What are the safest US cities in our nation?
Okay, guys, while I normally talk about the most beautiful places to visit, I thought I’d get real in today’s article and talk a bit about safety. Even though the crime rate across the US has reportedly fallen in the past year, safety still weighs heavily on the minds of many people in America.
Almost two-thirds of the population believes that crime rates are “extremely or very serious,” according to a poll from October last year.
But being protected from crime is just one aspect of safety. In an analysis of the safest US cities, a personal financial site reviewed 182 cities based on metrics from natural disaster risk, economic safety, and home and community safety.
Indicators in the research included everything from a city’s earthquake risk to its traffic fatalities per capita. The study covers the 150 most occupied cities in the United States, and at least two of the most populated cities in every state. Based on that, here are the 10 safest US cities to visit this year, according to data.
Birmingham, Alabama
With a 4 in 1,000 chance of coming across financial crime, Birmingham is one of the safest US cities to live in America.
In fact, the municipality is stepping up their crime prevention game by working with the FBI’s Community Outreach Program to fight violence, drugs, terrorism, and other offences. Domestic cybercrime losses hit $10.3 billion in 2022, so it’s not just an option to stay sharp, it’s essential.
While the city’s safety is in check, the job growth rate sits at 13.2%. With savvy investigators and cutting-edge tech, you can take a sigh of relief when visiting this city.
Things to see and do in Birmingham:
-Meet and greet the animals at Birmingham Zoo
-Catch a flick at the sidewalk moving picture festival
-Travel back in time by visiting the Southern Museum of Flight
-Check out Sloss Furnaces
-Enjoy some live music at Zydeco
-View the incredible collections at the Birmingham Museum of Art
-Watch a show at the Alabama Theatre
-Learn some cool stuff about science at the McWane Science Center
-Go for a round at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club
-Watch some racing at Barber Motorsports Park
-Relive sports history at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
-Visit the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
-Chill out and maybe have a picnic at Railroad Park
-Learn about the jazz legends at the Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame
-Stay active at Oak Mountain State Park
-Watch some American Football live at Legion Field
-Learn about the remarkable history of the civil rights movement at Kelly Ingram Park
-Have some fun with the kiddos at Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg is one of the safest US cities to reside in, with 4 in 1,000 people coming face to face with financial crime. But smart safety habits still count.
The local Police Department ensures that residents stay safe with detailed safety tips. From having an escape plan ready to advice about keeping the doors locked, the local PD stays on alert at all times.
Things to see and do in East Stroudsburg:
-Explore the Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium
-Feed the animals at Pocono Snake and Animal Farm
-Have a retreat at Resica Falls Scout Reservation
-Camp out at Mountain Vista Campground
-Discover the area’s past at Pocono Indian Museum
-Feel the thrill at Pocono Go-Karts and Play Park
-Conquer different courses at Pocono TreeVentures
-Have a picnic at Dansbury Park or Yetter Park
-Watch a movie at Pocono Cinema
-Walk along Brodhead Creek’s Levee Loop
-Attend music and food festivals, whitewater rafting days, holiday celebrations, ski season events and NASCAR races
Ridgefield, Connecticut
With only a 1 in 10,000 chance of violent crime, Ridgefield is much more than just one of the safest US cities in the country. It’s a place where the community and law enforcement go hand in hand. The RPD Citizen Police Academy’s crash course promotes a safer community.
Besides this, the city is set to witness a 23.4% job growth over the next ten years or so. Overall, the city’s Office of Emergency Management’s proactive disaster response guarantees that the town is rather well-oiled.
Things to see and do in Ridgefield:
-Tour the Aldrich Museum of Modern Art, visit the Weir Farm National Historic Site, or check out the Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center
-Enjoy live shows by nationally acclaimed entertainers at the Ridgefield Playhouse or watch a first-release movie at the Prospector Theater
-Explore the great outdoors at Seth Low Pierrepont State Park, Woodcock Nature Center, Ridgefield Golf Course, or Ballard Park
-Shop and grab a bite to eat on Main Street
-Attend the annual Nutmeg Festival and Antique Flea Market
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is one of the safest US cities to live in, where you have a 4 in 1,000 chance of facing financial crime. Even the Savannah Police Department ensures that citizens stay alert with a list of crime prevention tips.
Other than guarding their ATM cards and pin numbers, residents have been asked to remove their mail from the mailbox immediately. But safety isn’t the only factor where Savannah is concerned. Jobs in this city are expected to grow to 28.9%, while the unemployment rate is at a low 4.9%
Things to see and do in Savannah:
-Explore Forsyth Park, nestled in the Historic Landmark District. It’s renowned for its Spanish moss-draped oak trees, pedestrian and jogger-friendly sidewalks, and that iconic fountain.
-Check out the Savannah City Market and River Street for some of the area’s up-and-coming artists, visit the American Prohibition Museum, listen to live music, or eat some of the most delicious food at one of their premier restaurants.
-Have dinner in The Grey, a former Greyhound Bus Station turned restaurant that serves a menu full of surprising culinary creations.
-Explore Savannah’s Sacred Places like the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the First African Baptist Church, or step inside Congregation Mickve Israel to discover one of the oldest Jewish congregations in America.
-Learn About this city’s Architectural History on a guided tour
-Shop for some local keepsakes at The Salt Table
Bergenfield, New Jersey
With just a 1 in 7,069 chance of experiencing violent crime, Bergenfield is one of the safest US cities to visit this year. The city’s Police Department takes community safety very seriously with its Crime Stoppers Program.
Citizens can anonymously report criminal movement and earn up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction. That’s what you call clever policing. But besides that, Bergenfield is also a place of opportunity. Compared to the US average of 4.1%, the unemployment rate sits at a mere 3.2%.
Things to see and do in Bergenfield:
-Don’t miss all the incredible Bergenfield Museum historic sites
-Unwind at the George Hendrickson Park
-Check out Hickory Field Parks
– Those who enjoy the nightlife will want to check out Walley’s 2 Bars and Clubs
-Visit the nearby Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff
-Catch an event at Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre in Paramus
-Visit the incredible Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of NJ in Teterboro
-Check out the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee
-Visit the Baylor Massacre Burial site in River Vale
-Go for a round of golf at Bergen County Public Golf Courses
-Catch a show with the Bergen County Players/The Little Firehouse Theater in Oradell
-Take the kiddos to the Bergen County Zoo in Paramus
Carmel, Indiana
The population in Carmel is roughly 100,700. Locals here have easy access to many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Overall, this place is one of the safest US cities that provides people with a suburban feel, and many of them are actual homeowners. The cost of living isn’t bad, and Carmel’s crime rate is 45.68 per 100,000 residents.
This number is 88.45% lower than the national average crime rate in the United States. This makes it an entirely safe city. Furthermore, Carmel sees a low number of property crimes compared to other places in the US.
Things to see and do in Carmel:
-Visit Conner Prairie, an indoor and outdoor history museum where you’ll get to learn about pioneer life
-Explore the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections
-Visit the Coxhall Gardens, which include a 125-acre modern botanical park, recreation lake, 90-foot twin bell towers, and an elegant centerpiece
-Check out Cool Creek Park Nature Center, a nature-centered science center.
-If you visit in winter, don’t miss the Carmel Christkindle Market
-If you visit in the summer, be sure to splash around The Waterpark, a famous and popular outdoor recreation center in Carmel
-Get in tune with Mother Nature at Town Run Trail Park
-Take a breather at the Peace Water Winery
-Explore the AFCA Antique Fan Museum
-Visit the Carmel farmers market for a delicious treat
Broadview Heights, Ohio
With only a 1 in 6,545 chance of coming across violent crime, Broadview Heights rightfully earns its name as one of the safest US cities. The place takes safety very seriously. To avoid aimless wandering, minors aged between 12 and 15 are restricted from being on the streets between 10 PM and 6 AM.
This isn’t just about safety, though. It’s about moving forward. The city has a 9.76% job growth rate with a 5.6% unemployment rate. So, whether you’re looking for career prospects or a place where crime rates take a back seat to everyday life, Broadview Heights would be a perfect place to visit.
Things to see and do in Broadview Heights:
-Explore the Brecksville Historical Association
-Take a leisurely hike through Cuyahoga Valley National Park
-Get in tune with nature at the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
-If you’re visiting during summer, have some fun at the Broadview Heights Splash Park
-Check out the Mill Stream Run Reservation
Frisco, Texas
With a population of 210,719, Frisco’s average cost of living is $1,945. But the entire state of Texas, overall, has some of the safest US cities to live in. The crime rate in this city is 86.75 per 100,000 residents. This is almost two times safer compared to the average in the rest of the country.
There are roughly 80 beautiful parks to explore in Frisco that are spread across 1,300 acres of land. Folks around here are also big on sports and fitness.
Things to see and do in Frisco:
-Take a leisurely stroll around Downtown Frisco Square
-Check out the Frisco Heritage Museum
-Visit the National Soccer Hall of Fame
-Stop by and explore the Texas Sculpture Garden
-Take a VIP tour of the Star at the Dallas Cowboys campus
-Have some active fun at the Frisco Athletic Center
-Catch a game at the Toyota Stadium
-Go old-school and play some Pac-Man at the National Video Game Museum near Dallas Pkwy
Norton, Massachusetts
With only a 1 in 912 chance of experiencing violent crime, Norton knows how to nip it in the bud before there’s even an issue. The city’s Police Department embarked on the Problem-Oriented Policing Anti-Crime Team in 2015. They recognize and analyze specific disorders and crime rate issues within the community.
But this city is more than just one of the safest US cities in the nation. Norton boasts a 4.0% unemployment rate and a projected 25.8% job growth.
So younger generations can look forward to building solid careers AND a secure home here. But if you’re just visiting, here are a few things you can look forward to when visiting this low-crime rate city!
Things to see and do in Norton:
-Visit the Winslow Farm animal sanctuary
-Discover Bog Iron Brewing
-Take a tour of Wheaton College
-Visit TPC Boston, a privately owned club that offers a range of recreational opportunities
-Explore all the Norton Parks and recreation opportunities
-Visit the Norton Historical Society
-Check out the Haas Athletic Center
-Take a hike in Norton State Forest
-Visit the WWII Memorial at Norton Town Common
-Check out the local breweries, such as Bog Iron Brewing and Shovel Town Brewery
-Discover the charming Antique Shops along Route 123
-Have a picnic at Barrowsville Station Park
-Attend a cool concert at the Xfinity Center
-Relax and go fishing at the scenic Winnecunnet Pond
Cary, North Carolina
Cary has a population of roughly 176,980. The average cost of living in this suburban town located in Wake County is $1,989. It’s also one of the safest US cities in the entire state due to its low crime rate. That low crime rate happens to be 91.61 per 100,000 residents.
When compared to the rest of the country, it’s a lot lower. Furthermore, Cary ranks number one in the nation for the best place for employment.
The most prominent industries for jobs in Cary are technology, healthcare, and education. Various companies, including Google and Apple, are located here as well. Here’s what else you can expect from this fantastic city:
Things to see and do in Cary:
-Check out the events at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, a scenic outdoor venue for concerts and festivals.
-Discover all your delicious dining options, from fine restaurants to local pizza and beer gardens
-Catch an event at Cary Arts Center, a community hub for arts and culture
-Visit the USA Baseball National Training Complex, a state-of-the-art facility for events and baseball tournaments
-Explore the Page-Walker Arts and History Center, a revitalized 19th-century hotel showcasing Cary’s heritage.
-Check out the Cary Theater, a historic cinema that offers indie films and live performances
-Explore Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, a natural oasis with beautiful hiking trails and incredible wildlife.
Bonus: Safety tips for traveling to any of these safest US cities and around the US
Here are 4 safety tips to keep in mind when traveling:
-Watch your surroundings: Always pay attention to what’s going on around you no matter where you are. This is especially true in bigger cities.
-Keep your personal belongings close: Whenever you travel, be sure to keep your personal items close to you at all times. This is especially true while sightseeing or when traveling on public transportation. Petty crime is common everywhere, but it’s even more common in places where tourists are more likely to be.
-Leave your valuables behind: Another essential safety tip when traveling anywhere is to avoid walking around with a lot of valuables. Try to leave them at home or in your hotel’s safe so you don’t risk having your items stolen.
-Be careful where you use ATMs: Another travel safety tip is to use ATMs only in safe locations. Avoid using them in gas stations or at night because these are well-known to steal your information.
What are YOUR thoughts on the safest US cities and their crime rates? Please feel free to share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, if you found this article interesting, you might also like: 14 Most Charming Small Towns in the US