the world in 2022.

This is not the first time we publish a polemical ranking. On other occasions, we told you about:

The most dangerous city in each European country
The 10 most dangerous cities in Europe
The 8 safest big cities in the US
Cities with most public libraries in the world (Ok, this one here was not very polemical, but equally interesting).
The Seven Countries With the Worst Work-Life Balance in the World
The most (and the least) beautiful capital cities in Europe.

This, however, promises to be our most surprising rank ever. But first, the criteria.

Criteria to Define the Dirtiest Cities in the World

To define the dirtiest places in the world, we combined 3 measures and 1 filter. Of course, you may disagree with them (and we invite you to share your opinion in the comment section), but with the data available, this is quite a good set of indicators — I would also like to add a measure of the number of rats per habitant, but I couldn’t find it anywhere.

1 — Only one city per country.

We didn’t want to make an uninteresting list, so this first criterion may surprise you. However, here is our point: we didn’t want an entire ranking only with cities from India, China, and Pakistan. If we simply made a ranking of the 10 dirtiest cities in the world, all of them would be from these 3 places.

We also filtered only cities with more than 150 thousand residents, since smaller cities may have unreliable data due to a lack of measuring points.

2 — Air quality index (AQI)

We enjoy breathing fresh, clean air. This was one of the biggest differences I felt when moving to a large city. But how can we measure the air quality?

For this purpose, there is the AQI (Air Quality Index), an index that measures, among others, the harmful PM2.5 concentration. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a form of pollution in the air that can be harmful to people’s health during prolonged exposures.

2.5 in this case means their size in micrometers. Particles that are that small can easily travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs.

The AQI also measures other pollutants, like:

Ground-level ozone
Carbon monoxide
Sulfur dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide

For this ranking, we used the AQI calculated by the Swiss air quality technology company IQAir.

3 — Unsafe drinking water EPI Score

This indicator was measured on a national level for the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) compiled by Yale and Columbia universities on a national level.

They measure the harm caused by unsafe drinking water using the number of age-standardized, disability-adjusted life-years lost per 100,000 persons due to exposure to unsafe drinking water.

A score of 100 indicates a country is among those with the lowest rates of unsafe drinking water in the world, while a score of 0 indicates a country is among those with the worst drinking water. In other words, the higher the score here, the better.

4 — Wastewater treatment

Around the world, about 52% of sewage is treated. But the rates of sewage treatment in different countries are very different. For example, about 74% of the sewage in high-income countries is treated, but only 4.2% on average in developing countries.

Sewage treatment in this case includes managing human waste and solid (often industrial) waste.

In the section of each city, you can find the sources for the percentage of treated sewage. In some cases, the data was not available.

The Dirtiest Cities in the World

Remember that the ranking only allows one city per country, therefore the second position is NOT the second worst city in the world, but the dirtiest outside the country of the first place. The third place is the dirtiest outside of the first and second-place countries, and so on.

Krasnoyarsk, Russia

The main reason for pollution in Krasnoyarsk is its location, relatively near major industrial centers like Norilsk.

The second reason for pollution is its size. Krasnoyarsk is one of the largest cities in Russia, with a population of 1 million people.

Surprisingly, despite Russia being a major gas exporter, Krasnoyarsk is NOT connected to the Russian gas pipeline system, so often people resort to burning trash to keep warm during winter. Gazprom recently used video footage of the city freezing in winter to warn Europe that the same could happen with Europe due to sanctions — ironic, right? It was one of those times when war propaganda looked like a comedy sketch.

The third reason is the little enforcement of environmental laws (a common factor in almost all cities listed in this article).

Russia’s most polluted regions. — Source: RadioFreeEurope and Finexpertiza.

Population: 1 million residents.

Air Quality Index of City: 49.8μg/m, almost 10 times higher than the maximum recommended of 5μg/m

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 55.8. 55th place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: The data for Krasnoyarsk specifically was not available, but in Russia, less than 45% of the sewage is connected to treatment stations. Since Krasnoyarsk is a remote region, one could expect this number to be even smaller.

Kathmandu— Nepal

Kathmandu has no proper disposal system for garbage. Garbage piles up on streets and sometimes, it gets burned by the people living nearby.

On top of that, people throw their waste into rivers and lakes without realizing that they are harming nature and their own environment by doing so.

The lack of proper waste management systems leads to clogged drains, overflowing sewage lines, etc., all of which result in flooding during the monsoon season.

Population: 1.442 million residents.

Air Quality Index of City: 50.9 μg/m, more than 10 times higher than the maximum recommended (5μg/m).

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 25.9, meaning the 131st place among the 180 countries counted.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: According to IJCRT, less than 7%.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Port Harcourt has experienced an exponential surge in occurrences of respiratory illnesses, attributable mostly to illicit crude refining in various regions of the city.

The sky frequently becomes black, not from rain clouds, but from rising black dust from hydrocarbon pollution, which quickly covers all exposed surfaces and is inhaled by innocent citizens.

Port Harcourt, formerly a pristine and verdant “Garden City,” has devolved into a black dust city.

Population: 1 million people.

Air Quality Index of City: 51.6μg/m, over 10 times higher than the max. recommended of 5μg/m

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 4.3, meaning the 177th place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: 0. So far, there are no wastewater treatment plants in Port Harcourt.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Dushanbe has a high concentration of polluting enterprises, including cement and coal power plants, as well as local factories and waste-burning facilities.

Coal is used as a raw material in the generation of energy by many urban industries. The city has 24 companies that generate heat by burning coal fuel. Dushanbe TPP 2, run by the state energy corporation “Barki Tojik,” is the largest of them.

Population: 770,027 people.

Air Quality Index of City: 59.5μg/m, almost 12 times higher than the maximum recommended.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 31.7, 119th place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: 13.4%, according to the WHO.

Osh, Kyrgyzstan

According to IQAir, these are the primary sources of pollution increases in Osh:

1 — Vehicle emissions, with automobiles, motorbikes, and heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks or lorries traversing the length of the city for everyday commutes. Many of these cars would use inexpensive, low-quality diesel, which can discharge more pollution than cleaner fuels.

2 — Poorly managed construction sites release fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.

3 — Mining close to the city emits PM10, PM2.5, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.

4— Winter pollution surges are caused by burning wood and other types of organic matter for heating and cooking.

Population: 256,763 people.

Air Quality Index of City: 60.9μg/m, over 12 times higher than the recommended maximum of 5μg/m.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 47.3, 78th place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: 19.3% of household wastewater is treated, according to the WHO.

Karaganda, Kazakhstan

Karaganda is close to Temirtau, Kazakhstan’s iron industry hub, and home to the country’s largest steel production plant, Karaganda Metallurgical Combine. The plant is operated by ArcelorMittal Temirtau, a subsidiary of the worldwide industrial conglomerate ArcelorMittal.

The city’s industrial pollution is so bad that occurrences of black snow have been documented. Many people there believe that the metallurgical complex is to blame for the black snow.

Population: 500,826 residents.

Air Quality Index of City: 75.5μg/m, 15 times higher than the recommended max. of 5μg/m.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 56, 54th place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: According to the UNECE, 50% of industrial wastewater is not treated before discharging in Kazakhstan.

N’Djamena, Chad

N’Djamena has problems with heavy metal pollutants discharged in the Chari river. Besides, Chad’s capital city has seen a fast population increase and a decrease in water supplies in recent years, without sanitation keeping the same pace as the number of inhabitants surges.

Population: 1,5 million people.

Air Quality Index of City: 77.6μg/m, over 15 times higher than the maximum recommended.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: Data not available.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: According to UNICEF, 10%.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka in Bangladesh has a place among the dirtiest cities in the world due to population density, brick kilns and traffic.

Brick kilns, exhaust fumes from automobiles, and dust from construction sites were identified as the three primary contributors to air pollution in Dhaka in a research that was published by the local Department of Environment (DoE) and the World Bank.

Population: 8.9 million residents.

Air Quality Index of City: 78.1μg/m, almost 16 times higher than the maximum recommended of 5μg/m.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 26.9, 128th place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: 17% of the wastewater is treated.

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Faisalabad is the third largest city in Pakistan and is growing both economically and in terms of population. Because it is in the middle of the country, it is a major industrial and distribution hub.

Pollution in Faisalabad is mostly caused by things like vehicle emissions. There are a lot of cars, motorbikes, and heavy-duty vehicles.

There are also a lot of factories and textile mills in the city, as well as thousands of brick kilns, many of which use dirty fuels and are not regulated by the same rules as the rest of the city.

Population: 3,2 million residents.

Air Quality Index of City: 94.2μg/m, almost 19 times higher than the maximum recommended.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 15.3, 151st place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: According to WWF Asia, 20% of the wastewater is treated in Faisalabad.

Hotan, China

Hotan is a town in the Chinese province of Xinjiang. Because of the different ethnicities that live and work in the area, the area has a strong Uyghur presence.

However, Hotan’s proximity to the Takla Makan, the world’s biggest shifting sand desert, exposes it to frequent sandstorms, which add to the contaminants in the air, causing the quality to deteriorate.

As a result, desert sand is the primary culprit.

However, industry in and around Hotan, Kashgar, Aksu, and other southern Xinjiang cities is fast expanding, and its environmental impact is not strictly monitored. Toxins are released into the surrounding atmosphere as a result of the area’s exponential industrial growth, which affects the residents.

Population: 408 894 people.

Air Quality Index of City: 101.5μg/m, more than 20 times higher than the maximum recommended of 5μg/m.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 58.4, 45th place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: According to CEIC, 96.1% of the wastewater residues of Xinjiang (the province where Hotan is located) are treated.

Now time to answer the question we have been waiting for…

What is the dirtiest city in the world?

The Dirtiest City in the World and (the Dirtiest City in India)

The dirtiest city in the world is Ghaziabad, India.

Ghaziabad — the dirtiest city in india and in the world. — Ghaziabad — the dirtiest city in India and in the world. Image source: Design for Health

The main sources of air pollution in Ghaziabad are vehicular emissions, road dust, construction and demolition operations, industries, garbage burning, agricultural waste burning, and so on.

Ghaziabad is an old city that is growing increasingly crowded as residents from various regions of Uttar Pradesh continue to flock here.

Because there is no good public transportation in the city, individuals rely on their own vehicles, causing horrific traffic jams. Ghaziabad also contains numerous small and major industries, many of which do not adequately dispose of their residues.

Population: 1.7 million people.

Air Quality Index of City: 102μg/m, more than 20 times higher than the recommended maximum of 5μg/m.

Unsafe drinking water EPI Score: 18.3, 141st place among the 180 countries measured.

Sewage Treatment Percentage: While there is no specific information about Ghaziabad, the state where the city is located (Uttar Pradesh) has a treatment capacity of only 37.2% of the wastewater generated.

The Dirtiest Cities in the World in 2022 — Conclusion

Most of the Dirtiest Cities in the World are in Asia

The majority of the dirtiest cities in the world are located in Asia, with countries like India, Pakistan, and China dominating the list of most polluted cities. These cities suffer from poor air quality, largely due to industrial emissions, burning of fossil fuels, and lack of proper sustainable infrastructure. In 2023, cities like Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Lahore in Pakistan, and Delhi in India were ranked among the most dangerously polluted cities in the world.

Pollution is Higher in Industrialized but not Developed Countries

Many of the dirtiest cities are found in industrialized but not fully developed countries. These countries often lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to effectively manage pollution and waste. As a result, they struggle with issues like poor air quality, solid waste management, and hazardous living conditions for their citizens. This is in stark contrast to cities in Europe and Australia, which have very good indicators of cleanliness and are often ranked among the cleanest cities in the world.

Remember: the list has a maximum of one city per country, therefore, the 2nd place is NOT the 2nd dirtiest city in the world, but the dirtiest outside the country of the 1st place. The 3rd place is the dirtiest outside the country of the 1st and the 2nd, and so on.

Check also: Why This Country in Africa Is Growing So Fast?

11 — Krasnoyarsk, Russia

10 — Kathmandu- Nepal

09 — Port Harcourt, Nigeria

08 — Dushanbe, Tajikistan

07 — Osh, Kyrgyzstan

06 — Karaganda, Kazakhstan

05 — N’Djamena, Chad

04 — Dhaka, Bangladesh

03 — Faisalabad, Pakistan

02 — Hotan, China

The dirtiest city in the world: Ghaziabad, India

Pollution and a Dirty Environment Harm Human Health

Air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, causing respiratory infections, heart disease, lung cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants can lead to serious health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. In fact, air pollution is now considered the biggest environmental risk for early death, responsible for more than 6 million premature deaths each year.

Europe and Australia Have Very Good Indicators of Cleanliness

In contrast to the dirtiest cities in the world, Europe and Australia boast some of the cleanest cities, with high standards of cleanliness and air quality. Cities like Zurich, Switzerland, and Perth, Australia, are ranked among the least polluted cities in the world, thanks to their commitment to sustainable practices, effective waste management, and strict pollution regulations. These cities serve as examples of how proper planning and investment in clean technologies can lead to healthier, more livable urban environments for their citizens.

If you are into some cleaner cities for your next holiday, check our article about the best places to visit in Europe each month of the year.

If you enjoyed this article about the dirtiest cities in the world, here are a few other reading suggestions for you:

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Levi Borba is the founder of The Expatriate Consultancy, creator of the channel The Expat, and best-selling author. Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.

City and Safety Guides

Is Palmdale Safe?

Is Palmdale, California, a safe place to live in or visit?

Palmdale is a city located near the Antelope Valley on the western edge of the Mojave Desert. The crimson desert sunsets you’ll see here are reminiscent of something you’d see in an old western film. It is a almdale is a stunning sight to see, with plenty to do here as well. But is Palmdale safe?

First, some context.

Aerial View of the Antelope Valley, where is located Palmdale, California. Image by Kbh3rd at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for day trip ideas, head out to the Antelope Valley for gorgeous views of the desert, or climb the San Gabriel Mountains for a winter wonderland. This destination is famous for its accessibility, and Hollywood and Los Angeles are about an hour’s drive.

And when we say accessible, we mean it. Six Flags Magic Mountain is less than an hour away, as is Universal Studios. A ninety-minute drive is the only thing keeping you from a beautiful beach, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Living in Palmdale, one of California’s most populated communities, has many benefits, such as affordability, affordable housing, and convenience. But with almost any city, you must take the good with the bad, such as long commutes, harsh weather, and a lack of nightlife.

Infographic for article Is Palmdale Safe — Our infographic with the answer to the question, “Is Palmdale Safe?” (Feel free to share, but please give proper credit by linking back to this article 🙂 )

What are the pros and cons of living in Palmdale?

Pros:

Affordability: Living in Palmdale is relatively inexpensive. Only 27.4% more is spent living in the city than in the rest of the country. Even though that may seem like a lot, it is lower than the 49.9% average for California.

Family-friendly neighborhoods: Families will love a beautiful city like Palmdale. There are many excellent schools, and the city is reasonably priced. A perfect place if you’re thinking about starting a family or moving to California.

Accessibility: Due to its location, Palmdale is the center of just about everything. Just about everything California is famous for fits within a two-hour driving radius of Palmdale. Whether you’re checking out Los Angeles, the beaches, mountains, or lakes, it’s all there.

Cons:

Extreme weather-Palmdale is one of two cities in Los Angeles County situated in the Mojave Desert. Unfortunately, due to its location, it lacks Southern California’s typical perfect Mediterranean cool climate.

Absent Nightlife: Despite the city’s many attractions, it doesn’t have the best nightlife compared to places like Los Angeles and San Francisco. You don’t have many options here; if you want an entertaining night, you might need to travel for a good while.

Long commutes: The city relies heavily on cars and has some of the longest commutes in the nation. In Palmdale, it takes almost 45 minutes for a one-way commute, compared to the national average of nearly 30 minutes.

As we said, the city of Palmdale is fantastic and has many unique features. Although it has a terrible reputation in some areas, it’s one of California’s most affordable cities. This makes it a suitable choice for anyone who wishes to live close to Los Angeles.

So with all that said, what’s the catch? If you’re planning to visit or relocate to California, you must know that it’s not one of the safest states in the US. But what does that mean for the Los Angeles “Inland Empire?”

Is Palmdale safe?

Although Palmdale isn’t the safest city in California, the amount of crime there isn’t super alarming. The key is to follow safety advice and remain in the city’s safe areas. Once you’ve checked out the research we’ve put together for you, Palmdale won’t be a problem.

The Crime Rate in Palmdale, CA

The state of California is a diverse melting pot. One city may be completely different from another in terms of its environment, social atmosphere, and opportunities. Crime rates vary enormously as well, depending on where you’re staying.

Due to many factors, including gang activity, economic opportunity, education, alcohol, and drug usage, certain areas are more dangerous than others. Here in Palmdale, you will find many of the same circumstances that are concentrated in certain areas.

What’s the crime rate in Palmdale, CA.?

How Palmdale’s Crime Rate Compares to Other Cities

Below you can see two tables.

The first table shows the crime rate (as well as the homicide rate and other information) of Palmdale and compares it with other cities we analyzed. The source of the data is the FBI reports.

Crime Rate of Palmdale (Proportional to the Population) Compared to Other Cities

City	State	Population	Total Criminal Offenses per 100K Resid.	Assaults per 100K Resid.	Homicides per 100K Resid.	Rapes per 100K Resid.	Robberies per 100K Resid.
Escondido	CA	150,507	4,857	931	3	15	93
Chula Vista	CA	275,978	3,265	718	2	11	91
Palmdale	CA	169,450	1,731	315	6	30	91
Pasadena	CA	135,732	2,696	412	3	4	132
Santa Ana	CA	310,227	2,698	280	5	47	129
Santa Rosa	CA	178,127	2,154	374	2	62	76
Anaheim	CA	346,824	2,918	196	5	38	119
Huntington Beach	CA	198,711	2,229	158	2	35	54
Hialeah	FL	220,490	1,961	145	3	12	45
Tallahassee	FL	196,169	3,879	545	12	103	122
Honolulu	HI	985,138	4,764	958	1	17	73
Oklahoma City	OK	670,872	7,705	1,430	15	61	97
Pittsburgh	PA	302,971	4,168
Salt Lake City	UT	205,929	15,723	3,009	9	132	215

Crime rate numbers. Total criminal cases, assaults, homicides, rapes, and robberies in multiple American cities we analyzed, in cases per 100K residents. Data from 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Crime Rate of Palmdale in Absolute Numbers Compared to Other Cities

City	State	Population	Total Criminal Offenses	Assaults	Homicides	Rapes	Robberies
Escondido	CA	150,507	7,310	1,401	5	22	140
Chula Vista	CA	275,978	9,010	1,982	6	31	251
Palmdale	CA	169,450	2,934	533	10	51	155
Santa Ana	CA	310,227	8,370	869	15	145	401
Santa Rosa	CA	178,127	3,836	667	4	110	135
Anaheim	CA	346,824	10,122	681	16	133	412
Huntington Beach	CA	198,711	4,430	313	3	70	107
Hialeah	FL	220,490	4,324	319	7	27	99
Tallahassee	FL	196,169	7,609	1,069	24	202	239
Honolulu	HI	985,138	46,933	9,438	8	166	719
Oklahoma City	OK	670,872	51,689	9,595	100	406	653
Pittsburgh	PA	302,971	12,629
Salt Lake City	UT	205,929	32,378	6,196	19	271	443

The numbers of total criminal cases, assaults, homicides, rapes, and robberies in multiple American cities we analyzed, in absolute numbers. Data from 2021 and 2020.

Regarding safety, Palmdale is in the 28th percentile, meaning that 72% of cities are safer and 28% are more dangerous. In the northeastern neighborhoods of Palmdale, your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime might be as high as 1 in 17 or as low as 1 in 40.

Crime in Palmdale, CA. Source: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department — Crime in Palmdale, CA. Source: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Are there gangs in Palmdale, CA.?

As gang activity rises, authorities are compelled to get involved in an unanticipated confrontation in Palmdale and its twin sister city, Lancaster. The rise in gangs is called “Urban Warriors in the Desert.”

Deputies in the Antelope Valley’s brand-new gang intelligence section claim to have located members of at least 90 gangs from the surrounding areas of Los Angeles County. According to police, this number includes approximately a dozen local gangs. They estimate that there are 400 gang members in the valley.

Palmdale is a safe city, but you still need to consider where you want to stay away from. Suppose you’re looking for areas that are safe and welcoming to families. In that case, you should be aware of Palmdale’s bad parts.

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Bad Parts of Palmdale

Palmdale’s crime hotspots are comparable to those in other cities, with parks, schools, and airports having the highest crime rates. Since a lot of people go to these areas during the day and crime tends to happen where people gather, these areas tend to have a lot of crime.

The northeast region is the most dangerous, with a 1 in 17 probability of becoming a victim of crime there. Because it is the most populous and where most people come during the day, the city’s central area experiences more crime.

Areas to Avoid Near Palmdale, CA

Areas to Avoid in Palmdale, CA. Map by Google Maps — Areas to Avoid in Palmdale, CA. In these places, the answer to *Is Palmdale Safe* would likely be… not really. Map by Google Maps

Avoid the risky neighborhoods at night, even if you’re driving, as gun violence occasionally occurs here, and you don’t want to get caught up in a gunfight. You definitely want to pay attention to where you’re going. But is all of Palmdale like this?

Is Palmdale a ghetto?

No, Palmdale isn’t a ghetto. It’s a decent city with fantastic neighborhoods and livability standards that are above average. However, some parts of it will be regarded as ghettos. Some of the problems this community faces are high crime rates, homes that haven’t been taken care of, lengthy commutes, low household income, and natural disasters.

If you start moving east, you can come across many undesirable regions that many people will label ghetto. An actual ghetto is more likely to be encountered the further east you go. East Lancaster comes much closer to being a ghetto than either of the two cities.

The crime rate is falling in Palmdale and the city is relatively safe now. Source: BestPlaces — The crime rate is falling in Palmdale and the city is relatively safe now when compared to years ago. Source: BestPlaces

But as we mentioned earlier, those are isolated cases and areas. Palmdale also has some fantastic areas that you definitely want to check out!

The Best Areas in Palmdale, CA

Anyone who has visited California knows how expensive the state can be to live in. Any affordable city in the state stands out, and Palmdale is one of them. Palmdale offers some of the most affordable housing options in the city. As a result, if you’re considering moving to California, it’s a fantastic option. However, where you decide to visit or move to in the city is also very important.

What are the best neighborhoods in Palmdale, CA?

There are 106 neighborhoods in Palmdale, each of which is unique. Rancho Vista, Northwest Palmdale, Leona Valley, Anaverde, and Quartz Hill are some of the top places for anyone looking to live in this area. With access to the best amenities in the city, these places provide high levels of safety compared to the rest of the area.

The Top 3 Neighborhoods in Palmdale

1 – Rancho Vista: One of Palmdale’s most populated areas and unquestionably one of the most incredible places to live. A family with young children will like the three accessible parks and will have a fun family picnic.

2 – Northwestern Palmdale. If you’re moving to Palmdale, this is another area of the city you should think about staying in. The residents come from diverse backgrounds, so you can be sure to find a lot of culture and excellent restaurants.

3 – Leona Valley. Although this neighborhood isn’t precisely a part of Palmdale, it’s close enough to be included. It’s a little village with a rustic atmosphere. Young professionals make up the majority of the residents.

Is Palmdale a Good Place to Live?

Panoramic View of Palmdale, California, during the night. — Palmdale is relatively safe when compared to larger cities. Image by Rennett Stowe from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Residents report that living in Palmdale is convenient and very affordable. It is a relatively safe city (minus the pockets of bad areas) and scored a livability score of 60%. But it also has its flaws. Most of the negative reputation it receives comes from bad neighborhoods.

Palmdale has all the advantages of living in an urban environment within a metropolis as one of Los Angeles County’s largest communities. However, it has several drawbacks that could make it challenging for some people to enjoy low-key city living.

Finding a good place to live is all about your preferences and needs. Using this information we’ve put together will hopefully give you a better idea of what you’ll be getting into when you head out to the desert range of California.

Read later: The top 8 safest large cities in the US.

Extra Tips to Make Your Stay in Palmdale even Safer

2nd — Areas surrounding airports and train stations can be dangerous. Book a transfer in advance from the Burbank Airport, Palmdale Regional Airport, or from any station, to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and criminals. I often used Get Transfer for that and it always worked fine.

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Some of the links of this article may be affiliate links, meaning that the author will have a commission for any transaction.