South Carolina : Safety by City
- Aiken
- Beaufort
- Charleston
- Clemson
- Columbia
- Folly Beach
- Fort Mill
- Gaffney
- Greenville
- Hilton Head Island
- Isle of Palms
- Manning
- Mauldin
- Mount Pleasant
- Myrtle Beach
- North Augusta
- Orangeburg
- Pawleys Island
- Rock Hill
- Spartanburg
- St. Helena Island
- Sullivan’s Island
- Summerville
- Travelers Rest
- Walterboro
- West Columbia
North Augusta, South Carolina, situated along the picturesque banks of the Savannah River, is just across the state line from Augusta, Georgia.
That’s why the city is often referred to as South Carolina’s Riverfront, but there’s more here than just beautiful views on the banks.
How about 20 parks, 30 historic sites, and as many miles as your arms can paddle while kayaking?
Too often, cities that bear the name of a bigger city end up being sleepy bedroom communities or backup plans, but North August offers complementary activities compared to Augusta.
On either side of the river, you’re going to find a surprising number of things to do.
North Augusta also benefits from the Master’s Tournament in August each year and has a vibrant golf scene on its own account.
Not to be outdone, North Augusta ranks up in fall with the Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee festival now almost 40 years strong.
A visit to this region is truly the epitome of Southern charm and hospitality.
Warnings & Dangers in North Augusta
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk here, but I do want you to read - if nothing else - the "How Safe is North Augusta Really?" section to bring an ongoing crime concern to your attention.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Use the Best Friend Express to get around North August and Aiken, but it's not the traditional system. You just flag down a bus and hop aboard. It will also transfer you to the Augusta Transit system. Taxis and rideshares will be available, but not as robust as in bigger cities. Rental cars are plentiful at regional airports, too. All options are at a low risk.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Four purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, so that's a low risk. Shoplifting is the biggest problem here, so people capable of theft will be around you.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
This region can get everything from tornadoes to flash flooding to remnants of hurricanes, so treat it as a medium risk. I'm going to help you set up emergency alerts shortly.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
About two to three highway robberies happen each year here, which is a low risk. However, don't ever let your guard down, especially at night.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is a low risk, but during the Master's Tournament, that risk increases. However, it also comes with an immense amount of security. The most important thing you can do is report suspicious activity.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Well, I just went down a rabbit hole of information trying to address this topic. One of the biggest scams in recent history involved the Irish Travelers, a secluded community with controversial lifestyles. Police say this group largely makes money off of scamming people or stealing from them. From the looks of their lavish homes, they're pretty good at it, too. I'd recommend doing some research on this topic because there are too many layers to go into here, but treat anyone who's pitching you a service or product with a medium risk.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women have the same low risk as anyone else, but I can't stress enough how important it is to check the crime rates closer to your visit due to some ongoing issues.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The most recent report posted on the North Augusta website is from 2017, and the link to the 2022 Water Quality Report doesn't work. I can tell you that all American cities are required to comply with strict standards per the Safe Water Drinking Act. The risk is low, but if you want to ask more questions, call (803) 441-4325.
Safest Places to Visit in North Augusta
Thanks to the fact that North Augusta is in a separate state from Augusta, you get a tourism website dedicated just to North Augusta!
The site is visitnorthaugustasc.com.
To learn more about Augusta, go to visitaugusta.com.
The city website also has a section for visitors, while the North August Chamber of Commerce website adds more options and new businesses.
Explore the charming shops, boutiques, and eateries in downtown North Augusta.
From trendy cafes to unique boutiques, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy and savor delicious cuisine.
Check out the website northaugustaforward.org to learn more about downtown activities and events.
Near downtown, you can explore the seven-mile Greeneway (not a typo) Trail.
It’s named after former Mayor Greene, which is why the spelling is like that.
The trail follows an old railroad line with river views, forest sections, and several creek crossings.
The Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta is a great space to walk through, learn a little history, and explore some art displays.
Be sure to check out the gift shop with locally crafted items.
If you want a more immersive history experience, don’t miss the Living History Park, which is literally like stepping back into a mid-1700s village.
The site spans seven acres with 20 buildings.
Historical interpreters fill the park and showcase skills needed to thrive in that era.
Plus, it’s open most of the year, and it’s free!
You can’t visit the riverfront of South Carolina without enjoying some paddling, right?
Boaters, jet skiers, and kayakers all have launch locations in North Augusta.
Several festivals are held with water-related activities throughout the year, including a rafting event.
The city and surrounding region also have several epic locations for birdwatching.
Of course, you have some of the best courses in the nation between North Augusta and Augusta.
Places to Avoid in North Augusta
You don’t need to worry about dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town here.
That said, it’s still wise to stick to main roads and highways and avoid going into neighborhoods if you don’t know anyone there.
You do want to avoid Murphy Village just north of North Augusta.
That’s where the Irish Travelers live, and they aren’t very welcoming to people outside their own community.
In fact, starting a conversation with one of then could be met with hostility.
Most of the nearly 2,000 people there have one of three last names, and the men travel for work while the women stay home and raise the kids.
While it’s understandable to be curious about such a group, it’s not charming or unique, as if it were an Amish community.
You can also use the hashtag #irishtravellers to see recent posts from people within the community.
Safety Tips for Traveling to North Augusta
- The police department for North Augusta is found on Facebook @NAPublicSafety. Law enforcement is under the Public Safety Department, which includes Emergency Management and the Fire Department.
- Sign up for emergency notifications through the CodeRED system online or in the app store. This will get severe weather alerts or other public safety hazards sent to you via text, email, or phone call. In another show of state-line distinctions, Augusta uses the Everbridge system for emergency alerts.
- North Augusta has plenty of free parking throughout the business district, parks, and riverfront, but there are some metered spots. You can use the Park Smarter app to find those locations and prices.
- Fishing requires a license from the state, and some waterways in North Augusta also require a city permit. Georgia and South Carolina have a reciprocity agreement where a license from one state can be used to fish in connecting waters from another.
- Before you get near any ponds here, you should know that alligators live in the waters here. Brick Pond Park is known for having adult alligators, and in 2022, dozens of new ones were born.
- Before swimming in the Savannah River or any nearby lakes, check the Savannah Riverkeeper website or app. Weekly samples are taken, and water quality tests are posted. Don’t swim in any water with a high bacterial count. Also, learn about blue-green algae on lakes in the hottest part of summer. Don’t let pets near water that has algae present.
- One downside to being a river city is the risk of flooding. Take all flood advisories and watches seriously. Don’t ever try to drive on a road covered in water, even if you don’t think it’s that deep.
- If you want to walk across a bridge to Augusta, use the 5th Street/Freedom Bridge. It’s only for pedestrians and includes some play areas, history, and benches along the way. Even better, it’s lit up at night for a safe walk back to North Augusta.
- You’re in the deep South here, and that comes with a certain etiquette. For example, men should remove their hats when walking inside. Women, you should also know that it is proper etiquette for the men at the table to stand when a woman stands, even if you’re just going to the restroom.
- When riding a bike anywhere in South Carolina, it’s required by law that the bike has a bell so that you can signal to other people on trails. I always announce where I’m passing, such as “on your left!” as I approach pedestrians.
So... How Safe Is North Augusta Really?
According to crime data from 2022, the overall violent crime rate in North Augusta is 63% below the state average and 57% lower than the national average.
After some ups and downs over the past decade, that rate is flat.
As a city of just 24,000, it’s important to note that the crime rate and raw numbers can elicit different opinions about “how safe it really is.”
For example, we know the crime rate is low, but the raw data shows about two to three violent crimes happen a month, on average.
About one of those each month happens in a private residence, and another one of those is a robbery.
Looking at car theft, that averages out to about three a month as well, a pretty consistent number going back to 2016.
The theft rate is 40% higher than the national average.
At the same time, 40% of all thefts are shoplifting.
Another 27% are related to car break-ins and accessory thefts, but that’s largely due to people leaving their vehicles unlocked.
Unfortunately, there’s an 800-pound gorilla in the room to address.
As part of the Central Savannah River Area (CRSA), a grouping of counties in South Carolina and Georgia, this region faced a crime wave in 2023 that was spilling over into 2024.
I rarely choose to use statistics for shock value, but it’s important to note that during this crime wave, more than 150 people have been killed in two years.
This is overwhelmingly connected to gang activity, with domestic issues mixed in, but I wouldn’t be a responsible journalist if I didn’t tell you about this.
I also can’t provide 2023 crime data, as the FBI hasn’t published it, and it’s not available on the police department’s website.
Even the crime mapping option isn’t available as I write this, but hopefully, it will be up and running before your visit.
Overall, the city appears safe, but the region appears not very safe at all.
Be sure to do your due diligence by checking crime rates before your visit to see if things are improving.
How Does North Augusta Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| North Augusta | 70 |
| Philadelphia | 60 |
| Houston | 59 |
| Atlanta | 58 |
| St. Louis | 58 |
| Los Angeles | 56 |
| Oakland | 57 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
First, check to see if you're eligible for the visa waiver program. This will be the easiest visa process. Otherwise, you'll need a visa for the purpose of your trip, such as school, work, or tourism. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return date. Don't toe that line - get a new one if you're within a year of expiring.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar is accepted here, and it's wise to change your currency before you get to North August. If you're flying into Atlanta's airport, you'll find a foreign currency exchange desk there.
Weather
Winters are wonderfully mild here, with spring and fall fluctuating a bit but still being comfortable. Summers will be hot, humid, and filled with bugs. Bring comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, and sunscreen.
Airports
Augusta Regional Airport is 10 miles away. Most flights will get you to Charlotte, Atlanta, D.C., or Dallas. I've landed at this airport once, and if I didn't know better, I would've thought I was landing in someone's backyard. You can drive to the much larger (and the busiest in the nation) Atlanta airport in two and a half hours.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for providing financial protection and peace of mind against unexpected events such as trip cancelations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage while traveling.
North Augusta Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 14 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 30 | 25 | 19 | 15 |
| Low °C | 4 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 5 |
| High °F | 57 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 86 | 77 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 39 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 63 | 70 | 73 | 72 | 68 | 57 | 46 | 41 |
