15 Areas to Avoid in Detroit, MI [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]
As an avid traveler and tourist, I’ve had the chance to explore many different cities across the country. While most have their charming neighborhoods and must-see attractions, there are often a few areas to avoid in Detroit that visitors are better off avoiding. With its deep history and diverse communities, this city is no exception. Though I love experiencing all that Motor City has to offer, over the years I’ve learned there are certain parts of town that tourists should steer clear of if possible.
In this article, I’ll share my insight on the key areas to avoid in Detroit as someone who wants fellow travelers to stay safe while getting the most out of their visit. By being aware of some of the most potentially dangerous or run-down zones, we can focus our time on all the great things Detroit has to offer.
Areas to Avoid in Detroit
1. Belmont
Belmont, a small neighborhood on Detroit’s north end, is one of those areas I recommend avoiding if possible. Located between Highland Park and the better-known Boston-Edison district, Belmont suffers from extremely high crime rates, vacant houses, and poverty. Visitors wandering into the area may be targeted for muggings or theft, as the neighborhood has gained a reputation for drug dealing and gang violence as well. It’s a very run-down section with not much to offer tourists, so I suggest avoiding Belmont altogether and sticking to safer zones nearby.
Address: Belmont, Detroit, MI, USA
2. Petosky-Otsego
Just west of Belmont, the Petosky-Otsego area is another section of Detroit’s north end that has a high crime rate and many vacant, deteriorating houses. There is widespread poverty and not many reasons for travelers to visit. Due to its isolation from major attractions and the significant danger posed by crime, I’d recommend avoiding Petosky-Otsego unless you have a specific reason to go there. Nearby neighborhoods like Boston-Edison and Arden Park are much safer and more scenic areas to explore instead.
Address: Petosky-Otsego, Detroit, MI, USA
3. Van Steuben
Van Steuben is one of the key areas to avoid in Detroit, located on the city’s northeast side. This small community area sits between the East Side and West Side neighborhoods. With high rates of violent crime and gang activity, blocks of abandoned houses, open-air drug markets, and a general sense of danger on the streets, Van Steuben is an area visitors should steer clear of when exploring Detroit. As a tourist myself, I found there is not much to see or do here anyway. With safer neighborhoods nearby, I recommend staying away from Van Steuben altogether if you want to avoid potentially dangerous areas in Detroit. Sticking to other zones of the city is wise.
Address: Van Steuben, Detroit, MI, USA
4. Fishkorn
Sitting between Van Steuben and Poletown East, the tiny neighborhood of Fishkorn is another high-crime area with little to offer visitors. Also known as Fiskhorn, this small enclave suffers from poverty and vacancy, with open-air drug trafficking not uncommon. As a tourist looking to explore Detroit’s culture and landmarks, I found no reason to visit Fishkorn. For your own safety and enjoyment, skipping this pocket of Detroit is wise. Nearby zones like Eastern Market, Lafayette Park, and Greektown have much more to see and do without the danger.
Address: Fishkorn (Fiskhorn), Detroit, MI, USA
5. Warrendale
In Detroit’s far northwest corner lies Warrendale, a sparsely populated area flanked by highways and industrial zones. While not as dangerous as some other entries on this list, Warrendale contains abandoned buildings, high poverty levels, and relatively high crime rates. As a tourist, I found little reason to visit this isolated neighborhood. With the much more scenic Palmer Park area nearby, Warrendale can easily be avoided for a more rewarding Detroit experience. Stay alert if passing through en route to other destinations.
Address: Warrendale, Detroit, MI, USA
6. Greensbriar
Located on Detroit’s far southwest side, the Greensbriar neighborhood is plagued by poverty and a high occurrence of violent crimes. There is ongoing gang activity, drug trafficking, and prostitution in this area. Burned-out and vacant houses are a common sight as well. As a tourist looking to enjoy Detroit’s cultural offerings, I saw no reason to visit Greensbriar and instead suggest staying away. With more attractions found downtown or in nearby neighborhoods like Corktown, skipping Greensbriar altogether is the savvy move.
Address: Greensbriar, Detroit, MI, USA
7. Franklin Park
Sitting just north of downtown, Franklin Park unfortunately has a reputation for high rates of car theft, assaults, and robbery. Visitors are wise to avoid the area, especially at night. Like Greensbriar, Franklin Park has many vacant and abandoned properties, giving criminals places to conduct illegal activity out of sight. Tourists are better off sticking to downtown, Midtown, or Eastern Market areas where there is more happening. While no section of a major city is entirely safe, Franklin Park stands out as especially risky.
Address: Franklin Park, Detroit, MI, USA
8. Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald, nestled on Detroit’s northwest side between Livernois Avenue and McNichols Road, is an area tourists should take precautions in. A locale with high poverty levels, many vacant houses, and frequent criminal activity, Fitzgerald poses safety risks to visitors. From robberies to drug deals, illicit activity takes place on Fitzgerald’s streets, especially at night. As an avid traveler, I found little reason to visit Fitzgerald anyway. For your own safety, avoid this neighborhood when exploring Detroit.
Address: Fitzgerald, Detroit, MI, USA
9. The Eye
“The Eye” is a street intersection located on Detroit’s northeast side where Gratiot Avenue meets Seven Mile Road. The area has heavy traffic but also a high concentration of impoverished neighborhoods with high crime rates. Visitors may want to avoid driving through The Eye if possible due to risks like car theft or carjackings. As a tourist myself, I found no reason to travel through this intersection anyway, so bypassing it altogether if you can is wise. Nearby spots like Eastern Market have much more to offer without the same risks.
Address: The Eye, Detroit, MI, USA
10. Poletown East
Sitting just above downtown Detroit, Poletown East is a district tourists should take precautions in. Bound by Gratiot Avenue to the north, Chene Street to the south, and I-75 to the west, the area saw rapid white flight and economic decline after the 1980s. Today Poletown East suffers from poverty, many vacant buildings, and higher crime rates. While there are some Cuban and Hispanic restaurants and shops worth exploring here during the daytime, visitors should be very careful at night. Staying downtown or in Midtown is safer if possible.
Address: Poletown East, Detroit, MI, USA
11. Brush Park
Just north of downtown sits Brush Park, one of America’s oldest neighborhoods. While the area has historical charm, it has suffered from severe decline, with many vacant Victorian mansions and abandoned buildings. Visitors should take care here, especially at night. Robberies and other property crimes pose risks after dark. Staying downtown or in bustling Midtown is a safer alternative at night. During the day, Brush Park’s architecture and history can be appreciated cautiously by tourists. But use common sense and don’t stray from major streets here after dark.
Address: Brush Park, Detroit, MI, USA
12. Weatherby
Weatherby is a small neighborhood on Detroit’s east side between Van Dyke and Mound Road. Plagued by economic decline, many empty houses, and higher crime rates, Weatherby poses risks to visitors. As a tourist myself, I found no attractions drawing me to Weatherby, so bypassing it altogether is an easy choice. Nearby districts like East English Village and Morningside are safer and more scenic for travelers looking to explore Detroit’s neighborhoods. Use caution if passing through Weatherby en route to other destinations.
Address: Weatherby, Detroit, MI, USA
13. Carbon Works
Carbon Works is an industrial area on Detroit’s south side, situated south of Mexicantown. While it contains some important historical factory buildings, the area also has high vacancy rates, poverty, and frequent criminal activity. Tourists would be wise to avoid Carbon Works, especially at night when it becomes hazardous. As an avid traveler myself, I found no reason to visit Carbon Works during my Detroit trip. Focus your time on the city’s cultural attractions and neighborhoods where there is more to safely experience.
Address: Carbon Works, Detroit, MI, USA
14. East Detroit (Eastside)
Not to be confused with the actual city of East Detroit, the broad area referred to locally as “The Eastside” has a mix of neighborhoods, some thriving and others more dangerous. Vacancy and crime tend to rise as you travel farther east outside the city limits. Sections of the Eastside like East English Village are very pleasant, while others pose risks. Exercise caution exploring here, do research ahead of time and avoid pockets with frequent criminal activity. There are safer central parts of Detroit for tourists to focus on instead.
Address: East Detroit (Eastside), Detroit, MI, USA
15. Southwest Detroit
Southwest Detroit is a large area below downtown that encompasses other districts like Corktown, Mexicantown, and Springwells Village. Most sections here are considered safe, with a vibrant culture and lots to do. However, travelers should take some precautions around Clark Park and Clark Street, where illegal activity has been reported. Avoid walking alone here at night. With common sense Southwest Detroit offers an authentic experience, just remain street smart after dark like in any big city.
Address: Southwest Detroit, Detroit, MI, USA
Conclusion
While Detroit has seen tough times, the city is filled with pride, resilience, diversity, and energy just waiting to be explored. By avoiding some of the most high-crime and vacant areas to avoid in Detroit, tourists can safely experience the best of what Detroit has to offer. From the Motown museum and Belle Isle to buzzing districts like Midtown and Corktown, there is so much for visitors to soak up in Motor City. Stay vigilant, do your research, and focus on all the culture, food, and attractions that make Detroit such an iconic American destination. By using common sense and good judgment, you’re sure to have a rewarding and memorable visit. Just remember to steer clear of the zones mentioned above, the key areas to avoid in Detroit, and your Detroit trip can be smooth, enjoyable, and full of great memories.
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