12 of the Safest Cities in the World That Will Make You Want To Relocate
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Safety is an important factor to consider whether you are looking for a new travel destination, a retirement city, or a new place to relocate to. It is even more important if you are looking to choose a city in which to raise a family.
But what are these safe cities? In terms of low violent, property, or hate crimes, these 12 cities guarantee very low chances of becoming a victim. They also rank well regarding other concerns, such as road safety.
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Honolulu, USA
While Honolulu is susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and tsunamis, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) 2024 report rated it the safest city globally. Honolulu’s ratings are excellent, especially considering how much of a tourist hotspot it is. It also ranks excellently compared to other cities of comparable sizes.
Most of the crimes experienced are petty crimes that can sometimes be easily prevented by avoiding sketchy neighborhoods or taking regular safety precautions. For instance, despite being safe, keep an eye on your belongings or leave all your valuables in the hotel room as you head out to the beach.
Read also: Least Walkable Cities in the World
Montreal, Canada
While Montreal is generally safe in many aspects, it is considered especially good for its road safety standards. Montreal locals revealed having low worries of being robbed, attacked, insulted, or having their cars stolen. Whether you are a traveler or looking to relocate to Montreal, it is generally safer than many other major American cities.
And even with the already excellent ratings, violent and property crime rates have been on a downward trend in the past few years. This means that the safe Montreal is becoming even safer.
Besides, the Holidu Study ranked Montreal as one of the safest cities in the world for solo female travelers for post-pandemic travel.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Fun fact: Iceland does not have an army, and its police officers rarely carry guns. The country has achieved a level of safety that does not call for constant policing of the public. Reykjavik, the country’s capital, registers excellent scores for safety for women and the LGBTQ+ community as well as from terrorist attacks.
Cases of vandalism, theft, and violent crimes like murder are incredibly rare in Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland.
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Sydney, Australia
Australia has long been known to have one of the most stable political environments and strong economies, which is a crucial contributor to its major cities’ safety. Sydney, for example, has low crime rates, well-maintained public spaces, and effective emergency services, making it a safe and attractive city to live in. Sydney is known for its incredible architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and breathtaking beaches, which you can explore without much worry.
One Sydney local remarks that the only “insecurity” they have had to worry about is having their hotdogs grabbed by seagulls at the beach. This is interesting, but it does not mean that Sydney is crime-free. While the chances of you getting mugged are lower compared to many other major cities and tourist hotspots, it is wise for you to take necessary precautions.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam ranks excellently for being safe for minority groups like LGBTQ+, people of color, and women. The risk for violent attacks and assault in Amsterdam was found to be almost non-existent, making it safe even for solo female travelers.
Besides, Amsterdam is one of the cities with an advanced biking lifestyle; almost everyone moves around by bike. This alone has significantly reduced pollution levels and traffic accidents in the city.
Despite the high safety standards, you must understand that Amsterdam is a hot tourist destination, and tourists may still get targeted for petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially in areas like the Red District.
Read more: Must-Visit Cities in the World
Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese people are known to be law-abiding, precise, and orderly. They live by the rules of “kokuminsei,” which guide them to social harmony, observe hierarchy, and avoid conflict. This is one of the many reasons Tokyo continues to be one of the safest cities in the world.
Tokyo consistently ranks as one of the safest cities due to its low crime rates, efficient public transportation, and strong community bonds.
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Tokyo also has highly efficient court and police systems and stringent gun laws, according to the US Department of Justice. But even with all these regulations, the people’s willingness and efforts to coexist in harmony keep Tokyo ahead of the other cities.
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Read also: Most Dangerous Destinations in Southeast Asia
Singapore City, Singapore
Both non-violent and violent crimes are incredibly rare in Singapore City. While petty theft can happen, it is less likely than in other major Western cities like Barcelona, Paris, or London.
Singapore’s strict laws and efficient law enforcement contribute to its reputation as a safe city. Its extensive surveillance system, clean streets, and harsh penalties for crime contribute significantly, making it one of the safest cities globally.
What would have been considered petty crimes in many other major cities attract very stringent penalties. For instance, offenses such as eating on public transportation, spitting in public, or littering could attract penalties of $2000. The penalties are much more severe for more serious crimes, which has made the city one of the safest in the world.
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Dubai, UAE
You have probably seen Dubai locals or tourists “reserve” seats in restaurants or malls using their mobile phones. You know it, you could never do that in numerous other cities. While it may be a gimmick pulled by influencers, it still goes a long way in proving why the city has consistently featured among the safest destinations in the world.
The UAE has implemented strict laws backed by the city’s strong police surveillance. In addition to being safe from violent crimes, Dubai is known to be conducive for start-up techs, and that is why many of them are shifting their headquarters to the city.
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Osaka, Japan
Like Tokyo and the rest of Japan, Osaka has very low crime rates. Petty scams and crimes such as pickpocketing are incredibly rare, and so are violent crimes.
Like Tokyo, Osaka benefits from a societal emphasis on order and respect. It features efficient public transportation, well-maintained urban areas, and a strong sense of community, all contributing to its safety. It is one of the incredibly safe destinations, even for female solo travelers.
Whether you go sightseeing, explore the rich Japanese culinary scene, or enjoy Osaka’s nightlife, your chances of being mugged or stolen from are incredibly low in Osaka.
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Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is known for its friendly and welcoming environment, even for international students and immigrants. The city consistently ranks among the safest cities globally due to its low crime rates, well-designed urban spaces, and vibrant cultural scene.
The city’s emphasis on community engagement, public safety initiatives, and effective governance contribute to its safety. According to the Safe City Index 2021, Melbourne ranked very highly for digital, personal, health, and infrastructure security.
Whether swinging by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Skydeck, or the State Library of Victoria, your chances of getting scammed or stolen from are almost negligible in Melbourne as long as you take the simple necessary precautions.
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Helsinki, Finland
It is not a shock that Helsinki, the capital of the consistently happiest country in the world, Finland, ranks as one of the safest in the world. I mean, nobody would be that content with life if the city was unsafe.
Helsinki boasts low crime rates, well-maintained public spaces, and a high standard of living. Finland’s robust social welfare system and efficient governance contribute to Helsinki’s safety and overall quality of life. Whether exploring the rich Finn sauna culture, the midnight sun, or the northern lights, your chances of falling victim to a crime in Helsinki are slim.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark is a very liberal country, which is positively reflected in low hate and violent crime rates in its major cities like Copenhagen. The Danes do not worry much about distinctions between males and females or the young versus the old, which goes a long way in ensuring the safety of minority groups.
Copenhagen is known for its excellent infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrian-friendly streets, and low crime rates. The city’s focus on sustainability, social welfare, and public safety measures contributes to its reputation as one of the safest cities in the world. Copenhagen is so secure that it is not uncommon to see members of the royal family cycle around the city. Besides, the wealth gap in Copenhagen is not as distinct as in many other major cities, which largely contributes to the city’s social cohesion.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
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