travel to Miami solo, mission impossible?

Question

have just read a post about safety in Miami
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Florida/Miami_Beach-763638/Warnings_or_Dangers-Miami_Beach-Bad_neighborhoods-BR-1.html

I'm reallly really scared. seems all the posts say it's NOT safe in Miami, not alone for female solo traveler.

I don't know how to drive, so have to either take a tour or taxi.maybe subway...?
what's the bad areas please? thanks a lot

Answer 1

It all depends on where in Miami you will be staying/visiting. There are lot's of safe places in Miami. Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Bal Harbour, Aventura, Pincrest, Doral, Miami Lakes, North Miami Beach, Coral Gables are all safe places.

Answer 2

What that site said was crazy and to the extreme. Yes Miami is not the safest city in the world but its not the worst either. Just like many other large cities, LA,DC,NYC,Chicago,Atlanta etc.. Miami has its bad areas but there is no reason you should end up in them. And since your not going to rent a car than you wont have to worry about getting lost. Just use COMMON SENSE! Do go anywhere alone in empty dark places etc... If you just be smart you should be fine. Miami Beach and the Tourist areas of Miami are very safe and you should not have a problem at all.
Enjoy the trip. Be smart and be safe

Answer 3

I was 19 when I moved to Miami by myself (and yes I'm female). Like everyone says, of course there are not safe areas, but it's mostly west Miami or anywhere west of I-95 (that is my personal opinion). But the coastal area's like Hallandale, Sunny Isles, Aventura, Bal Harbor and South Beach area are safe, I find. Just in South Beach when you are walking off the strip area be on the look out for a possible creepy looking guy or so. I like Aventura alot (that's where I lived) it has a great mall and restaurants, the beach is nice in Sunny Isles and South Beach is great to go shopping, etc. Coconut Grove is not the best area anymore, just stay in the shopping or night life areas. In conclusion, Miami is safe, just like every city there are certain areas to look out for, don't be scared bc the website is slightly extreme. Hope this helps and have a good trip.

Answer 4

Alll you need is to get a map and highlight the good areas to visit, just like you would in New York or Atlanta. Miami city, like between the airport and downtown can be sketchy, but Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables, Hollywood, Key Biscayne are all basically safe and nice. Just rent a car and be smart. It is a big city, but has pockets of great beauty and interest. Read up on it in a savvy guide like LonelyPlanet Guide to USA.

Answer 5

You probably seen too much of CSI MIAMI. All of the above answers had good info about bad/ good areas. If you stay in Sunny Isles, South Beach, Coral Gables areas you get nightlife, shopping and restaurants close to you. Depends what you looking for on your trip here. You do need a car here but it might be confusing if you not familiar with the area and lots of people here drive like crazy , lot of rude drivers. So it might be a good thing that you don't drive ( and you not the only one, beleive me!). Also a lot depends on you being "street smart", being aware of your surroundings like in any other place ( exept if you are from a REALLY small town, you might not have the sence of it).There are bad and good ares everywhere in the word.

Answer 6

I am a 21 year old female Miami native...born and raised. There is no reason to be so fearful of coming to Miami...yes there are many crimes committed here, but it doesn't matter where you are nowadays...you can be in your own home in a different city and somebody comes in and harms you. Just be street smart and use common sense. Do not go walking around with expensive looking jewelry(unless you are going to an event where you are suppose to dress up), do not go walking around or leave a store with cash in your hand or even a credit card....stick it in your purse or wherever and always be aware of your surroundings because people do watch people and wait for opportunities to do things. If you are out at night, don't go down any lonely area or quiet area...certain areas in Miami-Dade county have a higher crime rate(shootings, rape, robberies, murder, hit&runs, etc.)...Neighborhoods like Overtown, Liberty City, Florida City, Opa-Locka, Miami Gardens, Little Haiti, Goulds, Allapattah, certain parts of Coconut Grove, Perrine, etc. Again just be street smart and know where you are going in advance. If you find yourself lost or need help...don't ask somebody on the street, go into a business and ask for assistance. And if you get a bad vibe or feeling with anyone or anywhere...go with your gut. And if you can get your hands on some pepper spray or mase carry it with you when you are out (i do...lol). To tell you the truth, many of the violent crimes that take place in Miami are between people who got beef or problems with one another...not all but many. Just be aware again of your surroundings...i can't emphasize that enough and be street smart...and you should be fine. Check out the following website and see what you would like to do and where to go...make definite plans so you don't look lost: http://www.gmcvb.com/Index.asp Hope i helped...email me if you anymore questions or concerns

Answer 7

Its not that bad! Like any big city, you just have to use common sense- if you are just coming for vacation or short term, I would stay on the beach or in Coral Gables as there are plenty of places to eat and shop in easy walking distance. Miami Beach has a good local commuter bus service, and Coral Gables has a local trolley service that also connects to Metrorail in case you want to go to South Miami or Dadeland, or downtown. You just don't want to be wandering around by yourself in the wee hours of the morning. You do not want to be hanging out in overtown, liberty city, opa locka any time of day or night. Tourist area of Coconut Grove is ok, most of South Beach....just use your head and you'll be fine.