Is Fremont Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Fremont, situated near the southeastern edge of the San Francisco Bay, about halfway between San Jose and Oakland, is one of four cities that make up the San Francisco Bay area in Northern California.

Founded in 1797 by the Spanish and incorporated in 1956.

Fremont took its name from the military governor and United States Senator, General John C. Frémont.

Historically, the city organizes its 234569 residents into districts with unique flavors, flares, and problems. In the early 1900s, Fremont was the earliest home of California’s motion picture industry and a favorite filming location of Charlie Chaplin.

Fremont is a high-technology mecca home to Apple, Kaiser Permanente, Seagate Technologies, and General Motors.

The past decade’s surge in hi-tech companies fueled the area’s unprecedented growth.

The average home price in Fremont is $1,344,300.

However, the average income per household is only $103,591.

Warnings & Dangers in Fremont

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, Fremont is not one of the safest cities in America due to an almost 23% increase in crime. The chances of being a victim of crime in Fremont is 1 in 36, with robbery the most common offense throughout the city.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

San Francisco has numerous taxi, rideshare, and private transport companies. To stay safe, keep to legitimate transportation companies and be aware of the people around you on a bus, railway, and metro station. Always have a backup to your transportation plans, as Fremont rideshare companies are known for dropping assignments. And counting the exact amount of a cab or bus fare before boarding prevents a traveler from flashing cash.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets steal wallets, passports, cell phones, and other valuables from people's clothing and bags in public. In Fremont, like most high tourist cities, robbery and petty larceny are a significant danger based on Fremont police statistics. To minimize chances of being a target, keep valuables close, do not flash cash. Do not set purses or backpacks on the backs of chairs.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Fremont sits in Northern California along deep fault lines, so earthquakes are always possible. When it rains, flash floods and mudslides also present a danger. During the Summer, canyon fires spread quickly by hot winds.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Fremont and the entire Bay Area have significant social issues, and robbery is the most prevalent crime throughout the city. 45A mugging occurs when someone is attacked and robbed in public. The best possible defense is to be aware of your surroundings, and do not flash your valuables.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorists are individuals or small groups inspired to act by a specific ideology. These attacks usually target public events or places. Following law enforcement instructions and staying up to date on local news can protect you from danger.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Most scams in the area are either by phone or email and national or international. The exception would be panhandling - a noticeable problem in densely populated or designated homeless regions of town. A common scam is tampering with ATM and credit card reading machines. Be aware of street ATMs.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There is a substantial risk of muggings and pickpockets regardless of gender. The risk specifically to women is low or equal to most cities.

TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM

Although determined by the EPA as safe to drink, the Fremont Watershed rates are of less quality than the United States' average. The area receives its fresh-water supply from the Alameda County Water District (ACWD), California State Water Project, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and Alameda Creek Watershed.

Safest Places to Visit in Fremont

Fremont is an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise with 107 trails covering 742 miles.

And for the less active traveler, Fremont boasts an incredible arrangement of nature and history-based activities.

At the heart of the city’s history is Mission San José, a 1700s Spanish Mission with a reconstructed church and a museum.

One of the most unique is the Niles Canyon Railway’s “Train of Lights,” an hour-long journey through the Niles Canyon traveling in twinkling carriages.

Another local favorite is Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum, a preserved 19th Century home open to the public.

A local favorite is Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, which traces film history in California.

Another safe and unique gallery in Fremont is the Olive Hyde Art Center, which showcases local and regional talent.

Places to Avoid in Fremont

Each of the neighborhoods or districts of Fremont is distinct.

Some cater to hipsters, college students, techies, and artists.

Some areas and designated homeless camps.

These different districts offer culture and history, but some also carry social issues and risks.

Generally, according to Fremont police crime statistics, downtown Fremont and the southeast part of the city are the most dangerous.

Based on crimes reported data, some neighborhoods and areas of concern include Irvington, Downtown, Cherry Guardino, Centerville, Sundale, and 28 Palms.

Other public places in Fremont to avoid or take precautions include large gatherings, areas along Almeda Creek, the general waterfront areas, and parks if you are out at night.

While Mission San Jose is a true landmark, the area around the park after dark deserves caution.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Fremont

So... How Safe Is Fremont Really?

Fremont is relatively safe.

Overall, Fremont’s crime rates are 7% higher than the national average, with violent crimes 57% lower than the national average.

But year over year, crime in Fremont is up 23%.

A crime occurs every 1 hour 19 minutes (on average) in Fremont.

But, as with all cities, there are more problematic areas.

General precautions are always recommended when traveling, including not carrying cash, staying with the group, and being aware of your surroundings.

When asked, locals consider the Northeast part of the city the safest.

In general, you have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of crime and a 1 in 601 probability of facing violent crime in Fremont.

However, according to statistics, more crimes occur in the southeast parts of Fremont -151 per year.

The southwest part of the city ranks the safest, with two crimes per year.

Fremont’s more violent crimes occur most often in parks such as The San Jose District and along waterfronts and docks.

Panhandlers are common as well as pickpockets throughout the city.

But, petty theft is more prevalent in the downtown area.

Avoid dark alleys and people that suddenly approach.

Aggravated assault is the most commonly reported offense in Fremont.

At the same time, theft is the most prevalent non-violent offense and is common throughout the city.

Property crime is twice the national average, and the risk of automobile theft is 2.5 times that of other cities.

All tourists should take standard precautionary measures, just as they would in any other city or hometown.

How Does Fremont Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

The United States visa policy can take time, so start early. International tourists may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa via visa-free travel. Many countries have a basic non-immigrant reciprocity policy where only a passport and purchase declarations are necessary. The process is straightforward for those requiring tourist visas with a 160 USD fee. Student and work visas fall into different categories. If there are questions about a particular visa type or status, contact the local U.S. embassy for more detailed information.

Currency

The currency in Fremont is the same throughout the United States, the United States dollar, abbreviated USD. One easy way to quickly exchange foreign currency for U.S. dollars is to withdraw funds from a recognized ATM found throughout the city. Airport kiosks and most branded banks can assist with currency exchange. However, luckily, most businesses and tourist locations accept credit and debit cards. Places like the downtown farmers' markets and street vendors or food trucks may ask for cash. Fremont is expensive. An average day will cost about $150 daily.

Weather

Fremont has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and mild, wet, foggy winters, typical of the San Francisco Bay Area. Precipitation is low thanks to the protection from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west. Rain is minimal, but it is the Bay area, so damp and foggy weather is a good bet in winter. When packing for Fremont for most of the year, think in layers, with a sweater or light jacket for evenings.

Airports

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the closest international airport to downtown Fremont. Oakland International is 20 miles away, and San Francisco International Airport is across the bay, 31 miles from Fremont. Several executive airports and helipads populate the area, including Hayward Executive Airport, which sits 13 miles north of the city. Taxis and rideshare companies service all airports.

Travel Insurance

Regardless of where you are, buying travel insurance is a must. A travel insurance policy will cover general illness, major medical emergencies, and associated expenses in most cases. Travel insurance also covers the loss or theft of luggage and valuables. Remember to read the policy carefully before purchasing.

Fremont Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

California - Safety by City