Is Salem Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Salem is generally safe for solo female travelers. It has a low crime rate, the locals are friendly and welcoming, and there is good street lighting at night. Public transportation is reliable and taxis are also available. Always practice common caution like any other city. There are also emergency services available 24/7 and people are willing to help if needed.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

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How safe is Salem?

Safety at night:Moderate

Salem, US is relatively safe, but like any other city, it advises caution, especially during the night time. While the central, touristy areas are generally secure, walking alone in less crowded and dimly lit areas might not be the safest choice. Ensure staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding lonely side streets, and prioritizing well-lit, populated paths and areas whenever possible.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Salem is generally considered secure. The buses and trains are regularly patrolled and have security measures in place. Drivers and operators are typically helpful and vigilant. However, always stay aware of your surroundings, especially during late-night hours or in less crowded areas. As a solo traveler, it's always wise to stay alert and attentive to your environment.

Street harassment:Low

Salem is generally a safe city with relatively lower instances of street harassment. While no place is entirely free of such encounters, many solo female travelers report feeling safe and comfortable here. However, like any city, it's important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially during the night or in less crowded areas.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Salem maintains a relatively safe environment, the city isn't entirely free of petty crimes. It's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded tourist spots or at night. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching incidents occur occasionally, but the overall rate is moderate compared to larger cities. Be mindful of standard safety practices and take suitable precautions to avoid any negative experiences.

Is Salem worth visiting?

Solo travel

I went on a one-day trip to Salem. Personally, I thought one day was enough to see everything I wanted. I departed on the first ferry and returned around 4:00 PM. I really enjoyed wandering around and visiting a few "witch museums" as well as the Gable House.

Posted: May 6, 2023

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Is Salem safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Grace

I have only been in Salem for a year, but have not experienced or witnessed any crime or harassment myself. There is a very inclusive community here and it is knows as a sanctuary city for lgbtq, immigrants and nerds. That said, I’ve heard of the locals getting verbally scrappy if they suspect someone is being harassed, so that’s the extent of contention in my experience.

Posted: June 20, 2025

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Mallory

I have only lived in Salem NH for a few years now but I would say I have never felt unsafe! Of course us girls will always have our guard up because of the world we live in but in Salem I do feel very safe! My neighborhood especially is awesome, lots of families with young kids and lots of doggies!

Posted: December 29, 2024

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