50 Dangerous U.S. Neighborhoods Tourists Should Avoid

When you're visiting a new city, it's easy to assume that all neighborhoods are equally safe—but that's not the case. Crime tends to concentrate in specific pockets, and knowing where those areas are can help you stay out of trouble while traveling.

This guide from Blog.BadIntersections.com identifies 50 U.S. cities with neighborhoods travelers should avoid, especially after dark. We’ve included crime statistics, local insight, and practical travel tips to help you navigate unfamiliar ground safely.

Why Certain Neighborhoods Are Riskier

Crime isn’t randomly distributed. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 50% of urban violent crime occurs in just 5% of city blocks. Neighborhoods with high poverty, gang activity, or inadequate policing often see higher rates of assault, robbery, and homicide.

For travelers, even a brief detour into the wrong area can result in car break-ins, scams, or worse. That’s why we compiled this list using FBI data, local crime reports, and real traveler reviews.

The 50 Worst Neighborhoods for Tourists to Avoid in the U.S.

🔴 1–10: High-Crime Zones in America’s Biggest Cities

  1. Chicago, IL – West Garfield Park, Englewood, South Shore

    West Garfield Park has 131.8 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, the city’s highest.

  2. Los Angeles, CA – Skid Row, South LA, Watts

    Skid Row is home to 4,400+ unhoused individuals and widespread open-air drug use.

  3. San Francisco, CA – Tenderloin, Civic Center

    Drug overdoses here are 10× the city average.

  4. New York City, NY – Brownsville (Brooklyn), South Bronx

    Brownsville has some of NYC’s highest shooting rates.

  5. Philadelphia, PA – Kensington, North Philly

    Kensington is the epicenter of the fentanyl crisis.

  6. Baltimore, MD – Sandtown-Winchester, Cherry Hill

    Over 300 murders citywide in 2023, many concentrated here.

  7. Detroit, MI – Warrendale, Brightmoor, Dexter-Linwood

    Detroit’s violent crime rate is 2.5× the national average.

  8. St. Louis, MO – Wells-Goodfellow, College Hill

    Ranked #1 for murders per capita in the U.S.

  9. New Orleans, LA – Central City, 7th Ward

    Homicides in 2023 rose by 20% in these neighborhoods.

  10. Atlanta, GA – Bankhead, Vine City

Gun violence in Bankhead is consistently among the city’s worst.

🟠 11–30: Cities with Surging Crime Clusters

  1. Cleveland, OH – Glenville, Kinsman

  2. Washington, DC – Anacostia, Trinidad

  3. Milwaukee, WI – Metcalfe Park, Amani

  4. Memphis, TN – Frayser, Orange Mound

  5. Oakland, CA – East Oakland, Acorn

  6. Houston, TX – Sunnyside, Acres Homes

  7. Dallas, TX – South Dallas, Pleasant Grove

  8. Indianapolis, IN – Haughville, Near Eastside

  9. Kansas City, MO – East Side, Ivanhoe

  10. Cincinnati, OH – Avondale, West End

  11. Miami, FL – Overtown, Liberty City

  12. Orlando, FL – Parramore, Washington Shores

  13. Tampa, FL – East Tampa, Sulphur Springs

  14. Las Vegas, NV – Naked City, North Las Vegas (some parts)

  15. Phoenix, AZ – Maryvale, South Phoenix

  16. San Antonio, TX – Denver Heights, Eastwood Village

  17. Fresno, CA – Edison, Central Fresno

  18. Sacramento, CA – Oak Park, Del Paso Heights

  19. Albuquerque, NM – International District, Trumbull

  20. Birmingham, AL – Ensley, North Birmingham

🟡 31–50: Underrated But Risky

  1. Anchorage, AK – Mountain View, Spenard

  2. Jackson, MS – Washington Addition, West Jackson

  3. Rochester, NY – Lyell-Otis, Upper Falls

  4. Buffalo, NY – Broadway-Fillmore, East Side

  5. Bridgeport, CT – East End, Hollow

  6. Hartford, CT – Clay-Arsenal, North End

  7. Springfield, MA – Mason Square, Liberty Heights

  8. Wilmington, DE – Southbridge, West Center City

  9. Camden, NJ – Whitman Park, Waterfront South

  10. Paterson, NJ – 4th Ward, South Paterson

  11. Newark, NJ – South Ward, Central Ward

  12. Stockton, CA – Airport Way, South Stockton

  13. Lansing, MI – Northwest Lansing, Knollwood

  14. Toledo, OH – Junction, North End

  15. Flint, MI – North Flint, Civic Park

  16. Charleston, SC – North Charleston (some areas)

  17. Columbia, SC – Farrow Hills, North Columbia

  18. Little Rock, AR – Southwest Little Rock, East End

  19. Oklahoma City, OK – Spencer, NE 23rd St Corridor

  20. Tulsa, OK – North Tulsa, Turley

How to Stay Safe in an Unfamiliar City

Traveling smart can make all the difference. Use these pro tips:

  • Check crime maps before booking lodging.

  • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.

  • Use rideshare apps instead of public transit late at night.

  • Blend in. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry expensive gear visibly.

  • Ask locals (hotel staff, Uber drivers) where not to go.

Final Thoughts

While no city is entirely safe or unsafe, knowing which neighborhoods to avoid can prevent theft, scams, and dangerous encounters. These 50 U.S. cities all have great attractions—but also pockets where caution is critical.

At Blog.BadIntersections.com, we help travelers navigate America’s most dangerous streets and intersections—so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

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