People who live in or are planning to visit San Francisco often ask about safety issues.

Like any major city in the U.S., SF cannot be said to have perfect safety, and caution is especially needed in certain areas.

Here, I provide realistic information without exaggeration or minimization. In fact, organizing such articles is quite a task. I have newfound respect for those who consistently post on WebPromo.

The Notorious Tenderloin, A Neighborhood Where Drug Deals Are Visible Even During the Day

The area that requires the most caution in SF is undoubtedly Tenderloin. Located between Civic Center and Union Square, this area has long been infamous for drug issues, a high concentration of homeless individuals, and theft. You can openly witness drug deals happening even in broad daylight, and it becomes even more dangerous at night. This is why tourists are advised to avoid booking hotels near Tenderloin. Every year, many people book a cheap place only to find themselves seeking refunds upon arrival.

Some areas of SoMa (South of Market) and around Civic Center have similar conditions. Nowadays, there are many videos on YouTube highlighting the dangers of downtown SF. There are definitely scenes that are quite different from the clean and sophisticated image of San Francisco that many Koreans have in mind.

Bayview-Hunters Point, A Neighborhood Revealed by Statistics

Bayview-Hunters Point is located in the southeast of SF and has a relatively high rate of violent crimes, including murder. Historically, it has been a community densely populated by low-income and minority groups, and long-standing socioeconomic issues are reflected in the crime statistics. However, it cannot be concluded that the entire neighborhood is dangerous, but it is advisable to avoid walking alone late at night. During the day, it often looks like an ordinary residential area, so first-time visitors may pass through without realizing.

The Most Common Crime in SF, Vehicle Break-Ins

The most frequently encountered type of crime in SF is not violent crime, but vehicle break-ins. It is quite common to leave visible items like bags, laptops, or cameras in the car for just a moment, only to return and find the window smashed and the items gone. Statistics from the SF Police Department consistently show high numbers for vehicle theft-related crimes.

In SF, the rule is to never leave any items in your car. Many people think, "It should be fine if I put it in the trunk," but that is a huge misconception. Criminals will not hesitate to break into the trunk as well. The only real way to protect yourself is to keep your car completely empty. Many locals even open their glove boxes to show that there is truly nothing inside.

A City Where You Can't Walk Around with Your Phone

Smartphone theft is one of the crimes that requires serious caution in SF. To be honest, I don't think there is any other place in the U.S. where you have to be this careful with your phone on the street, except for SF. It's not like some city in South America.

Here, simply walking while holding your smartphone or leaving it on a café table is an invitation for theft. Especially, it is not uncommon for thieves on bicycles or electric scooters to zip by and snatch the phone right out of your hand. Even if you try to chase them down, you can't outrun a bike. It is really important to be aware of your surroundings when using your smartphone in public.

Conclusion — Don't Take It Lightly, But Don't Be Afraid Either

If you live in a safe area and mostly move around there, it might be fine, but otherwise, it is advisable to be cautious. The entire city is not dangerous, but if you let your guard down with the vague thought that "it's America, so it must be safer than Korea," you could really get into trouble in San Francisco. Remember not to leave anything in your car, avoid taking your phone out on the street, and steer clear of the Tenderloin area.