Is it safe to visit Detroit?

By any standards, Detroit, Michigan stands out as an iconic city. It is recognized as the birthplace of American automobiles and has been the birthplace of several musical genres that have left their mark on the culture. An impressive array of museums and public art.

However, the question remains: Is Detroit safe? The reality about crime rates in Detroit is that there is a higher likelihood of being a victim of crime in this city compared to most other U.S. cities. It is important to note that this does not necessarily imply that most visitors to Detroit will experience incidents of crime.

It is still feasible to enjoy a safe and pleasant trip here, especially if you are informed about areas to avoid in Detroit and have basic knowledge about safety in the city.

Tips to ensure your safety in Detroit

In order to avoid becoming part of the crime statistics in Detroit, it is essential to familiarize yourself with which safe neighborhoods are best to stick to and which areas are best to avoid. Compared to the suburbs, downtown Detroit presents greater risks, although the latter offers travelers a surprising variety of interesting attractions.

The central Detroit area generally lacks the types of crimes that plague other parts of the city, such as gangs and drugs. However, can downtown Detroit be considered safe? For the most part yes, although caution should be exercised with pickpockets and other lower caliber criminals looking to take advantage of visitors.

How reliable is the public transportation system in Detroit?

It is not very safe, so it is important to be vigilant at all times when riding the buses. Consider cabs and rental cars as more reliable options when getting around the city.

Regarding public transportation, violence has been observed both on city buses and at bus stops. This issue contributes to the rising crime rate, as passengers sometimes witness and even become victims of riots, stabbings, shootings, and even attacks directed at drivers. The lack of sufficient transit police officers in Detroit exacerbates the problem, as there is no adequate patrol for proper surveillance and control.

Cabs and all modes of ridesharing in Detroit are generally safe. However, it is important to verify that the cab is officially licensed and that both the driver and the license plate of the ridesharing vehicle match the information provided in the app you are using.

If you intend to get around Detroit during late night hours or in areas with little presence of people during the day, it is more advisable to opt for a cab or ridesharing service rather than walking. It is important for those who choose to get around on foot to keep in mind that Detroit boasts the highest per capita pedestrian fatality rate in the country. Pedestrians are hit and killed more often than anywhere else in the United States.

It is crucial to identify areas to stay away from in Detroit.

Specifically for those traveling, there are some notable attractions located in neighborhoods that could present risks; among them are the creative Heidelberg Project, historic Fort Wayne and the Harpos Concert Hall. Therefore, caution is advised when going to any of these sites.

If you've been keeping up with events in Detroit, you're probably aware that there is no genuine reason to go into the Red Zone. This sector belongs to the Seven Mile Bloods, a gang whose activities include drug dealing and shootings, both of which contribute significantly to the rising crime rate. It is specifically recommended to avoid the area west of Kelly Road and east of Gratiot Avenue.

Other areas of Detroit with high crime rates that are recommended to be avoided are:

Forest Park
Chaldean Town
Poletown East,
Milwaukee Junction
Petosky-Otsego

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