Is Atlanta safe?

[brasileira]

How safe do you think Atlanta is? Are there some areas that I should avoid staying or spending time in? Is petty crime common, like pickpocketing and similar?

[Andrew_Choi]

I've never encountered any such crime but I've heard from others that it happens, especially areas that have a lot of students.

[Michael_Engshun]

Atlanta is a large, sprawling metropolitan area. As such, the answer to your question inevitably is yes and no.
Generally it is safe with modest awareness and precautions. Your question hints towards a visit - popular destinations are generally safe, particularly in the daytime. As always, have an idea of where you are going and the routes. Atlanta has relatively few night time activities (compared to cities like Chicago or NYC) - it is a business city first and foremost. As such, a lot of the city business areas close around 5 or 6 pm and becomes desolate.
Being in the US, note that the emergency phone number is 911. There are non-emergency police phone numbers available but this differs in various parts of the city. I would suggest bookmarking this site: http://www.atlantapd.org/findmyzone.aspx You can use the site to see crime maps in different zones - this may really address your question best.
In the suburbs, (as known as OTP - "outside the perimeter" of the I-285 highway loop) " crime usually drops off a bit.
Hope you have a safe and enjoyable stay!

[Scott_Trinh]

I've lived in Atlanta my whole life, so I'm not sure how it compares to other cities of it's size. There are definitely places that are "safer" than others, but every neighborhood has it's "hot spots" where crime is more likely. I've never heard of pick-pocketing, but plenty of phone-snatching (walking around with headphones on and your phone in your hand) in places where there is an easy escape route (transit stations, for example).

Looking at crime statistics is always scary, so I would avoid those and try to ask around on local Facebook groups to find neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and commute. I've lived all over the east side of Atlanta (East Atlanta Village, Glenwood Park, Inman Park, Little Five Points) and currently live in Reynoldstown, and I think it's fantastic here.

Feel free to reach out about particular neighborhoods that you have your eye on, and I'll give you my impression of safety and general liveable-ness.

[adriangilliam]

Overall, Atlanta is pretty safe when compared internationally. Compared domestically, it's somewhat average in terms of petty crime (considering the major drop in the last couple decades). If you're in the Buckhead/Midtown area, you'll probably be fine. Even when walking around alone at night. If you're walking in the downtown area, you'd most likely want to be more careful. During the day there's very little crime. As a general rule, the more you head toward the Sandy Springs, the safer the town ends up being, whereas the airport is a little bit more worrisome.

[syna]

It's just like any other city in my opinion. Has its good parts and bad.