For your next trip, business trip or rental search, you want to identify thedangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles. To avoid the risk of choosing an apartment or hotel in a red light district of this huge city, find out what are theneighborhoods to avoid in Los Angeles.
This study was carried out thanks to serious and reliable sources of information (economic media, local press, rankings and statistical studies). The article below is a summary of the large amount of information and figures and does not include any judgment or discrimination.
Here is some information that will help you spot and avoid the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles dangerous city?
NOT REALLY : Los Angeles remains a much less dangerous city than many other cities in America like Las vegas, Washington DC ou Houston !
Indeed, according to the Numbeo 2023 ranking of the 102 cities in North America, Los Angeles would be the 42ème most "criminal" city with a crime index of 48,84.
See map of the most criminal cities in North America on the Numbeo website:
Los Angeles dangerous city in 2023?
To measure the dangerousness of Los Angeles in 2023, we can compare its crime index to other major cities around the world.
However, at Numbeo.com world ranking, Los Angeles is less criminal than cities like Darwin en Australia, Male to Maldives, Lima, Mexico, Cancun ou Montpellier et Marseille in France.
Also note that this classification is established according to the feelings of internet users according to their own criteria and that they indicate an average.
Moreover, insecurity in Los Angeles is not the same everywhere. It is only concentrated in certain parts of the city. Outside of those places that some say are dangerous, Los Angeles is no more dangerous than London, New York, Paris, Rome ou Barcelona.
Los Angeles neighborhoods
It is difficult to understand how the city of Los Angeles is organized and to navigate among all its neighborhoods.
In fact, the city is divided into 9 main parts:
- The Center (Central LA)
- The eastern part (Eastside)
- The Northeast
- The West part (Westside)
- South Bay
- The South (South Los Angeles)
- San Fernando Valley (San Fernando Valley)
- The Verdugos area
- The port area (Harbor)
Each of these areas is divided into many neighborhoods. This is why it is better to find your way on a map.
Neighborhoods Los Angeles Map
To better locate the red or dangerous areas of Los Angeles, the map below can be enlarged to do your research.
Los Angeles' most dangerous neighborhoods
Discover below a list (not exhaustive) of the neighborhoods which have the reputation of being the most dangerous in LA. For more details on the statistics, do not hesitate to consult the LADP, the official website of the Los Angeles Police Department: LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
South Los Angeles
South LA is a dangerous area due to drug trafficking and gang violence. However, the city has implemented measures that have reduced the number of crimes and violence in recent years.
Dangerous neighborhoods Los Angeles – West Adams
Located North West of South los angeles described above, West Adams is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Wealthy Californians left it at the end of the 20th century and the neighborhood has changed.
Today, although there is a great improvement, West Adams is still ranked among the neighborhoods that have the LA's highest crime rates.
Dangerous neighborhoods Los Angeles–Watts
Located in the South los angeles, this district would be the territory of gangs. Their rivalry generates acts of violence, which explains the reputation for dangerousness of this district of LA.
Dangerous neighborhoods Los Angeles – Skid Row
Unlike South LA, the Skid Row neighborhood has an increasing crime rate.
Insecurity in Skid Row is particularly high today with high rates of assaults, burglaries and car thefts. A hotbed of drug addiction, this neighborhood has become more and more dangerous over the years.
Dangerous neighborhoods Los Angeles – Chinatown
Chinatown is, according to statistics, one of the most criminal neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
However, during the day, nothing prevents you from enjoying this tourist area. Indeed, you will be able to admire the statue of Bruce Lee or to eat in a good small restaurant.
Compton - Dangerous town South of LA
Compton is not really a neighborhood in LA but a city south of Los Angeles.
It had to be cited, however, because Compton would be the most dangerous place in Los Angeles. A few years ago, it was even called American capital of murder. Fortunately, today the number of crimes and trafficking is decreasing.
But, if you are hesitant about finding accommodation or a hotel in this area, you may be better off looking elsewhere.
Neighborhoods to avoid in Los Angeles
Without being areas where you risk your life, the places below are often safe during the day but can be sensitive and therefore not recommended at night.
Central LA
Downtown Los Angeles is very popular with tourists. Indeed, this is where the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, the Grammy Museum ...
This district is safer during the day than the other districts mentioned above. Moreover, his insecurity is constantly decreasing. But at night, it is not recommended to walk there, even if the police patrol regularly.
North Hollywood
Much further north than the legendary Hollywood district, North Hollywood or NoHo is not a dangerous district. But it is a neighborhood known for thefts and burglaries.
What neighborhood to stay in Los Angeles?
It's hard to tell you which is the best and the most beautiful neighborhood in Los Angeles. Indeed, all the most beautiful districts of the city have their own identity and specificities which will be appreciated by some and perhaps not by others. It's all a matter of taste.
However, I indicate to you below the most popular neighborhoods in Los Angeles which are of course those where you can stay safely:
- Beverly Hills
- Venice
- Marina Del Rey
- Mar vista
- Santa Monica
- Playa vista
- Westwood
Map of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles
You will find that the best areas of LA are all located on the west side of the city:
Which hotel in Los Angeles?
The hotel I recommend below is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Los Angeles in Venice! Its location is ideal for tourists as it is facing the Pacific Ocean and in front of the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Less than 2 km from Santa Monica and Marina del Rey, the area is full of restaurants, museums, art galleries and cool shops next to the hotel.
Which neighborhood to go to Disneyland?
Disneyland is in Anaheim. It's a small town just 1 hour from Los Angeles (by road or plane).
But you don't have to stay in Anaheim to visit Disneyland California. In fact, I recommend a very practical excursion to take from Los Angeles:
See also my article: Where to stay in Anaheim to go to Disneyland?
