LA /San Fran

csswiift

Hi guys,

Has anybody traveled to America over the past few years? We are debating a couple of weeks in USA, mainly LA and San Fran with a couple of places in between however, my OH is concerned about how safe it is these days?

any firsthand insight would be great..

Cheers

elsien

Which aspect of safety is he concerned about?

csswiift

More around safety on the streets, police presence, homelessness causing unsafety when walking around etc..

Emmia

csswiift said:

More around safety on the streets, police presence, homelessness causing unsafety when walking around etc..

Can I ask where you and your OH live currently, is it a small town, suburbia, in a city, countryside? This will have a bearing on how you/your OH perceive these risks.

How does your OH feel about walking around (potentially alone) central London / Manchester for example? Both of those places have (unfortunately) fairly large numbers of beggars, rough sleepers, homeless people - and in some areas a high police presence, some of whom (depending on where you are) will be armed (if the presence of guns is your concern).

strawb_shortcake

I was in San Francisco 20 years ago and the amount of homelessness then I've never seen anything comparable in the UK. 

I have heard from friends and colleagues that it has got worse in recent years but no one I know has ever said they felt unsafe whilst there.

tightauldgit

Haven't been for a while but there was a lot of homelessness in SF and LA when I visited them about 15 and 10 years ago but nothing to be particularly fearful of if you stick to the main tourist zones and don't wander into the parts that are probably best avoided. 

Take reports of things having gotten significantly worse with a pinch of salt as it's all highly politicised now

gwynlas

Yes there are high levels of homelessness in both cities but the tourist areas are probably as safe as the equivalent in the UK. San Fransico is more compact with good public transport but then it is well worth hiring a car and doiing a road trip between the two and visiting one or more of the national parks. Check out all hotel chains for deals, some offer evening meet and greet sessions with free food and wine/beer which can save you the cost of a restaurant meal.It would appear than expected tips these days can go up to 30% which is crazy around 20% is considered the norm

kipperman

tightauldgit said:

Haven't been for a while but there was a lot of homelessness in SF and LA when I visited them about 15 and 10 years ago but nothing to be particularly fearful of if you stick to the main tourist zones and don't wander into the parts that are probably best avoided. 

Take reports of things having gotten significantly worse with a pinch of salt as it's all highly politicised now

I've been to SF at least 4 times, though not within the past 5 years. Never felt threatened once. On one trip we had our 11yo daughter with us - and without realising it starting walking past a block that perhaps had a less salubrious feel to it. Couple of homeless ( male and female) having a proper argument but on noticing our daughter the chap said something like "kid on the block" and they temporarily ceased the argument and effing/jeffing as we walked past only to resume it once we were out of earshot. 

silvercar

According to friends SF hasn't changed since I was there a few years ago, and a recent visit to Seattle suggests its the same further along the cost.

A large number of homeless does make the area seem rough and brings its own problems including drugs. However, the homeless tend to keep themselves to themselves and are fairly harmless. They do seem to congregate into large groups, that can make the whole area undesirable.

photome

Watch a few you tube Vlogs.  Areas of LA are no go but the tourist areas are fine….
but 2 weeks in LA and SF is to long in my opinion…3 days in each should be plenty

VWPolecat

I would suggest San Diego instead of LA and SFO . LA is about the size of Cheshire with more cars and motorways than the UK. SFO has descended into a dump now.  San Diego still has lots of traffic but most things of interest are within walking distance and the coastal resorts to the North can be accessed by the Coaster  train or car.