Have you ever walked home after dark, maybe with your headphones in, and suddenly felt a little jumpy? That feeling when a shadow seems to move, or you hear footsteps behind you, is something many people experience. It makes you wonder how safe your own neighborhood really is compared to other places. We often hear about cities being dangerous or safe, but what do the people who actually live there think?
This isn’t just about crime statistics; it’s about how secure people feel in their everyday lives. We decided to look into which cities have residents who are most nervous about walking alone at night. You might be surprised by which places made the list and which ones didn’t. Let’s dive into the top 10 cities where that walk home after sunset feels the scariest for the people who call it home.
Memphis, Tennessee
In Memphis, a noticeable tension fills the air when evening comes. The city has a high rate of 2,501 violent crimes for every 100,000 people, which places it among the most dangerous cities in America. This statistic creates a very real fear for those who live there, especially when it comes to being out by themselves after dark. The city’s reputation for crime makes people think hard before they decide to walk anywhere at night.
This feeling of being unsafe isn’t just in quiet neighborhoods; it extends to the city’s core. Even the downtown area can feel risky, prompting people to stay alert and hide their valuables. This constant need for caution shows how crime statistics directly influence how safe people feel. Residents often choose to stay in rather than venture out alone once night falls.
St. Louis, Missouri
In St. Louis, many people feel a deep sense of worry about being out on their own after the sun sets. The city has the highest homicide rate in the country, at 87.2 for every 100,000 people. This isn’t just a number; it creates a real feeling of danger that makes people think twice before walking outside at night. The high crime rate shapes how residents experience their own city.
This fear has changed how people live. With crime rates 275% higher than the national average, residents often alter their evening plans and steer clear of certain neighborhoods completely after dark. This constant awareness of risk affects their freedom and daily routines, as they have to adapt their lives to stay safe in a city they call home.
Detroit, Michigan
In Detroit, the city’s vibe changes when the sun goes down. Many people who live there feel a real sense of unease about walking by themselves at night. This isn’t just a feeling; it’s backed by some serious numbers. In the first half of 2025 alone, the city saw 159 homicides, which works out to a high rate of 49.7 for every 100,000 people. This number helps explain why evenings in the city can feel so tense for its residents.
The caution people feel is widespread. Data from Area Vibes shows that only about 26% of residents believe it is safe to walk around after dark. This means a large majority of the population avoids being out on foot in their own neighborhoods once evening arrives. The city’s reputation for crime creates a genuine fear that affects how people live their daily lives.
Baltimore, Maryland
In Baltimore, many residents have learned to plan their days around the setting sun. A real sense of caution takes over the city at night, and for good reason. In early 2025, the city had already seen 170 homicides, which is a rate of 58.1 for every 100,000 people. This number isn’t just a statistic; it fuels a genuine fear that makes walking alone after dark feel like a big risk.
This constant need to be watchful takes a mental toll on the people who live there. The feeling that it’s not a good idea to be out on foot at night is a common belief shared by many. As a result, people often change their plans and daily habits simply to avoid being outside in their own city once evening arrives, showing how crime directly affects their quality of life.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In New Orleans, the lively music and culture that fill the streets during the day can feel very different after dark. People who live there are often very careful about their nighttime plans. This caution comes from knowing the city’s crime rate is over 161% higher than the national average. This big difference makes many residents feel uneasy about being out on their own once evening begins.
The numbers tell a serious story. By June 2025, New Orleans had already seen 100 homicides, a rate of 52.3 for every 100,000 people. This reality creates genuine worry for residents, who have to balance enjoying their vibrant city with staying safe. The contrast between the fun, tourist-friendly daytime and the risky nighttime is something people navigate every day.
Birmingham, Alabama
In Birmingham, Alabama, the high rates of assault and robbery create a noticeable worry among the people who live there. Its crime numbers are higher than the average for American cities, placing it on the list of places where residents feel uneasy. This has a direct effect on how comfortable people feel doing things in the evening. A simple walk after sundown is often seen as something to avoid.
This constant sense of being on guard can be draining. Many residents express feeling stuck, wishing they could enjoy their city’s nightlife but are held back by a genuine concern for their safety. This feeling goes beyond just numbers on a chart; it impacts their overall well-being and freedom to move around their own community after dark.
Kansas City, Missouri
In Kansas City, Missouri, a feeling of unease settles in when night arrives. The city recorded 1,547 violent offenses for every 100,000 people in 2024, a number that makes residents think twice about their safety. Last year also saw a 12 percent rise in nonfatal shootings and 144 homicides. These figures create a real sense of risk that hangs over the city after dark.
This concern influences how people live their lives. Many residents change their plans and social gatherings to avoid being out late, especially in certain areas. The fear isn’t just about numbers; it comes from the experience of hearing sirens and knowing that danger can be unpredictable. This leads many to stay indoors once the sun goes down.
Cleveland, Ohio
In Cleveland, Ohio, a feeling of worry often lingers after dark, even with some crime numbers going down. Through June 2025, the city had 65 homicides, a rate of 33.8 per 100,000 people. While this was a slight decrease, many residents still feel a strong hesitation about walking by themselves at night. This ongoing concern shows that statistics don’t always capture the whole story of how safe people feel in their own city.
A big part of this anxiety comes from a rise in youth violence, with more young people involved in fights, robberies, and shootings. This trend adds another layer of stress for people living there. They worry not just for their own safety, but also for the well-being of their entire community. This makes evenings a time of caution for many across the city.
Oakland, California
In Oakland, California, even though it’s near the heart of the tech world, there’s a real concern about safety once the sun sets. The city has a murder rate of 17.1 for every 100,000 people, a figure that makes many residents nervous about being out by themselves after dark. This feeling is especially strong in certain parts of the city, where the streets can feel risky once evening begins.
The official advice for visitors often reflects what locals already know: be aware of what’s happening around you and travel in groups if you can. Sticking to busy, well-lit streets is a common practice for anyone walking at night. This highlights the daily reality for residents, who have to think carefully about their safety and adjust their routes to feel more secure in their own neighborhoods.
Nashville, Tennessee
In Nashville, a city famous for its lively music scene and fun nights, there’s a different story when you look at the numbers. The city reported 1,124 violent crimes for every 100,000 people. This fact creates a real sense of worry for many who live there, especially when thinking about walking by themselves after dark. It shows a sharp contrast between the city’s fun-loving image and the actual safety concerns of its residents.
This concern affects how people experience the city. While tourists flock to enjoy the nightlife, many locals feel hesitant to do the same because of safety fears. This apprehension means that both residents and visitors alike are often reminded to be careful and aware of their surroundings, particularly once the sun goes down and the music starts playing.
How Safe Do You Really Feel After Dark?
From Detroit to Nashville, it’s clear that in some American cities, the fear of walking alone at night is a real part of daily life. The high crime rates aren’t just numbers on a screen; they shape how people feel and move around their own neighborhoods. This constant awareness and the need to stay cautious can be draining, affecting everyone’s sense of freedom and peace of mind once the sun goes down.
While it’s important to know which places require extra caution, it’s also helpful to know where you can explore with more confidence. Feeling safe shouldn’t be a luxury, and there are many cities where you can wander more freely. If you’re looking for places that offer a greater sense of security, especially for solo adventures, check out our guide to the 20 Safest Cities for Female Solo Travelers.
Want to see how other cities compare? Check out these related safety and travel guides: