11 Areas to Avoid in Atlanta 2025 – Crime Hotspots

Atlanta is one of those cities that draws you in with its mix of history, music, food, and unapologetic Southern spirit.

It’s a place where civil rights landmarks stand beside modern skyscrapers, and where neighborhoods feel like small towns stitched into a sprawling metro.

Yet, like any major U.S. city, Atlanta has pockets where assault, robbery, and murder are safety concerns.

For visitors and new residents, knowing where to stay alert is about making informed choices.

That’s why we’re breaking down the data and on-the-ground realities of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, offering a clear-eyed look at where extra caution makes sense.

The good news? With context, preparation, and a few smart habits, you can enjoy the best of Atlanta’s culture and community while avoiding most risks.

Let’s get into the neighborhoods, their safety profiles, and practical tips that help you explore the city with confidence.

Methodology

Each neighborhood mentioned was thoroughly examined based on available data, including crime rates, economic conditions, and local reputations.

Focus was placed on highlighting areas with significant safety concerns, supported by contextual information like poverty, unemployment, and revitalization efforts.

11. Center Hill

Center Hill, located just northwest of Grove Park, faces many crime issues. With high crime rates, especially violent crimes and property-related offenses, the neighborhood continues to struggle.

Poverty plays a major role in the area’s problems, and it’s slow to turn around. Again, if you’re new to Atlanta or just passing through, it’s best to exercise caution when navigating this neighborhood.

General Crime Levels and Comparisons

Center Hill’s crime rate is often reported as substantially above the national average. AreaVibes’ summary states that crime in Center Hill is 223% higher than the national average, and violent crimes are “211% higher than the national average.

According to Niche, the neighborhood has the following (annual, per 100,000 residents) violent crime figures:

• Assault: 672.2 vs national average ~282.7
• Robbery: 375.6 vs national average ~135.5

Property crime is also elevated: Homesnacks reports a property crime rate in Center Hill of 2,365 per 100,000 people.

• According to CrimeGrade, Center Hill is graded overall as D+ (meaning worse than average), with violent crime graded as D and property crime as C–.

• In terms of per-capita violent crime, CrimeGrade gives ~8.534 incidents per 1,000 residents for Center Hill.

• On risk modeling, Augurisk rates Center Hill’s “crime risk” as severe (70%) relative to other U.S. neighborhoods.

Violent Crime

Here’s a violent crime breakdown (per 1,000 residents) reported by CrimeGrade:

• Assault: 6.799
• Robbery: 0.9153
• Rape: 0.6489
• Murder: 0.1708
• Total violent crime ~8.534 per 1,000

In the local news (11Alive and AJC):

• In December 2021, a 21-year-old was shot and killed in Center Hill on Bethel Drive.
• In 2023, a shooting death of an 18-year-old outside a business strip in Center Hill led to multiple arrests.
• In August 2024, a double shooting (one dead, one injured) occurred near Hill Street close to Center Hill Park.

Property and Other Crimes

• The property crime rate is quite high (2,365 per 100,000) in HomeSnacks reports.

• CrimeGrade’s overall crime rate statistic (violent + property + other) is ~54.84 per 1,000 residents.

• On the cost of crime, CrimeGrade estimates ~$10,127,097 in total tangible crime costs for Center Hill in 2025, which equates to ~$942 per resident and ~$2,312 per household.

10. Grove Park

Grove Park is in the Northwest part of Atlanta, close to the Westside Reservoir Park. While redevelopment projects are starting to pop up, crime remains a concern, particularly violent crime and property theft.

Grove Park is an area where you’d want to remain extra cautious, especially if you’re unfamiliar with its dynamics. While the future of the neighborhood might look brighter, it’s still a place where safety should be top of mind.

Violent Crime

According to CrimeGrade, the annual violent crime rate is about 11.83 per 1,000 residents (i.e., ~1.183%). That is considered high, earning it an “F” grade for violent crime. Within that, breakdowns include:

• Assault: ~9.795 per 1,000 residents
• Robbery: ~1.161 per 1,000
• Rape: ~0.694 per 1,000
• Murder: ~0.1809 per 1,000

AreaVibes claims that Grove Park’s violent crimes are 205% higher than the U.S. average and that overall crime is 217% higher.

Caveat: The Niche numbers appear to be normalized per 100,000 people.

Property & Nonviolent Crime

For property crime, CrimeGrade estimates ~25.13 per 1,000 residents annually (i.e. ~2.5%) in Grove Park, giving it a “C” grade for property crime. That property crime includes categories like theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson:

• Theft: ~14.77 per 1,000
• Vehicle theft: ~4.763 per 1,000
• Burglary: ~5.497 per 1,000
• Arson: ~0.0975 per 1,000

Local news reports illustrate recurring property crime like thefts: e.g. a man allegedly stole power tools from a home in Grove Park in May 2025.

Recent Incidents & Patterns

• 2025 Shooting: On June 8, 2025, two people were shot in Grove Park; one victim died, as per 11Alive.

• 2025 Gunfire incident: On May 25, 2025, a man was hospitalized after being shot multiple times in an argument that escalated.

9. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, not far from Mechanicsville and Adair Park, struggles with the same problems: high crime rates, poverty, and unemployment. Although there are attempts to revitalize the area, Pittsburgh remains a place where caution is key, especially after dark.

If you’re traveling through Pittsburgh or near it, be aware of your surroundings and avoid less-populated streets. Crime is still a major issue here.

Crime Data & Comparisons

According to Niche, the Pittsburgh neighborhood shows very high rates of violent and property crime per 100,000 residents:

• Assault: ~1,724.7 per 100,000
• Robbery: ~1,089.3 per 100,000
• Burglary and theft also well above U.S. averages in property crime categories

These numbers, if accurate and well-adjusted for local population, suggest Pittsburgh experiences crime rates many multiples above national averages for those metrics.

Qualitative Accounts & Community Perception

On a local Reddit discussion, a resident writes positively about the neighborhood’s social cohesion:

“Most of my experiences have been very positive. My neighbors are very nice and look out for us … If they see anything suspicious, they’ll come knock on our door …”

On real-estate/neighborhood profile sites such as Trulia, some visitors/residents describe Pittsburgh as “well-maintained” and “on the rise.”

The redevelopment projects and civic engagement suggest that residents and local institutions are actively trying to reduce crime and improve neighborhood safety.

8. West End

The West End is a culturally rich neighborhood just southwest of downtown, and it’s becoming more popular among younger residents and artists. But even with gentrification efforts, certain parts of the West End still experience higher-than-average crime rates, both violent and property-related.

If you’re drawn to the neighborhood’s vibrant scene, it’s best to be cautious, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local vibe. Stick to busier streets, and avoid wandering alone at night.

Violent Crime & Homicides

• Shootings and homicides are recurrent. In March 2025, a night shootout left one person dead in West End, according to 11Alive.

• In January 2025, a 19-year-old was killed in a shooting in West End, per Atlanta News First.

• In May 2025, police sought help identifying suspects in a deadly shooting from some months prior in West End.

• According to AP News, in September 2023, three people were shot and killed in a daytime targeted attack near a West End mall area.

• Community sentiment reflects anxiety over gun violence: after a March 2025 shootout, residents reported growing unease and calls for more safety measures.

Property Crime, Robbery, Theft

• Armed robberies, vehicle break-ins, and general property crime are often cited in local commentary as ongoing issues, especially around transit stations and commercial zones.

• The HomeSnacks summary suggests property crime is relatively high, with a rate of ~2,365 per 100,000 people.

Emerging & Other Incident Types

• A possible kidnapping event was reported in 2025 in West End, with SWAT deployed and suspects arrested.

• There have been standoffs, deaths found inside apartments during welfare checks, and crimes near MARTA stations (shooting at station, shooting near station) in recent years.

7. Sweet Auburn

Sweet Auburn is one of Atlanta’s most historically rich neighborhoods, especially if you’re interested in the Civil Rights Movement.  That said, the area still faces issues with crime, particularly in certain pockets.

Property crimes like vandalism and burglary are common, and some areas experience violent crime as well. If you’re visiting Sweet Auburn for its historical significance, it’s best to go during daylight hours and remain mindful of your surroundings.

Overall Crime Rate

According to CrimeGrade, Sweet Auburn’s overall crime rate is about 54.57 per 1,000 residents per year.

In their grading system, Sweet Auburn gets a “D+” (i.e. higher crime than average) and ranks in the 24th percentile of safety (i.e. 76 % of neighborhoods are safer).

Violent Crime Rate

CrimeGrade reports a violent crime rate of 5.252 per 1,000 residents annually.

Breaking that Down (per 1,000)

• Assault: ~ 3.968
• Robbery: ~ 0.5930
• Rape: ~ 0.5631
• Murder: ~ 0.1274

Property Crime & Other Metrics

CrimeGrade also attributes various costs to property crimes (theft, burglary, etc.) in its “Cost of Crime” model.

According to Homesnacks, in one past reporting year, Sweet Auburn had 82 total crimes, translating to ~2,314 per 100,000 people, with ~385 violent and ~1,930 property crimes per 100,000.

High Overall Danger Ranking

PropertyClub emphasizes that Sweet Auburn is ranked as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta, being more dangerous than 98% of U.S. neighborhoods.

The violent crime rate here is 262% higher than the U.S. average, and property crimes are 171% higher, reflecting a pervasive crime issue in the area.

6. Lakewood Heights

Lakewood Heights in Southeastern Atlanta deals with more than its fair share of violent crime. Poverty, gang activity, and drug trafficking are all present here. It’s a tough spot, no doubt about it.

While there are efforts to spark development, it’s still a neighborhood where crime is a daily reality. For visitors, it’s recommended to avoid the area, particularly after dark. Exercise caution if you need to travel through it, and try to stick to more populated or better-lit streets.

Violent Crime

According to CrimeGrade, Lakewood Heights sees ~9.499 violent crimes per 1,000 residents annually, which is graded D- (much higher than U.S. average) for violent crime.

The breakdown (per 1,000 residents) includes:

• Assault: 7.719
• Robbery: 0.9493
• Rape: 0.6532
• Murder: 0.1775

The murder rate of ~0.1775 per 1,000 (≈17.8 per 100,000) places Lakewood Heights in the 13th percentile for safety (i.e. worse than ~87% of U.S. neighborhoods) in terms of murder.

• Augurisk flags Lakewood Heights as “high risk” for violent crime, projecting ~156 violent crimes in a year in its block groups.

• AreaVibes states the violent crime rate in Lakewood Heights is 11.79 per 1,000 residents.

• Compared to national baselines, violent crime in Lakewood Heights is reported by AreaVibes to be over 246% higher than U.S. averages in some assessments.

Property & Other Crime

Augurisk projects ~667 property crimes yearly in the block groups covering Lakewood Heights; significant risk of vehicle theft (~161) and vandalism (~161).

According to Niche (per-100,000 figures):

• Assault: 616.2 (versus U.S. ~282.7)
• Robbery: 339.5 (versus U.S. ~135.5)
• Murder: 37.7 per 100,000 (versus U.S. ~6.1)

Spatial & Temporal Variation

• Within Lakewood Heights, crime is not evenly distributed. CrimeGrade observes that northwest parts of the neighborhood see the most annual incidents (~46 per year in that subsection), while the northeast has fewer (≈7 annually).

• Some parts (e.g. southern portion) are considered relatively safer within the neighborhood.

• SpotCrime maps for “Lakewood Heights-Southeastern Atlanta” show clustering of recent incidents, though SpotCrime doesn’t aggregate rates in some reports.

5. Oakland City

Oakland City is another neighborhood where high crime rates, especially violent crime and burglaries, are common. Despite attempts to bring new life into the area through rehabilitation projects, crime remains a stubborn issue.

The neighborhood struggles with poverty and unemployment, which contribute to its current state. It’s a shame because Oakland City has potential, but for now, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings if you’re in the area.

Violent Crime

CrimeGrade reports a violent crime rate of 11.56 per 1,000 residents per year for Oakland City.

• Breakdown: assault ~9.356 per 1,000, robbery ~1.335, rape ~0.679, murder ~0.1879.
• CrimeGrade assigns a “D-” grade for violent crime in Oakland City.
• In percentile terms, Oakland City ranks in the 8th percentile for safety (i.e., only ~8 % of neighborhoods are considered more dangerous) for violent crime.
• The chance of being a victim of violent crime is estimated as roughly 1 in 60 in some parts, and as good as 1 in 138 in safer parts.

AreaVibes states Oakland City’s violent crime is 173 % higher than the U.S. average.

A more dramatic figure appears in Property Club commentary: “violent crime rate of 1,246 per 100,000 people” (which is equivalent to 12.46 per 1,000) for Oakland City, meaning 290 % above the national average in that analysis.

Property Crime

CrimeGrade reports a property crime rate of 34.20 per 1,000 residents in a typical year.

• This corresponds to a “D” grade for property crime.
• In safety percentile, Oakland City ranks in the 22nd percentile for property crime (i.e. 78 % of neighborhoods are safer)
• “Chance of being a victim of property crime” varies: from 1 in 19 in the southeast areas, and up to 1 in 41 in the west.

For theft specifically, Oakland City ranks in the 24th percentile for safety (i.e., theft is more prevalent than in many neighborhoods).

Risk & Predicted Incidents

• Augurisk classifies Oakland City’s crime risk as “severe” across categories: predicting ~176 violent crimes, ~751 property crimes, ~181 acts of vandalism, ~77 motor vehicle thefts in a typical block group year.

• In terms of economic cost, CrimeGrade estimates that in 2025 the total “cost of crime” in Oakland City will be about US $16,245,078, which is roughly $705 per resident, and ~$1,506 per household.

4. Adair Park

Adair Park is a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s full of historic homes and a community working hard to restore its charm. On the other hand, crime remains a real issue here.

Property crimes like theft and vandalism, along with some violent incidents, keep it from feeling entirely safe. If you love old architecture and are curious about the area, it’s worth a visit, but stay cautious—particularly if you’re new to Atlanta or unfamiliar with the neighborhood’s dynamics.

Violent Crime & Overall Crime

CrimeGrade’s broader metric (which includes both violent and property crimes) places Adair Park’s overall crime rate at 73.64 per 1,000 residents (typical year).

• In that metric, Adair Park ranks in the 9th percentile for safety (i.e. only ~9% of neighborhoods are rated less safe).

In the same CrimeGrade data, the violent crime component is ~ 13.93 per 1,000 (assault, robbery, rape, murder combined) for Adair Park.

• Examples: assault ~ 11.39, robbery ~ 1.686, rape ~ 0.6722, murder ~ 0.1753 per 1,000 residents.

AreaVibes states that crime in Adair Park is about 183% higher than the national average, and violent crime ~ 173% higher.

Property Crime

According to CrimeGrade, the property crime rate in Adair Park is about 37.70 per 1,000 residents annually.

• Broken down: theft (~ 27.71), burglary (~ 5.396), vehicle theft (~ 4.509) per 1,000 residents.

In terms of “grade,” CrimeGrade assigns Adair Park a “D” for property crime, implying above-average risk relative to U.S. neighborhoods.

Augurisk’s also flags severe risk for property crime in Adair Park: ~ 407 predicted property crimes annually, ~ 102 predicted vehicle thefts.

3. English Avenue

English Avenue shares its challenges with neighboring Vine City, and many would argue that it’s one of Atlanta’s most crime-ridden areas. The neighborhood has a long-standing history of drug-related crime and violence.

Gentrification efforts are trying to breathe new life into this community, but crime still lingers. English Avenue is known for its abandoned properties, which doesn’t help the situation. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, exercise extra caution, especially at night.

Crime Rates & Risk Estimates

According to Augurisk, English Avenue is rated as “severe risk” for multiple categories:

• 127 predicted violent crimes (per block group/year)
• 733 property crimes predicted per year
• 145 motor vehicle thefts predicted
• Acts of vandalism also flagged as high risk

In Niche’s crime & safety metrics, English Avenue shows:

• Burglary: 1,247 (per 100,000) vs national ~500.1
• Theft: 3,090.3 vs national 2,042.8
• Motor vehicle theft: 867.4 vs national ~284
• Violent crime components (assault, robbery) are also well above national averages per the same source

Property Club places the violent crime rate in English Avenue around 2,060 per 100,000 inhabitants.

2. Vine City

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CrimeWatchAtlanta (@crimewatchatlanta)

Vine City, located just west of downtown, might surprise some people due to its proximity to major attractions like Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, it’s also an area grappling with high crime rates, particularly violent crimes.

Poverty and economic struggles are deeply rooted here, and while revitalization efforts are underway, the crime rates are still a significant concern. While you might be tempted to pass through on your way to a Falcons game, it’s probably best to avoid wandering off the beaten path. Stay alert if you find yourself nearby.

Violent Crime

According to CrimeGrade, Vine City’s violent crime rate is approximately 11.64 per 1,000 residents per year. CrimeGrade.org

• Broken down: assault ~9.769, robbery ~1.071, rape ~0.6255, murder ~0.1785 (all per 1,000)
• CrimeGrade assigns Vine City an “F” grade for violent crime.

Another source, Niche, gives figures per 100,000:

• Assault: 1,223.1 (vs national ~282.7)
• Murder: 116.5 (vs national ~6.1)
• Robbery: 786.3 (vs national ~135.5)

Total Crime & Property Crime

The Homesnacks estimate:

• Total crime: ~2,545 per 100,000 residents in Vine City
• Property crime: ~2,122 per 100,000
• Violent crime component: 423 per 100,000

The CrimeGrade “crime maps” listing shows Vine City’s overall crime rate as ~59.99 per 1,000 residents (i.e. ~ 5,999 per 100,000) in one version of their mapping tool.

AreaVibes claims that “Vine City crime rates are 138% higher than the national average,” and that “violent crimes in Vine City are 261% higher than the national average.”

1. Mechanicsville – Most Dangerous Neighborhood in Atlanta

Mechanicsville, located just southwest of downtown, has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta. It’s not somewhere you’d want to hang around after dark.

High violent crime rates, along with property crimes like burglary and car theft, plague this area. Unfortunately, long-standing economic struggles and high unemployment rates have taken a toll on this community.

If you happen to pass through, especially due to its proximity to downtown, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid lingering unnecessarily.

General Crime Level

• According to CrimeGrade, the total crime rate in Mechanicsville is approximately 60.35 incidents per 1,000 residents per year.

• On property crime specifically, the rate is about 29.89 per 1,000 residents annually.

• AreaVibes presents more dramatic comparisons: Mechanicsville’s crime rates are claimed to be 271 % higher than the national average, and violent crime rates are “426 % higher” than the national average.

• Rent Own Sell claims Mechanicsville has 8,200 property crimes per 100,000 (i.e. 82 per 1,000), though that figure likely comes from less rigorously verified reporting.

In short: multiple sources agree that Mechanicsville experiences crime well above national averages and is often ranked among the more crime-intense neighborhoods in Atlanta.

Violent Crime

From CrimeGrade’s breakdown: total violent crime is ~ 12.18 per 1,000 residents (i.e. ~1.218 %).

This is further broken down into:

• Assault: ~ 10.38 per 1,000
• Robbery: ~ 1.043 per 1,000
• Rape: ~ 0.5994 per 1,000
• Murder: ~ 0.1553 per 1,000

According to Niche, the assault rate is extremely high: ~1,413.2 per 100,000 residents (i.e. ~14.13 per 1,000), compared to a U.S. average of ~282.7 per 100,000 (2.827 per 1,000).

• The same sources put robbery in Mechanicsville at ~1,027.8 per 100,000 (≈10.28 per 1,000) vs. the U.S. norm ~135.5 per 100,000.

These numbers suggest violent crime (especially assault and robbery) is a significant challenge in the area, at orders of magnitude above national norms.

Property Crime Breakdown

From CrimeGrade’s property crime metrics:

• Theft: ~ 22.20 per 1,000

• Vehicle theft: ~ 4.103 per 1,000

• Burglary: ~ 3.509 per 1,000

• Arson: ~ 0.0710 per 1,000

Safety Tips for Moving Around Atlanta

Now that we’ve covered some areas where you might want to be extra careful, let’s talk about some general safety tips that’ll help you have a good time while staying safe in Atlanta.

1. Stay in Well-Lit Areas

Whether you’re exploring or just walking around at night, stick to well-lit streets. Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood.

2. Use Public Transportation Smartly

MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system, is generally safe, but it’s wise to be extra alert late at night. Some stations are in less secure neighborhoods, so plan your routes and try to avoid waiting alone.

3. Stick to Popular Tourist Spots

Atlanta has plenty of safe, beautiful neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring. Midtown, Buckhead, and Virginia-Highland are well-policed and offer a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. If you’re new to the city, these are great places to start.

4. Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to leave the area or call for help.

5. Know When to Move On

Some neighborhoods in Atlanta are in the process of revitalization, but that doesn’t mean they’re all safe yet. Be mindful of that balance between appreciating the culture and history of a place and being aware of the present-day risks.

What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta

If you’re planning a move, finding a safe place to live in Atlanta is probably high on your priority list. City-wide crime statistics don’t give much insight into which areas are the safest, so it helps to focus on specific neighborhoods.

According to NeighborhoodScout, these are the safest spots in Atlanta based on crime rates:

• Brandon/Castlewood
• Club Forest
• Springlake/Memorial Park
• Brookhaven
• Hills Park/Bolton
• Vinings
• Druid Hills
• Pleasant Hill
• Brookwood Hills
• Marietta Street Artery/Georgia Institute of Technology

All these neighborhoods are located in the northern part of the city. One interesting exception is the Georgia Institute of Technology, which provides a safe haven in a more moderate-crime area.

University campuses often benefit from extra security measures, making them safer pockets within busier urban zones.

Final Thoughts

Atlanta is a city full of life, culture, and diversity, but like any major urban center, it has its areas where safety should be top of mind.  While some neighborhoods are still working through significant challenges, the city as a whole has much to offer.

By staying cautious, trusting your instincts, and keeping safety in mind, you can enjoy everything Atlanta has to offer while avoiding potential dangers. Stay safe out there, and don’t let anything stop you from enjoying this fantastic city!

References

• areavibes.com – Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Atlanta, GA
• niche.com – Atlanta Crime Rates and Statistics
• niche.com – Places to Live In West End
• axios.com – Violent crime in Atlanta fell again in 2024
• neighborhoodscout.com – Atlanta, GA Crime Rates
• justice.gov – Atlanta High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area – Drug Market Analysis
• propertyclub.nyc – Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta
• crimegrade.org – The Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Atlanta, GA
• 11alive.com – Rising crime makes it ‘almost impossible’ to live in their neighborhood anymore
• ovogo.com – Is Lakewood Heights, Atlanta, Safe to Live or Visit in 2024?