A Safe and Sound Summer
The COVID-19 pandemic has led many travelers to give extra consideration to safety when planning their summer vacation. While there's no way to completely eliminate risk from your next getaway, here's a look at some of the safest destinations across the nation based on COVID-19 infection and crime rates as well as some other important metrics.
New York, New York
According to SafeWise, which recently looked at violent crime and property crime data from 2019, the areas surrounding New York City are among the safest places in the country, with 39 of America's safest cities being located within 50 miles of the Big Apple. What's more, WalletHub found that New York City saw the second-fewest traffic fatalities per capita last year and is tied for first nationwide in terms of the most law enforcement employees per capita.
Boston, Massachusetts
After NYC, Boston boasts the second-highest number of safe suburbs with 19 located within 50 miles, SafeWise determined. As a whole, Massachusetts features 17 cities on the list, which is second to only New Jersey. As the weather improves in time for summer, visitors to Boston and its surrounding cities and suburbs can look forward to a handful of unique experiences, including the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail connecting 16 nationally significant historic sites.
Washington, DC
Elsewhere on the East Coast, the nation's capital has one of the country's lowest COVID-19 test positivity rates and is making solid progress in its return to normal. Beginning June 11, capacity restrictions will be lifted at Washington, D.C. bars and nightclubs as well as at large sports and entertainment venues, giving visitors even more options when it comes to summer travel.
Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia
West of Washington, D.C. across the Potomac River, the charming Virginia cities of Arlington and Alexandria are two of the 12 safest cities in the country, scoring a 91.71 and a 90.00 on SmartAsset's safest cities index. These walkable destinations also allow for plenty of outdoor exploration for visitors who still may be wary of spending time indoors with strangers.
Hawaii
Hawaii continues to have one of the lowest COVID-19 test positivity rates in the nation heading into the summer months and is still welcoming visitors through the Safe Travels pre-travel testing program that ensures all out-of-state visitors have a negative COVID-19 test result in order to avoid the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, Texas
Located just north of Dallas, the North Texas cities of Frisco, McKinney and Plano are three of the five safest cities in America in 2021, according to the latest research from SmartAsset, which analyzed metrics such as violent crime, property crime, vehicular mortality rate, drug poisoning mortality rate and the percentage of the population engaging in excessive drinking. Frisco has the fourth-lowest violent crime rate of the 200 cities that SmartAsset examined.
Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina's capital city made the top 10 of WalletHub's 2020 list of the safest cities in America and ranks 32nd on SmartAsset's list of the safest cities across the U.S. for 2021. In addition to being a safe setting, Raleigh boasts something for every type of traveler, including history buffs, foodies and art enthusiasts as well as a plethora of outdoor activities and attractions ideal for visitors seeking a socially distant experience this summer.
Silicon Valley, California
In Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale ranks as the safest city in America for 2021. According to SafeAsset, the city boasts the 21st-lowest violent crime rate in the country (167 for every 100,000 residents). Meanwhile, nearby San Jose is tied for the 10th safest city in the nation this year, tying Sunnyvale for vehicular mortality rate, drug poisoning mortality rate and percentage of the population engaging in excessive drinking. Plus, California is eyeing a full reopening starting June 15.
Burlington, Vermont
The lakeside Vermont city of Burlington offers plenty of charm from bustling Church Street to the Green Mountains. South Burlington ranked as the second safest city in the U.S. for 2020, according to WalletHub, finishing sixth for home and community safety, a category that took into account metrics such as COVID-19 cases and assaults per capita as well as the perception of safety.
Alaska
Like Hawaii and Washington, D.C., Alaska currently has one of the country's lowest COVID-19 test positivity rates. The Last Frontier is also home to one of the safest cities in the U.S. in Juneau. An outdoor enthusiast's dream destination, the Alaskan capital ranks 21st among the 182 U.S. cities that WalletHub researched for safety last year.