When talking about Palm Springs, many people say, "Isn't that a paradise for retirees? It must be super safe there!"

However, listening to those who have actually lived there reveals a slightly different perspective. To put it simply, Palm Springs is not a dangerous city overall. However, it is also not accurate to think of it as having perfect safety just because of its resort image.

According to data released by the Palm Springs Police for 2024, the total number of crimes is 2,288, which is a decrease from the previous year. Property crimes such as theft, vehicle theft, and burglary have also shown a general downward trend. However, when considering the population size, the crime rate is still assessed to be somewhat higher than the California average. This is partly because the city attracts a large number of tourists, and crimes targeting both residents and visitors are included in the statistics.

From my experience visiting various cities in the U.S., I've noticed that a high crime rate does not necessarily mean that the entire city is dangerous. There are significant differences between neighborhoods in any city.

In Palm Springs, it's advisable to be a bit cautious when walking in certain areas of downtown late at night. Since restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are concentrated in these areas, you might occasionally see drunken arguments or police cars responding to incidents. Given the high number of tourists, pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins also tend to occur relatively frequently in these areas.

Additionally, some older neighborhoods in the North End or certain residential areas in the west are said to have a slightly lower perceived safety compared to newly developed upscale neighborhoods. Nearby Cathedral City also has areas where the crime rate is higher than in Palm Springs, so it's wise to consider the surrounding environment based on the address when looking for a home.

On the other hand, there are places that are considered very livable. Upscale residential areas like Deepwell Estates and Old Las Palmas are well-maintained, and most importantly, many are gated communities that restrict access to outside vehicles. This is one reason why retired Americans prefer these neighborhoods, as they offer a quiet and safe atmosphere.

One thing I want to emphasize is that Palm Springs is not a particularly dangerous city like downtown LA or Compton. However, it does have some property crimes typical of tourist cities. Therefore, the basic safety rules apply wherever you go in the U.S. It's best not to leave laptops, bags, or shopping bags visible in your car, and avoid keeping valuables in your rental car trunk for long periods. It's surprisingly common in the U.S. for car windows to be broken while you're just stepping away for a quick meal.

Avoid walking alone in deserted parks or alleys at night, and by simply securing your doors and managing your vehicle, most problems can be prevented. For those who have lived in the U.S. for a long time, these practices become almost second nature.

In my opinion, the safety in Palm Springs is neither "completely safe just because it's a resort" nor "so dangerous that you can't live there." While there are some property crimes due to the high number of tourists, if you choose your neighborhood wisely and follow basic safety rules, it is a sufficiently stable city for retirement or family life. When looking for a home, don't just focus on the price; also check the surrounding environment and crime maps to make a more satisfying choice.