Studying in the US: 9 Website Tools to Help You Choose Safe Cities and Schools

Many families considering studying in the United States often ask: Is it safe to study in the US?

Overall, most areas in the US are relatively safe, particularly college towns with strong safety records. However, some neighborhoods do have higher crime rates. So how can students and families identify safer areas and schools? What resources can help evaluate a community’s safety?

Understanding Safety When Studying in the US

 

Regional Safety Differences
Safety levels vary across states and cities. Large urban centers, low-income neighborhoods, and busy commercial districts generally have higher risks, while suburbs, small towns, and areas near universities tend to be safer. For example, Thousand Oaks, California, and Fishers, Indiana, are among the safest cities in the US, whereas Birmingham, Alabama, is considered one of the more dangerous cities.

Campus Safety Measures
American universities prioritize student safety. Many campuses have dedicated police departments, provide security escort services, and use surveillance systems to ensure a secure environment for students.

Student Responsibility
Students also play an important role in maintaining their own safety. International students are encouraged to follow local laws, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid high-risk behaviors, such as walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Safe University Areas in the US

 

Northeast
States such as New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are home to many well-known universities and generally safe communities. New York University and Columbia University in New York are popular choices for international students. Princeton University in New Jersey is particularly recognized for both its academic excellence and safety. The town of Princeton has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

Midwest
States like Illinois and Michigan also offer excellent universities with safe campuses. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor are widely chosen by international students. Ann Arbor, where the University of Michigan is located, benefits from a strong campus police presence and security escort services, creating a secure environment for students.

West
California and Washington State attract a large number of international students. Universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University combine high academic standards with strong campus safety measures. Stanford University, located in Palo Alto near Silicon Valley, is situated in a region with low rates of violent crime.

9 Online Tools to Check Safety in the US

 

To help students and families assess safety, Ivy Talent has compiled nine reliable online resources that provide crime data, neighborhood information, and safety ratings:

1. 1. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program
   Provides national, state, and local crime statistics, including violent crimes (murder, robbery, rape) and property crimes (theft, vandalism). Updated annually or quarterly, the UCR helps track trends in community safety.
2. 2. NeighborhoodScout
   Offers crime rates, safety ratings, school ratings, housing trends, and demographic information. It helps compare neighborhoods for safety, quality schools, and affordable housing.
3. 3. CrimeReport
   Allows users to search recent local crime information by address or neighborhood. An interactive map makes it easy to view the real-time safety situation in a community.
4. 4. AreaVibes
   Provides livability scores based on factors such as crime, education, housing, and amenities. Safety ratings and crime statistics allow users to compare neighborhoods for overall livability.
5. 5. City-Data
   Offers detailed statistics for cities and towns, including crime rates, demographics, cost of living, and historical or economic information. This helps users understand a community’s characteristics in depth.
6. 6. SpotCrime
   A free crime mapping tool that shows recent robberies, assaults, and thefts. It uses data from law enforcement and news reports to highlight local crime hotspots.
7. 7. National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)
   Allows searches by address, city, or zip code to identify registered sex offenders in an area. This is particularly important for families with children or elderly residents.
8. 8. Local Police Department Websites
   Many local police websites provide crime data, alerts, and preventative guidance. Checking these sites helps users stay informed about real-time safety conditions.
9. 9. U.S. Census Bureau
   While not focused on crime, census data on population, income, education, and density can help evaluate community characteristics and overall livability.

Tips for Choosing Safe Schools and Communities

 

• Prioritize areas with low crime rates and strong campus safety systems.
• Understand and follow local laws and regulations.
  Stay vigilant and avoid high-risk behaviors.

In a secure environment, students can focus fully on their studies and personal growth. We aim to help every student find a safe and suitable school.

For personalized guidance on selecting schools in the United States, contact us at Ivy Talent. Our consultants provide one-on-one professional support to help students make informed decisions.