Is Berkeley Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Berkeley generally ensures the safety of solo female travelers. The city precinct and local communities are active in keeping the peace and order situation. The neighborhood is warm, and most places are safe to explore during the day and night. However, like any other urban areas, it is advisable to remain alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.

Safety rating

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How safe is Berkeley?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Berkeley, is relatively safe overall, but it's always important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at night. While the areas near the University and downtown are generally well-lit and busy, some parts of the city can be quieter and darker, increasing the potential risk. Personal safety can depend a lot on where exactly in Berkeley you're walking and at what time. Use common sense when walking alone at night. Public transportation and taxis are also available.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Berkeley, is generally reliable and safe. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and buses are available and they run fairly regularly. Security is present, although it's always noteworthy for travelers to still be vigilant about their surroundings, especially at night. Driver conduct is normally professional and most locals find the service acceptable. Unexpected circumstances can happen, like in any other city, so always be aware.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Berkeley is generally a safe and progressive city, well-accustomed to women travelers and residents alike. The university atmosphere and liberal culture make it a relatively welcoming place. However, like any metropolitan area, unwanted attention or occasional harassment can occur, particularly late at night. It's recommended to always be aware of your surroundings, try not to walk alone late at night, and always trust your instincts.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Berkeley, while being a charming city, has also seen occurrences of petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing. It's essential to be cautious about personal belongings and to refrain from leaving valuables visible in the car. As in any urban area, nighttime can bring increased risk, and it is always wise to remain vigilant, although Berkeley is generally considered safe and locals are friendly and willing to help.

Is Berkeley worth visiting?

Is Berkeley safe for women?

Safety index

2.7 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

1.1 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Lots of unhoused people can make people feel unsafe, but I've never heard of any issues with them. Also Berkeley has very poor night lighting which can feel skeezy, but I just turn on my phone flashlight.

Posted: January 23, 2025
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Minya

Minya

not super safe alone at night ! high crime rate, lots of students but best to stay in groups. keep an eye out especially in the downtown areas. bart and bud are generally safe during day, but again be cautious at night.

Posted: August 17, 2024
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Meet locals in Berkeley

Jean

Jean

About Me

Hello my name is Jean and I live in a garden cottage in Berkeley w two kittens. Among other things I enjoy playing music, writing, surfing, swimming, yoga and eating delicious food (which I’ll make if I have to ;). I look forward to meeting other lady travelers!

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Flora

Flora

About Me

In my 40s, from California, exploring this wide world one day at a time.

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Stay with locals in Berkeley

Jean

Jean

Berkeley

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello my name is Jean and I live in a garden cottage in Berkeley w two kittens. Among other things I enjoy playing music, writing, surfing, swimming, yoga and eating delicious food (which I’ll make if I have to ;). I look forward to meeting other lady travelers!

Speaking

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Minya

Minya

Berkeley

Can host for:

3 days

About me

hi there ! i’m a student at UC Berkeley studying music and botany. traveling around on a budget and hoping to meet and connect with lots of interesting people :-)

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Safety in United States