The COVID-19 pandemic, police reform, and social justice are just a few of the complex issues that Portland, like many other cities, is attempting to navigate. Despite everything, Portland is a secure city to travel to. Continue reading for in-depth answers about visitor experience and safety.
Is It Safe To Travel To Portland?
Yes, to answer briefly. There shouldn’t be much cause for concern about your trip to Portland. It undoubtedly doesn’t experience as much crime as Detroit, Houston, Seattle, New Orleans, or other major cities.
Nevertheless, Portland saw an increase in crime rates for some categories through 2021, just like the majority of other cities. So, whether it’s petty theft, robberies, gang activity, gun violence, or other minor and major forms of crime, Portland still sees its fair share of crime on a regular basis.
In fact, Starbucks just closed 2 stores because the progressive DA’s “soft-on-crime” policies have emboldened criminals; they’ll get a relatively mild slap on the wrist for burglaries or robberies. Having said that, it’s not all bad.
However, because of their higher crime rates, there are some places you should still stay away from. It is crucial to be aware of these areas before leaving on your trip so that you can choose a hotel that is not too close to them.
When visiting specific tourist attractions while on your visit, it also helps to avoid any dangerous areas.
There are many other ways to make your trip as safe as possible, and we’ll cover all the most important ones in the following sections, in addition to researching specific areas in advance.
Crime In Portland
There is a difference between the number of crimes against people and crimes against property, according to Portland’s crime rates. From April 2021 to April 2022, there were 11,194 crimes reported under the “person” category and 62,790 crimes reported under the “property” category.
Larceny, vandalism, and theft of a motor vehicle were the three offenses that were most frequently reported. But a significant amount of crime happens in Portland’s north and east, far from where most visitors stay while visiting the city.
Additionally, in order to make these areas safer, the city and the police department are working to increase social and economic stability. If you stay in the right places while visiting, your chances of being a victim of robbery, vandalism, or vehicle theft are relatively low.
If you don’t travel with a vehicle, auto theft is also unimportant. Larceny is typically the most serious type of crime you’ll need to be concerned about because of the various forms it can take.
If you’re not familiar with the term, larceny includes stealing anything that is property, including bicycles, motor vehicles, pickpocketing, and other personal items.
Be extra aware of this when you are out and about in the city because if you aren’t, you might end up the victim of pickpocketing. Keep any smaller items you can carry on you while traveling, like a purse or backpack, on your person.
If you must put them down at some point, keep them close and ideally in a location where you can easily see them.
Stealing always happens very quickly, so if you can’t see or get to your possessions quickly, you won’t have a chance to protect them from a thief.
In some of the later sections of this guide, we’ll discuss additional security measures you can take to keep yourself safe, but for the time being, let’s talk about some ways to steer clear of dangerous areas.
Are Visitors Safe In Portland?
Portland is a generally safe city, but that doesn’t mean you should relax your guard.
Assuming your smartphone will stay in a locked car, you shouldn’t leave it there in plain sight, according to common sense.
Lock your car doors and avoid leaving visible temptation because smash-and-grab thefts happen even in busy city areas.
To anyone who chooses to use a bike, we would first caution them that bike theft is a serious issue in Portland.
If you rent a bike, make sure the rental company provides you with sufficient locks (and that you adhere to their locking instructions).
By participating in a guided bike tour that visits some off-the-beaten-path areas of Portland, you can lower your risk of bike theft.
Where To Stay In Portland
Compared to places like New York City, Portland has a very small selection of places to stay. The majority of visitors decide that Downtown is their only choice.
Downtown: without a doubt, downtown is one the best places to stay in If it’s your first time visiting, go to Portland. Expect the most popular dining scene and live music venues/bars to accommodate all price ranges. Discover free galleries and museums, as well as weekend markets. You can have a luxurious stay here with boutique hotels like Woodlark.
Hawthorne: for those with a free spirit attitude, this district makes a great (and affordable) place to stay. Pubs, clubs, and a thriving nightlife scene can be found here. You can anticipate finding bookstores, retro stores, a variety of vegetarian restaurants, and much more during the day.
Central Eastside: has an industrial vibe to it (think train tracks and factories). The coffee shops and bistros in this area are well-known. Additionally, there are some excellent gastropubs. Just two examples of what you can try here are craft beer and fine dining. For the most fashionable lodgings, stay at Lolo Pass.
Travel Safety Tips
Always remember to call 9-1-1 if you find yourself in an unsafe situation. Portland’s emergency services are outstanding; they are always helpful and never ignore calls.
Keep yourself safe by only calling the number in an emergency.
- Carrying a weapon can make an attack more severe, so avoid doing so for self-defense.
- Don’t forget to contact WorldNomads for a FREE travel insurance quote so that you can receive all-encompassing assistance in the event that unforeseeable travel problems arise.
- Do not sample anyone’s drink, not even friends or acquaintances, and never let your drink leave your sight.
- Cash and valuables should be kept in a front or inside pocket, and you should decide whether you need to carry a purse or bag. If you want to be extra cautious, think about wearing a money belt.
- View additional security advice to avoid sexual assaults made possible by drugs.
- Alcohol and “date rape” drugs are used in many sexual assaults – if you are going to drink, do so responsibly and be with trusted friends so you can look out for each other.
- If you have a cell phone, keep it on you at all times.
- If you are traveling on a budget, be sure to take a look at one of the many Top Rated Hostels in Portland for a unique experience.
- Prior to your trip, be sure to check for protests or demonstrations.
- If an attacker targets someone, stay vigilant, stand tall, and project confidence because they are probably scared.
In general, you won’t need to follow any safety recommendations or rules. Imagine yourself in your own place of personal safety at home since Portland has very little crime directed at tourists.
Put yourself out of harm’s way and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home.
Final Words
Generally speaking, Portland is an excellent city to live and work in. Excellent public transportation is available, and nearby Portland taxi services are always available for your convenience. In a nutshell, you must exercise normal safety precautions when visiting Portland. There’s no doubt you’ll have a great time in Portland if you adhere to this thorough guide. Remember to bring your umbrella; the majority of the year is usually cloudy and rainy in this city. Even so, it won’t prevent you from enjoying these wonderful locations.
