Safety in the USA


The USA does have a higher crime rate than other developed countries but its reputation for violence is exaggerated. Loose gun laws, discrepancies between the wealthy and poor and high prison populations are all ingredients of USA crime but it is not the same gun wielding crime riddled setting of USA TV.

Expat destinations usually revolve around city centres where violent crime is more of a concern than in suburban and rural communities. However poorer neighbourhoods where crime is more common are avoidable and down town areas and business districts are safe. Expats in the USA should become familiar with ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sections of cities before they rent or buy property as crime is much more concentrated in certain areas of every city.

Certain cities have much higher crime rates than others but expats in the USA can expect a strong police presence everywhere. Basic safety precautions such as locking car doors and avoiding walking alone or taking public transport at night should be expected. Except for very wealthy and gated residential neighbourhoods, employing private security companies is rare and residents can expect quick and quality responses by police.

There are no specific health risks associated with the USA.

Tags

Search Expat Arrivals

Become our local expat expert for your city!

Expat Arrivals is looking for contributors to make this the ultimate guide for international expats.
If you are an established expat who could make time to spend a few hours a month writing useful information for expats in your city and answering forum questions from new and prospective expats, please contact us.
As our local expert you can have your profile showing on each page you publish, earn advertising revenue on that content, and promote your website or blog if you have one.