When people think of Detroit, many first worry about safety, and honestly, that concern is not unfounded.

It consistently ranks among the top 5 for violent crime rates in the U.S., with about 2,000 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is five times the national average of 400. I believe that acknowledging these figures is the first step toward making wise living decisions.

However, not all of Detroit is dangerous. Areas like Downtown, Midtown, Rivertown, Corktown, and Indian Village are relatively much safer and have a pleasant environment. Of course, these areas still have higher crime rates than the national average, but they are among the best-managed within Detroit.

In particular, the area around the Detroit Riverwalk is lively during the day, with many families enjoying the atmosphere safely.

Areas to avoid are mainly some of the desolate regions in the north and east.

Blocks with many vacant homes and inadequate street lighting are not ideal for strangers to walk alone. Keep in mind that the Detroit Police Department (DPD) tends to have slow response times due to staffing shortages.

There have been improvement efforts since the recent leadership change, but it seems to take time for those changes to be felt.

When Korean families settle in Detroit, they prefer suburbs in Oakland County like Troy, Novi, and West Bloomfield over the city. These areas have good school districts and crime rates that are closer to the national average, making them a more realistic choice for settling down. Many people commute to work or activities in downtown Detroit.