Is downtown Los Angeles safe? This is a question that many tourists ask before visiting the city. While there are some areas that are relatively safe, such as 4th and 6th Streets, the overall crime rate in downtown Los Angeles is 1 in 29.Formerly known as South Central LA, this neighborhood of 248,666 people suffers from drug trafficking, gangs and gang activity, which is the main source of violence in the area. However, the police are seen conducting frequent patrols, which has led to a decrease in crime compared to the 90s. The nightlife in Koreatown isn't particularly dangerous, so women who visit alone can move around without fear.
The crime rate is 49% higher than the national average, but it has been decreasing by 1% year after year. This neighborhood is located south of Hollywood and west of the city center, and it has a population of 72,523 inhabitants, with 50-75% of them being Korean. Visitors to this neighborhood confirm that it has the most nightclubs and restaurants in all of Southern California.A small neighborhood of 2,466 people with a habitability score considered poor, Westlake has a crime rate that is 33% higher than the Los Angeles average and 68% higher than the national average. This neighborhood isn't particularly safe during the day due to its diverse mix of people and businesses that attract crowds.
However, walking, biking or using public transportation isn't dangerous, but there is a fear of pickpockets putting their wallets and cash at risk.In the Fashion District, you have a 1 in 24 chance of being the victim of a crime. This neighborhood has a visible presence of students and young professionals due to its proximity to UCLA. Crime is very rare here, almost non-existent except for crimes against property.Each of the 1,685 residents of Westwood has a 1 in 64 chance of being the victim of a crime. Interestingly, Westwood is safer than 50% of U.
S. cities. This large neighborhood of 197,895 inhabitants has very few attractions but a good selection of restaurants and shopping centers. The crime rate is 43% lower than the California average and this neighborhood has a livability score considered excellent.Located northwest of South Los Angeles, West Adams is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods.
Wealthy Californians left it at the end of the 20th century and it has changed since then. Although there has been an improvement in recent years, West Adams still remains one of the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Los Angeles.Located in South Los Angeles, Skid Row would be considered gang territory due to their rivalry which generates acts of violence. This explains why this district has such a dangerous reputation. Unlike South Los Angeles, Skid Row has an even higher crime rate with high rates of assaults, robberies and car thefts due to its high levels of drug addiction.
Areas to Avoid
Whether it's braving long lines or crowds or elbowing through hordes of tourists for the perfect photo or disappointing landmarks with an oversized reputation, it's not worth visiting everything in Los Angeles even when a destination is listed in the travel manual.Dolby Theater: Best known for hosting the Academy Awards since 2001, Hollywood's Dolby Theater attracts millions of tourists to its iconic red staircase leading to the theater where stars receive their Oscars year after year. However, what you don't see on television is that the theater itself is surrounded by a shopping mall full of fast food restaurants, high-class restaurants, bars and typical shopping mall stores. In addition to being disappointed by realizing that Dolby isn't what it seems on TV, it's also overcrowded with tourists all year round.
Hollywood Walk Of Fame
: Perhaps one of the most glorified sidewalks in the world, Hollywood Walk Of Fame isn't all it's cracked up to be.While it's fun to search for favorite actors and artists in its embedded stars, this inevitably only lasts a short time as it encompasses 15 blocks with more than 2,500 stars. An online tool helps visitors search for stars they really want to see but involves a lot of walking and can be overcrowded with tourists.
The Grove
: A well-known outdoor mall in Los Angeles, The Grove tops many must-see lists due to occasional celebrity sightings. However its collection of stores and chain restaurants can be found almost anywhere else in any state making it not worth visiting unless you're looking for something specific.LA Live: A hot spot for sports and concerts in Los Angeles, LA Live is home to Staples Center, The Novo by Microsoft and a collection of restaurants and bars that adapt to its sporting environment. It's notoriously expensive for parking and on nights with games or concerts it can be an insane asylum making it not worth visiting unless you're going to an event.
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