Detroit is known for its delicious food and fun music scene, but many people also think of the city as being quite dangerous. If you want to find out whether or not it’s safe to walk around in Detroit, keep reading! We have it all right here. 

It is safe to walk around in Detroit during the day. However, as in any metropolitan cities, some neighborhoods are safer than others. To be on the safe side, you should only walk around Detroit at night in well-lit neighborhoods with a friend. 

In this article, we will find out which Detroit neighborhoods are safe and which are considered dangerous. And in just the next few minutes, you will know where and when you shouldn’t walk around Detroit to keep yourself.

Which Detroit Neighborhoods Are Safe?

The first thing to understand about Detroit, Michigan, is that the city certainly has some dangerous neighborhoods. However, there are also parts of the city that are considered very safe.

Here are the neighborhoods in Detroit where you can feel safe walking around:

  • Berkeley: A great place to walk and to live, Berkeley is home to many young professionals and their families. 
  • Midtown: With a fun retail and restaurant district, as well as the students of Wayne State University, you’ll love walking around Midtown. 
  • Rivertown: Riverside is known for its cocktail bars, loft housing, and trendy restaurants and is considered safe to enjoy for tourists and locals alike. 
  • Marina District: The Marina District is known as a family-friendly residential area where you can enjoy the architecture and many parks. 
  • Downtown: As the heart and soul of Detroit, Downtown is a safe and fun neighborhood to explore! 
  • Corktown: Corktown is the oldest neighborhood in the city with all the newest hot spots. Delicious food and live music can safely be found here!

These neighborhoods are the safest as they are the most populated and tourist-friendly. While some are more residential, the good news is that the most exciting parts of Detroit are completely safe to walk around. 

Which Detroit Neighborhoods Are Dangerous?

That being said, that does not mean there aren’t dangerous neighborhoods that you should avoid. 

While this list is not complete, here are a few of the neighborhoods in Detroit where you shouldn’t walk around as a tourist or new resident:

  • Belmont
  • Fishkorn
  • Von Steuban
  • Warrendale
  • Franklin Park 
  • East English Village

These neighborhoods are mostly residential and the residents here are less likely to lend you a hand. 

Is it Safe to Walk in Detroit at Night?

As the sun sets, nightlife in Detroit comes alive. And if you want to stay out and enjoy the scene, you are probably wondering if it’s safe to walk around at night. 

Overall, you should avoid walking in Detroit late at night, as it is not as safe as during the day. 

But it’s important to understand that if you are in Downtown, Corktown, or one of the many other safe and fun neighborhoods, you can feel safe walking from bar to bar or home to your hotel, as long as there are plenty of people on the street. 

If you are alone or don’t know exactly where you’re going, you should opt for a taxi or Uber to get home.

Why Is Detroit Considered Dangerous?

Detroit has been through some hard times. The city as a whole and its residents were hit hard when the automobile industry moved away in the 1980s and the housing market crash of 2008. 

For many years, the majority of Detroit’s population was living below the poverty line, and consequently, this struggle led to an increase in crime rates. 

However, Detroit is seriously making a comeback. Some major Fortune 500 companies, as well as tech conglomerates are moving to the Motor City, and therefore, with the low cost of living and job opportunities abounding, the economy is getting back on its feet. 

Detroit’s local government has also been hard at work creating a safe and lively environment for old and new residents as well as tourists. 

The bottom line is that while Detroit has often been considered one of the most dangerous cities in the country, currently and in the new future, it seems as though Detroit’s streets will be just as safe as any other metropolitan hub. 

Final Thoughts

So, is it safe to walk in Detroit? Absolutely it is. As long as you are in one of the many safe neighborhoods that are populated and well lit, you should feel safe walking around Detroit. 

Detroit, like any city in America, does have some neighborhoods with a higher crime rate. So it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and stay clear of any sketchy streets, especially after dark or if you’re walking alone.