Ever wonder what places to avoid in San Francisco, or what the worst areas in San Francisco are? Perhaps you’re curious about what the worst neighborhoods are in San Francisco, statistically speaking. Here, we point out what spots are the most crime-ridden statistically. These findings are in accordance with FBI crime data based on the number of crimes per 10,000 capita. Please be advised and tread carefully in the dangerous places in San Francisco:
Did we miss a dangerous place in Fog City? What do you consider to be the worst or most dangerous places to avoid in San Francisco? Let us know in the comments.
Of course, no place is perfect, and locals happen to love living in this beautiful little corner of the Golden State. So let’s move on to some happier news, shall we? Take a road trip to see some of the best places to live in San Francisco.
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Places to avoid in San Francisco
Sarah M. |June 01, 2022
What are some other places to avoid in San Francisco?
Other places to avoid in San Francisco include:
Oakland
Emeryville
Stockton
Blue Lake
Richmond
Sonora
The beauty of Northern California can be intoxicating, from the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay to the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. But, how many of you realize there’s a dark side to be found in a few cities here? It's sad but true. So if you’re a native of the northern part of California and the San Francisco Bay area, you know exactly where to go and when and where not to go no matter what. We're talking about notoriously dangerous neighborhoods in San Francisco such as Oakland, Emeryville, Stockton, Blue Lake, Richmond, and Sonora. With regards to Sonora, a town of less than 5,000 people, stats from the FBI reveal that the county seat of Tuolumne is a place you don't want to be at sundown. Sacramento is another dangerous neighborhood to avoid in NorCal; while it's our capitol city *and* where UC Davis Medical Center -- one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation -- resides, violent crime statistics it's only safer than 11% of all other cities in the country.
What are some dangers of living in San Francisco?
Some of the dangers of living in San Francisco include:
Earthquakes
Droughts
Fires
Interstate 80
In addition to the property and violent crime stats that pose a threat to folks living in and around San Francisco, Northern California is a hotbed for earthquakes, droughts, fires, and other natural disasters, all of which seem to have ramped up in recent years. And while Los Angeles is known for its terrible traffic and dangerous roads, there's one particular road in NorCal that's quite treacherous, especially in the wintertime. Interstate 80 is a major east-west route that starts in San Francisco and makes its way across the state to Donner Summit before crossing into Nevada, and during the winter, it's one of the state's most dangerous roads to drive.
Are there any areas that are not safe for tourists (especially those who don't speak English)? Basically, the worst parts of San Francisco where you find probably 90% of the homeless are the Tenderloin, South of Market (SOMA), and the Mission. The Tenderloin is where you find the most drug use and fentanyl overdoses.
Are there any areas that are not safe for tourists (especially those who don't speak English)? Basically, the worst parts of San Francisco where you find probably 90% of the homeless are the Tenderloin, South of Market (SOMA), and the Mission. The Tenderloin is where you find the most drug use and fentanyl overdoses.
San Francisco, a city with consistently low rates of homicides compared with other big cities, saw another dip in the first quarter of this year, from 11 to eight. There were 56 recorded homicides in 2022, compared with 53 in 2023.
Violent crime is 35 times higher than in the rest of the city, and eight times higher than in the Tenderloin at large. Overall crime is 17 times higher than in the rest of the city, and five times higher than in the Tenderloin at large.
Part of the western extent of the Tenderloin, Larkin and Hyde Streets between Turk and O'Farrell, was officially named "Little Saigon" by the City of San Francisco. The area has a reputation for crime and has among the highest levels of homelessness and crime in the city.
Citywide, in the first quarter of 2024 (January 1 – March 31), property crime is down 32% and violent crime is down 14% compared to the first quarter of 2023, according to local San Francisco police data. This reduction reflects the work of local law enforcement and state and federal efforts.
Yes, it's foggy -- sometimes -- but it's also developed a reputation as a beach community with surfers, some excellent local restaurants, and quirky ... Outer Sunset residents enjoy one of the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco while enjoying the peace and calm of close-in “suburban” life.
City officials in 2022 estimated that as many as 20,000 people experienced homelessness that year, or more than double the number of people tallied during the point-in-time count.
The Tenderloin Museum says the district got its name from 1876 New York and a bribe-loving police captain named Alexander “Clubber” Williams, whose encouragement of police corruption contributed to a neighborhood filled with vice. (Cops taking bribes could afford "tenderloin," a better cut of meat.)
In a nutshell: The safest areas to stay in San Francisco are the Sunset District, Richmond District, the Presidio, Nob Hill, the Marina District, and Fisherman's Wharf. The best areas for first time visitors to San Francisco to get to the major attractions easily are Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and Chinatown.
What a view! Nob Hill and Union Square: Easily the two safest places to stay in stay in San Francisco due to low crime rates, prepared for high prices. Nob Hill is one of the most glamorous areas of the city and Union Square provides easy access to a lot of the city's popular tourist destinations.
The Marina District and Fisherman's Wharf seem to be the best choices for a tourist to feel safe in San Francisco. These places are located near the main tourist attractions, so you will find a lot to do nearby. It will also be easy to walk around.
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