Yes, Savannah is safe for most visitors and residents. The tourist areas are well-protected, and crime mainly happens in specific neighborhoods that most people never visit.
The Historic District, River Street, and Forsyth Park maintain strong security measures and regular police patrols. These areas welcome millions of tourists annually without major incidents. However, like any city, we notice that certain neighborhoods require extra caution, particularly after dark.
Key Takeaways:
- Downtown is very safe – Police patrol regularly, lots of people around
- Some neighborhoods need caution – West Savannah and Cloverdale have higher crime
- Theft happens more than violence – Lock your car, don’t flash expensive items
- Daytime is safer than nighttime – Just like any city
- Locals are helpful – Ask for directions and safety tips
- Use rideshare at night – Safer than walking in unfamiliar areas
The Real Story About Savannah Safety
Tourist Areas Are Well Protected
The Historic District is where most visitors spend their time. This area has excellent safety because:
- Police officers walk the streets daily
- Thousands of people visit every day
- Business owners watch their neighborhoods
- Good lighting on main streets
- Security cameras in many locations
River Street stays busy from morning until late evening. The shops and restaurants create natural safety because there’s always activity.
Forsyth Park is safe during the day when families and joggers use it. However, we suggest avoiding quiet areas after dark.
Safe Neighborhoods for Everyone
Ardsley Park – This is where many families live. Nice homes, involved neighbors, very low crime rates.
Midtown – Young professionals moved here recently. The area improved a lot with new restaurants and shops.
Wilmington Park – Another family neighborhood with tree-lined streets and active residents.
These areas show that Savannah has plenty of safe places to live and visit.
Areas That Need Extra Care
Higher Crime Neighborhoods
West Savannah has more crime than other parts of the city. Most visitors never go here, but if you do, go during the day with someone local.
Cloverdale and Carver Heights also have higher crime rates. These neighborhoods face economic challenges that sometimes lead to more criminal activity.
Areas north of Victory Drive generally need more caution than the southern parts of town.
The good news? Crime stays concentrated in these specific areas. It doesn’t spread randomly across the whole city.
Crime Numbers Made Simple
Let’s talk real numbers without scary statistics:
| Type of Crime | Your Chances | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 1 in 263 | Very unlikely to happen |
| Property Crime | 1 in 506 | Mostly theft from cars |
| Car Theft | 1 in 329 | Higher than average |
Violent crime includes serious attacks. Your chances are actually lower than the Georgia state average.
Property crime means someone steals your stuff. Usually happens when people leave valuables in cars or don’t lock doors.
Car theft is higher here than other places. Don’t leave your car running, even for a minute.
Good News: Crime Is Going Down
Police are doing better work with:
- More officers in problem areas
- Better technology to predict crime
- Community programs that work
- Neighborhood watch groups
Crime rates dropped over the past few years because of these efforts.
How to Stay Safe
During the Day
Keep your stuff secure – Don’t wave around expensive phones, jewelry, or cash. Tourists sometimes become targets because they look distracted.
Stay with others when possible – The buddy system works for adults too.
Tell someone your plans – Let a friend know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
At Night
Stick to busy, well-lit areas – River Street and the main Historic District stay active into the evening.
Use rideshare services – Uber and Lyft work well. Much safer than walking long distances at night.
Don’t explore alone – Savannah’s layout with all those squares can be confusing in the dark.
Protect Your Car
This is huge because car break-ins happen a lot:
Never leave anything visible – Not even a phone charger or shopping bag. Thieves break windows for anything that looks valuable.
Park smart – Choose well-lit spots near businesses. Downtown parking garages usually have security.
Lock everything – Doors, windows, trunk. Every time.
Getting Help When You Need It
Emergency Services
Call 911 for emergencies – Just like anywhere else in America.
Non-emergency police: (912) 651-6675 – Use this for reporting minor crimes or asking questions.
Police response time is good in tourist areas and established neighborhoods.
Tourist Resources
Savannah Visitor Center – Located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. They provide current safety information and can tell you which areas to avoid.
Hotel staff – Most hotels have relationships with local security and can give you updated safety advice.
Police on foot patrol – You’ll see officers walking around downtown. They’re friendly and happy to help with directions or safety questions.
Getting Around Safely
Public Transportation
City buses (CAT) are generally safe during the day. Check schedules ahead of time because service can be limited in the evening.
Trolley tours give you transportation plus sightseeing. The guides know the city well and can share safety tips.
Rideshare apps work great here. Use them for evening transportation when walking isn’t smart.
Walking and Biking
Savannah is flat and good for walking, but watch out for:
- Narrow streets with heavy traffic
- Limited bike lanes
- Confusing one-way streets downtown
- Intersections without traffic lights
Stay alert, especially in the Historic District where tourist traffic mixes with regular city traffic.
Special Situations
Big Events and Festivals
Savannah throws great parties, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. During big events:
- Crowds attract pickpockets
- Traffic gets crazy
- Police are everywhere but still stay alert
- Book accommodations way ahead of time
Weather Concerns
Summer heat can be dangerous if you’re not used to it. Drink water, take breaks inside, avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
Hurricane season runs June through November. Direct hits are rare, but storms can bring flooding and power outages. Check weather forecasts if visiting during this time.
How Savannah Compares
Other Southern Cities
Compared to Charleston, Asheville, or similar cities, Savannah does pretty well. Tourist areas are just as safe, and the overall crime picture is similar.
Savannah is definitely safer than Atlanta or other big Georgia cities. But it has more crime than small coastal towns like St. Simons Island.
National Picture
For a mid-sized American city, Savannah sits in the middle range for safety. Better than big metropolitan areas, not as safe as suburbs, but that’s normal for cities with history and tourism.
Questions People Always Ask
Is Savannah safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, with normal precautions. Stay in good hotels in safe areas, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar places, and trust your gut if something feels wrong. The Historic District is fine for solo travelers.
What areas should I definitely avoid?
West Savannah, Cloverdale, Carver Heights, and areas north of Victory Drive – especially after dark. But remember, crime happens on specific blocks, not entire neighborhoods. Time of day matters a lot.
Can I walk around downtown at night?
Yes, in the busy parts with good lighting and lots of people. River Street and the main Historic District corridors stay active into the evening. Avoid empty streets and areas you don’t know.
How does Savannah compare to Atlanta for safety?
Savannah is safer than Atlanta overall. Less violent crime, though property crime rates are similar. Tourist areas in Savannah feel much safer than downtown Atlanta.
What if something bad happens to me?
Call 911 for emergencies. Contact your hotel for help and support. Call your insurance company if something was stolen. The Visitor Center can also provide resources for tourists who have problems.
Savannah Is A Wonderful City That’s Safe For People
Savannah offers visitors and residents a unique blend of Southern hospitality, historic beauty, and cultural richness. We believe that with proper awareness and common-sense precautions, anyone can safely enjoy what this remarkable city has to offer.
The secret is simple: stay in the good areas, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t do risky things you wouldn’t do in your hometown.
Tourist areas are very safe because the city depends on tourism. Local police work hard to keep visitors safe, and business owners look out for their neighborhoods.
Most people visit Savannah without any problems at all. The few who do have issues usually made basic mistakes like leaving valuables in cars or wandering into sketchy areas late at night.
The city keeps getting better too. New businesses, improved lighting, more police presence, and community programs all make Savannah safer every year.
Check out the safest cities in Georgia for your next destination. Seeking some added protection for your home? Callaway Security™ can help. Contact us now!
