Is Seattle safe? What you should know

Seattle is the city of coffee, tech geniuses, and jaw-dropping views! This Pacific Northwest gem has it all - glorious mountains, sparkling waters, and a giant troll hiding under a bridge (yes, really, it's the Fremont Troll)! Whether you’re here for the salmon toss at Pike Place Market, a ferry ride with skyline views, or some nature therapy, safety is key to a smooth adventure!

We’ll dive into tips for staying safe while soaking up Seattle’s culture, exploring the wild outdoors, and keeping your health in check! Want to navigate steep hills or get the best street food without a stomach ache? We’ve got you covered!

And don’t you worry, Seattle isn’t all drizzle (though it does rain often)! Summers are perfect for kayaking, climbing, or saying Hi to orcas (from a safe distance). So, whether you’re chasing city vibes or mountain air, stay tuned for tips that keep your trip carefree and full of stories to share!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Seattle

Looking for Seattle safety tips? You’re in the right place! This major city doesn't have a high safety index, but that doesn't mean it's dangerous to tourists! Violent crime rates are relatively high, but that tends to involve people who know each other. Plus, you shouldn't worry about the reported property crimes as long as you follow our tips and keep an eye on your surroundings! Solo travelers, friend groups, and families, buckle up for all the safety info you need!

Getting from the airport to Seattle city center

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to downtown Seattle, hop on the 1 Line train. The ride takes just 40 minutes and gives you plenty of time to explore when you visit Seattle! Capitol Hill is also within walking distance from downtown!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Seattle

Property crime happens in every big city, but you can minimize the chances of it happening to you if you keep some things and common scams in mind while visiting Seattle!

• Pickpockets: Pickpocketing is everywhere. If you don't want to be an easy target, try blending in like a local while you explore (by leaving your bags with Bounce!). Don't keep your wallet in sight or your phone in your hands. If someone is trying to chat, it's probably a distraction!
• Gold jewelry scam: People might try to sell you a sob story about losing some money and then offer their gold rings for super cheap. It might seem like a great deal at first, but when you give it a thought, why wouldn't they just sell it to a pawn shop? That’s when you’ll realize it's a scam.

Is tap water in Seattle safe to drink?

Yes, tap water in Seattle is safe! If you're not bothered by the taste, you can drink tap as much as you like! Plus, water bottles have microplastics, cause waste, and use up petroleum. So, if you're all about saving the planet, buying bottled water isn't necessary at all!

Safe accommodation options in Seattle

Issues can happen across the entire city, but let’s check out the safest neighborhoods to stay in Seattle!

1. Hawthorne Hills is a peaceful, upscale neighborhood near the University of Washington! It also has scenic views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains. The area is quiet and residential and you can stay at University Inn - A Stayinpineapple Hotel for around $160 per night. It's got a pool, university dorm-style rooms, and a fun pineapple theme!
2. Blue Ridge is a tranquil neighborhood close to Golden Gardens Park. It's residential and known for its beautiful hiking trails and views of Puget Sound. Hotel Ballard is a more luxurious option with a rooftop pavilion and an athletic club. It's around $250 a night.
3. If you're looking for shopping ops in Seattle, Laurelhurst is where it's at! Not only is it peaceful, but also super close to top-notch restaurants and boutique shops! Silver Cloud Hotel – University District has spacious rooms and premium bedding for around $200 a night.

If you really want to steer clear of dangerous neighborhoods, maybe skip Aurora Avenue, 12th and Jackson, and areas around Pike Place Market at night.

Pro tip: If you want to stay extra safe, remember Bounce! You can leave anything you can't afford to risk being stolen with us like your work laptop, documents for the most important meeting of your life, or the expensive gift you bought for your child or partner. Just find a storage location near you and rest easy with our $10,000 protection plan!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Want to blend in with the locals? We've got the cultural callouts for you!

• You may have heard of the "Seattle Freeze." It's when the locals feel friendly at first but don't form deeper connections easily. You can strike up the conversation whenever, just don't expect to be best buds anytime soon!
• Did you know that Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks? The locals love coffee so much that they made a worldwide chain for it! Take your time while you order, coffee here is an art form!
• You can dress however you like, but you should always bring a jacket. The weather by the Pacific can gets real cold, real fast!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Seattle has some unique geography, so you might be wondering what's the safest and best way to get around. Just relax, we've got you covered!

• Link Light Rail runs from Sea-Tac Airport through downtown to Northgate and is an excellent public transportation option for avoiding traffic.
• Streetcars connect South Lake Union and First Hill neighborhoods.
• You can also use buses, taxis, and ferries to get around!
• Grab the Transit GO Ticket app or an ORCA card for easy payments!
• You can also download the OneBusAway app for real-time schedules!
• Stay away from dark and isolated bus stops at night!
• If you want to drive, the rush hours are around 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. You can also use Google Maps to check if there’s any congestion somewhere and how to avoid it.

Nature and Seattle: Tips to keep in mind

Seattle is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor activities! There are plenty of opportunities to swim, hike, and explore the great outdoors!

• Alki Beach and the Lake Washington and Green Lake beaches are sandy, popular, and have lifeguards and calm waters! Those are just perfect if you're looking for beaches near Seattle!
• You can see some orcas and humpback whales in the Salish Sea, especially during spring and summer!
• Watch out for jellyfish and seals in the Puget Sound.
• Discovery Park and Mount Rainier National Park are perfect for different hike levels!
• You can also rock climb on Mount Rainier.
• When you're hiking, don't go too deep into the wilderness to avoid black bears and coyotes.
• Bring bear spray and put food in sealed bags to avoid attracting them.

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Here's everything you need to know to keep healthy in Seattle and handle an emergency:

• Always grab travel insurance, especially for the US. Healthcare costs are over the moon.
• If your life isn't in danger, don't call an ambulance. A ride can cost over $1.000.
• Air quality is usually good thanks to the natural surroundings.
• Avoid street food that’s not properly stored.
• Watch out for allergens like shellfish since they can give you a really bad time!
• 911 gets you through to an ambulance, Seattle police department. and fire department.

So, is Seattle safe?

Seattle isn't the safest US city, but it's mostly like that for locals. Pickpocketing and money scams are what you need to look out for, so travel safe! And if you want to stash anything valuable with Bounce, our round-the-clock support team can get anything you need done in no time!