I know most of us would rather focus on history, attractions, or overall allure when choosing our next destination, but the truth of the matter is we just don’t have the luxury to do that.
As safety and public health have become increasingly uncertain, it’s time we start to prioritize the places on our bucket list that make us feel relaxed and at ease.
But how do you figure out which ones these are?
WalletHub just conducted a study on the safest and most dangerous cities to visit in the U.S., an analysis based on key indicators like assaults per capita, traffic fatalities, and even unemployment rates.
In the end, these 5 often-overlooked cities were crowned the safest in the nation (and luckily for us, they’re all pretty interesting to visit, too!).
5. Boise, Idaho
You might be surprised to hear that the Idaho capital just recently broke its all-time tourism record since it’s not really the first place to make it to every traveler’s bucket list, but as people look for quieter, safer, and more authentic hubs, Boise becomes such an obvious choice.
Not only is the violent crime rate here low, at ~2 incidents per 1000 residents, but that number has been consistently decreasing in the past four or five years.
Combine that with the fact that here (or at least a short drive away), you’ll find some shockingly stunning natural scenery highlighted by places like Shoshone Falls Park, Twin Falls, and the Perrine Memorial Bridge, and you get the perfect quiet retreat.
4. Burlington, Vermont
If you’re looking for a place with a bit more of a vibrant city scene that still fits into the “laid-back and safe” category, look no further than Vermont’s biggest city.
Burlington remains a bit of a hidden gem, but in my opinion, that makes it all the more interesting to visit, especially this time of year.
You can explore the charming downtown area and watch a sunset over Lake Champlain all while feeling like one of the locals.
3. Warwick, Rhode Island
This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as Rhode Island is generally among the safest states in the country.
Warwick, as one of its quietest havens, is perfect for anyone traveling solo, with family, or who wants to escape the noise, chaos, and even danger of bigger cities.
What many don’t realize, though, is that this is actually a pretty incredible place to experience – between its gorgeous beaches, cultural landmarks, and adorable specialty shops, Warwick promises every traveler an experience they won’t forget.
2. Casper, Wyoming
I know that most people think of Casper as just a place you go to ski every once and again, but for those who don’t mind a more low-key getaway, it’s a fantastic place to experience year-round.
Sure, the nights here might be a bit quieter since the city is not exactly known for its thriving club scene or high-end restaurants, but you’ll get to spend your days taking in the most awe-inspiring views outdoors and exploring the quaint downtown shops and cafes – those traveling with family will have an extra amazing time.
1. South Burlington, Vermont
Vermont makes another appearance, this time with the big winner – South Burlington.
Famous for its pristine environment, excellent quality of life, and of course, stellar safety record, this small yet dreamy city is everything you wish for during those particularly stressful days.
You can spend your time here strolling through Red Rocks Park, relaxing with a good drink in one of the local bars, or, better yet, enjoying a full-on guided brewery tour.
Most Dangerous Cities To Visit In The U.S.
So, we now know which places promise us the greatest peace of mind while traveling, but are there any cities those of us who prioritize safety should avoid altogether?
While it’s hard to speak in absolute terms when it comes to topics like these, there were a couple of destinations that scored pretty poorly in the WalletHub survey, so if you were planning on visiting any of them it might be best to rethink your plans, or at the very least, take some extra safety measures:
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Detroit, Michigan
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- New Orleans, Louisiana
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.