While Seattle is a great city, we must honestly discuss the crime issues.

In particular, since a few years ago, the problems of homelessness and drug-related crimes have worsened, leading to changes in the atmosphere of certain areas compared to the past. If you are considering moving or planning to visit, it's good to be aware in advance.

One of the areas known for relatively weak safety in Seattle is Pioneer Square. It is the oldest historic district in Seattle and a tourist spot, but it is also where homeless camps have formed and drug-related incidents frequently occur.

Particularly at night, caution is necessary. The SoDo area, adjacent to the International District (ID), is similar. SoDo, with its many warehouses and industrial facilities, is lively during the day due to Mariners and Seahawks games, but it requires caution during quiet hours or at night.

The Rainier Valley area is also considered one of the regions with a high crime rate in Seattle. Overall, South Seattle has a higher crime rate compared to the northern downtown and Eastside, especially with frequent vehicle break-ins and thefts. Seattle has one of the highest rates of vehicle theft among major cities in the country.

When parking your car, it's essential not to leave valuables inside, as there are frequent cases of windows being broken to steal bags. The downtown core has also seen changes in recent years. With an increase in vacant commercial buildings and worsening homelessness issues, some blocks now feel somewhat depressed compared to the past. The city government has introduced various policies to revitalize downtown, but it will take time to feel the changes.

On the other hand, relatively safer areas include Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Fremont, Ballard, and Green Lake, which are neighborhoods in the northern and northwestern parts of Seattle. The Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Mercer Island) has a noticeably lower crime rate compared to downtown Seattle and has good school districts, making it a preferred choice for families.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has faced staffing shortages and budget issues for years, and since 2020, political debates regarding police reform have added complexity to public safety administration. There have been complaints about longer response times to citizen police reports, but recently, efforts are being made to restore response capabilities through staffing increases.

Basic precautions when living in Seattle include avoiding walking alone in quiet alleys in downtown or Pioneer Square at night and not leaving items in your car.