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
-
Chicago, IL – West Garfield Park, Englewood, South Shore
West Garfield Park has 131.8 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, the city’s highest.
-
Los Angeles, CA – Skid Row, South LA, Watts
Skid Row is home to 4,400+ unhoused individuals and widespread open-air drug use.
-
San Francisco, CA – Tenderloin, Civic Center
Drug overdoses here are 10× the city average.
-
New York City, NY – Brownsville (Brooklyn), South Bronx
Brownsville has some of NYC’s highest shooting rates.
-
Philadelphia, PA – Kensington, North Philly
Kensington is the epicenter of the fentanyl crisis.
-
Baltimore, MD – Sandtown-Winchester, Cherry Hill
Over 300 murders citywide in 2023, many concentrated here.
-
Detroit, MI – Warrendale, Brightmoor, Dexter-Linwood
Detroit’s violent crime rate is 2.5× the national average.
-
St. Louis, MO – Wells-Goodfellow, College Hill
Ranked #1 for murders per capita in the U.S.
-
New Orleans, LA – Central City, 7th Ward
Homicides in 2023 rose by 20% in these neighborhoods.
-
Atlanta, GA – Bankhead, Vine City
Gun violence in Bankhead is consistently among the city’s worst.
🟠11–30: Cities with Surging Crime Clusters
-
Cleveland, OH – Glenville, Kinsman
-
Washington, DC – Anacostia, Trinidad
-
Milwaukee, WI – Metcalfe Park, Amani
-
Memphis, TN – Frayser, Orange Mound
-
Oakland, CA – East Oakland, Acorn
-
Houston, TX – Sunnyside, Acres Homes
-
Dallas, TX – South Dallas, Pleasant Grove
-
Indianapolis, IN – Haughville, Near Eastside
-
Kansas City, MO – East Side, Ivanhoe
-
Cincinnati, OH – Avondale, West End
-
Miami, FL – Overtown, Liberty City
-
Orlando, FL – Parramore, Washington Shores
-
Tampa, FL – East Tampa, Sulphur Springs
-
Las Vegas, NV – Naked City, North Las Vegas (some parts)
-
Phoenix, AZ – Maryvale, South Phoenix
-
San Antonio, TX – Denver Heights, Eastwood Village
-
Fresno, CA – Edison, Central Fresno
-
Sacramento, CA – Oak Park, Del Paso Heights
-
Albuquerque, NM – International District, Trumbull
-
Birmingham, AL – Ensley, North Birmingham
🟡 31–50: Underrated But Risky
-
Anchorage, AK – Mountain View, Spenard
-
Jackson, MS – Washington Addition, West Jackson
-
Rochester, NY – Lyell-Otis, Upper Falls
-
Buffalo, NY – Broadway-Fillmore, East Side
-
Bridgeport, CT – East End, Hollow
-
Hartford, CT – Clay-Arsenal, North End
-
Springfield, MA – Mason Square, Liberty Heights
-
Wilmington, DE – Southbridge, West Center City
-
Camden, NJ – Whitman Park, Waterfront South
-
Paterson, NJ – 4th Ward, South Paterson
-
Newark, NJ – South Ward, Central Ward
-
Stockton, CA – Airport Way, South Stockton
-
Lansing, MI – Northwest Lansing, Knollwood
-
Toledo, OH – Junction, North End
-
Flint, MI – North Flint, Civic Park
-
Charleston, SC – North Charleston (some areas)
-
Columbia, SC – Farrow Hills, North Columbia
-
Little Rock, AR – Southwest Little Rock, East End
-
Oklahoma City, OK – Spencer, NE 23rd St Corridor
-
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.