This Dothan travel safety guide answers all safety-related questions, including is Dothan Alabama safe for travel, the safest and most dangerous places, safety tips, and more.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started –
Is Dothan Alabama Safe?
Dothan is one of the largest and most progressive cities in Alabama and is known for its soothing natural scenery and soul-filling culture. The air of Dothan is very refreshing. It is surrounded by the Dale, Henry, and Houston Counties of Alabama.
Dothan has an average population of 70,000. It is among the largest cities in Alabama but gives you a town vibe when you visit the place.
Every year people across the world visit Dothan during the National Peanut Festival, which happens only in Dothan. The place is enriched with historical landmarks of the civil war. If you are planning to visit Dothan for vacation, then you will get to experience sports events, cultural music festivals, art performances, and many more.
Famous mouthwatering dishes in Dothan are shrimp, oysters, seafood gumbo, and baked potato. You should definitely try these if you are in the city.
Warnings & Dangers in Dothan, Alabama
According to a local survey, Dothan is considered among the safest cities in Alabama. The crime rates are average. Crimes like Property theft and violence are quite common, but otherwise, the city is safe, according to the locals.
Transportation Risk – Low
You can find public buses easily without any worry. If you are visiting for the first time, it’s better to go for a rental car. Taxis and cabs are also available and have average ratings for services and availability. Alternatively, you can use the official service app if you want to book in advance for your trip. So, the transportation risk is low in Dothan.
Pickpockets and Mugging Risks – Medium
There is a medium risk of you being pickpocketed, according to recent crime reports. There are some cases where visitors’ valuable things were stolen by thieves. It’s better if you avoid carrying any valuable things like a phone, cards, or cash in your back pockets, especially in crowded areas.
However, the mugging risk is quite low in Dothan, but it’s better if you do not walk alone in the alleys of Dothan.
Terrorism Risk – Low
The risk of terrorist attacks in Dothan is very low as the population is low. Although there’s no history of terrorist attacks in Dothan, be aware of your surroundings so that you will not get in any trouble on your trip.
Scam Risk – Medium
There are some tourist spots where scammers roam around, and there have been cases where tourists were scammed. Hence, the scam risk is medium in Dothan.
However, do not trust strangers with your valuable things or do not share much detail about where you are staying, with whom you’ve come or when you’ll leave.
Women Traveler Risk – Medium
The women’s safety risk is medium in Dothan. There have been some sexual harassment and rape cases recorded since 2020. Therefore, it’s better if you avoid traveling alone at night. Female travelers are easy targets for perverts. However, if you stick to your group, you will be safer. Also, avoid visiting unsafe places in Dothan.
Natural Disaster Risk – Medium
Thunderstorms, hail, heavy snowfall, and tornadoes are common in Dothan. Check the weather report before and during the trip. Last year, some roads and properties were damaged due to heavy rainfall in Dothan.
Tap Water Risk – Low
You don’t have to worry about the tap water of Dothan as it’s quite safe to drink. So you can avoid carrying bottled water with you.
Safest places to visit in Dothan, Alabama
Dothan is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Alabama, and there are plenty of safe places that you can visit with your family and friends and have fun. We have listed the safest places to visit in Dothan for you –
Folklore Brewing & Meadery
If you are visiting the beach near Dothan, you should definitely go to this local brewery. Chilling beer, soothing karaoke, and seafood are all you need to enjoy the amazing weather of Dothan and this place serves all those things.
If you are visiting Dothan with friends, this can be the best place for you.
Adventureland
This theme park has the best things to offer and is safe for you and your family. It was established 20 years ago, and since then, it has been among the best tourist attractions in Dothan, Alabama. If you are visiting with family, you should definitely come here for mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts, batting cages, and a large arcade filled with exciting games.
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
You should definitely visit the botanical garden as it is one of the most beautiful and safest places in Dothan. The garden is spacious and is home to a variety of plants, trees, and birds.
Landmark Park
It is just not a park, it is all you need to soothe your mind. The place is one of the wonders of Dothan. You can take a long walk with your loved ones on the field.
It is among the safest places in Dothan you should visit.
Water World
It is a big water park that you should definitely visit with your family and friends. It is a very safe and interesting place in Dothan.
The other safest places in Dothan are Murals of the Wiregrass, Antique Attic, AR Workshop Dothan, World’s Smallest City Block, and George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum.
Places to avoid in Dothan, Alabama
Dothan is one of the safest cities, but the crime rates here are high compared to other cities in Alabama. The north part of Dothan has the highest crime rate, and most of the crimes take place in this region. Therefore, it’s better if you avoid visiting this part of Dothan.
Crimes like murder, rape, pickpockets, mugging and property theft happen on the northern side. At night, this region of Dothan is a risky place for both residents and tourists.
Safety tips for traveling in Dothan, Alabama
These are the following safety tips that you should follow if you are visiting Dothan –
- Research properly about Dothan – Before visiting, you should do your own research and understand which places are unsafe for you and your family. The northern part of Dothan is not safe; the crime rates are high. Read the traveler’s reviews and ratings about the places.
- Avoid unsafe places: The northern part is not safe at all, and therefore, you should avoid it.
- Inform that you are traveling – Inform friends and family that you are traveling in Dothan, as they can be there for you if something disastrous happens.
- Avoid walking alone – The alleys of Dothan are not safe for anyone, especially at night. You can be pickpocketed or mugged. Therefore, always stick to your group and be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep bags/purses in hand – Do not keep your valuable things in your back pocket, especially if you are on public transport. It’s better if you keep your valuable things in your hotel room. Also, do not carry a lot of cash as you can carry ATM cards, and you can withdraw money whenever you want to.
- Know where you are going – If you are in a cab alone, check the routes using Google Maps. Some cab drivers can take long routes and ask you to pay an extra amount.
- Know basic self-defense – If you are visiting Dothan, you should learn basic self-defense techniques because some parts of the city are not safe for anyone to travel alone. If you feel unsafe, send your live location to someone you trust and who can help you in any trouble.
How safe is Dothan to travel alone?
Dothan isn’t entirely safe for solo travelers. You can plan a solo trip, but you should avoid visiting some places in Dothan, especially the northern side. Most of the crimes occur on the northern side of Dothan.
This city’s crime rate is comparatively the same as the total crime rate in Alabama. If you want to take a solo trip, you should significantly know all the dangers, risks, and safety tips properly. It’s better to visit this place with your friends.
Is Dothan safe for solo females?
Dothan is not a very safe place for women to travel alone as violent crimes, harassment, rape, and pickpocket-related crimes are quite prevalent. It’s better if you take a trip with friends or family.
There are some safe places, but they are not the safest. If you want to take a solo trip to see the wonders of Dothan, you should learn all the safety tips and basic self-defense techniques.
Safety guides for other cities in Alabama –
- How safe is Auburn, Alabama
- How safe is Birmingham, Alabama
- How safe is Decatur, Alabama
- How safe is Dothan, Alabama
- How safe is Gulf Shores, Alabama
- How safe is Hoover, Alabama
- How safe is Huntsville, Alabama
- How safe is Mobile, Alabama
- How safe is Montgomery, Alabama
- How safe is Muscle Shoals, Alabama
- How safe is Phenix City, Alabama
- How safe is Tuscaloosa, Alabama
How safe is Dothan for Travel?
Dothan is safe if you are traveling in a group, but not for solo travelers. You should not travel from November to May as tornadoes happen this time of the year in Alabama.
The city is unique and beautiful, and if you are planning a trip to Dothan, you can plan it between July to November. However, if you are thinking of visiting this place, know all the safety tips properly.
FAQs About safe in Dothan
Is Dothan a good place to live?
Yes, Dothan is a good place to live. The town, locals, school system, and colleges are good. You can live with your family in Dothan. Avoid the northern and southern parts of Dothan because the crime rates are high.
What is Dothan known for?
It has become known as the “Peanut Capital of Alabama,” and the city hosts the National Peanut Festival each fall. Dothan’s downtown area is noted for its historical murals and Ross Clark Circle.
How far is Dothan, Alabama, from the beach?
There are 146.11 miles from Dothan to Orange Beach in the southwest direction and 176 miles by car, following the I-10 W route.
What is special about Dothan, Alabama?
Dothan, in Alabama, is famously known as the “Peanut Capital of the World.” There are many famous places like parks, historical museums, restaurants, and many more.
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