For your next visit to Disneyland in California, you're wondering where to stay in Anaheim, what areas to avoid, and where the best neighborhoods to stay are. Knowing the violence in certain neighborhoods of Los Angeles, it is normal to ask the question for the small town of Anaheim which is right next to LA
In this article, you will find the answers to the following questions:
- Is Anaheim a dangerous city?
- Are there any dangerous neighborhoods in Anaheim?
- Where are the areas to avoid in Anaheim?
- What are the best areas to stay in Anaheim?
Why stay in Anaheim?
The number one reason tourists from around the world choose to stay in Anaheim is to go to Disneyland.
Indeed, it is in Anaheim that Disneyland is the largest Disney park in the United States, with the addition of the Disney California Adventure Park dedicated to the world of California and a Convention Center. Thanks to Disneyland Park, Anaheim has become an essential city for all tourists visiting California. In fact, more than 15 million visitors come to Anaheim every year to enjoy these parks!
In addition, visitors are increasingly hesitant to stay in Los Angeles because of its growing insecurity. Many people prefer to stay in Anaheim even to visit LA or to enjoy the nearby beaches. Indeed, Anaheim is a 45-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 1 hour from downtown LA.
And for those who choose the train to get around, know that in Anaheim there is the Amtrak station and the Metrolink which allow you to go to San Diego or Los Angeles.
Is Anaheim a dangerous city in 2024?
NO Anaheim is not a dangerous city. It is a very small city (less than 400 inhabitants) and it is not one of the most dangerous cities in the United States listed on the sites neighborhoodscout.com ou worldpopulationreview.com.
However, unlike Flagstaff, it is also not one of the least crime-ridden cities in the United States. This is what the Numbeo 2024 world ranking reveals, which awards Anaheim a crime index of 53,49. The level of its crime index is, in fact, higher than that of New York orOrlando.
And if we compare globally, according to the ranking Numbeo.com, Anaheim would be a more dangerous city than Barcelona, Lisbon ou Isanbul.
Is Anaheim safe for tourists?
YES but on condition that you do not do things recklessly, as in all tourist towns. In fact, according to travel blogs and forums, there are a few areas to avoid in Anaheim (see more below).
If we refer to internet data from the beginning of 2023, the violent crime rate in Anaheim would be below average while the property crime rate would be higher.
You can form your own opinion by visiting the Anaheim Police website: Crime map.
Namely that the tourist sites and resorts of Anaheim are closely watched by the Police who know how to protect this area and thus all visitors.
Anaheim Neighborhoods to Stay
Unlike most American cities, Anaheim is not divided into official neighborhoods. However, the city is divided into 6 main areas (see their Google Maps location by clicking on the links):
- Anaheim Resort which is the resort area including the 2 Disneyland parks, the convention center and the hotel zone along Harbor Boulevard and Katella Street.
- anaheim hills which is a very posh residential area where accommodation is for affluent residents. This area is quite far from Disneyland (30 minutes by car);
- Anaheim Colony Historic District or The Cololy which corresponds to Downtown Anaheim and which is 5 minutes from the Disney parks;
- South East Anaheim which is very close to Disneyland (7 minutes by car);
- NorthEast Anaheim which is a residential area 15 minutes north of the Disneyland parks;
- Le Platinum Triangle which is a bounded area south of SouthEast Anaheim north of Anaheim Resort and east of Orange. This is where the Honda Center, Angel Stadium, Phoenix Club, Grove Theater and part of the Tile Mile are located. This area is a 7 minute drive from Disneyland.
Dangerous neighborhoods in Anaheim?
Anaheim does not have a reputation for being violent and criminal, nor does it have dangerous neighborhoods.
In fact, there would be no truly dangerous neighborhoods in Anaheim like certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles, San Diego or Phoenix. No, but in Anaheim, there are still some areas to avoid, especially at night.
Areas to avoid in Anaheim
According to many forums and web rankings like areavibes.com, crimegrade.org, the 3 least safe areas in Anaheim are Colony District, SouthEast and Southwest.
- Le Colony District is a very lively area with many restaurants which attracts many tourists. Indeed, this area is very close to Disneyland Resort. However, homeless numbers and gang activity have reportedly increased in recent years in some places. In fact, it is the Anna Drive area to the east of the Colony District that you should avoid because it is known for its gangs, thefts and trafficking of all kinds. See the press article from anaheimobserver.com: City officials shut down crime infested motel in west Anaheim.
- The Southeast Anaheim area is also not recommended. Although not a dangerous area, thefts and assaults have been reported by tourists in this area. You will therefore need to be vigilant at night if you choose to stay in Southeast Anaheim.
- Southwest is an area that has a crime rate 30% higher than the national average. However, the majority of these are crimes against property and not against people. Which means there is some theft but little violent or criminal crime.
Are Downtown Anaheim and Downtown Disney safe?
Downtown Anaheim is the area corresponding to Anaheim Colony Historic District also called Colony District. As stated above, this is not the safest part of Anaheim. You should especially avoid the area Anna Drive east of Downtown Anaheim.
On the other hand, Downtown Disney is a safe zone. It is a commercial area of the Disney Resort dedicated to entertainment and shopping. The monorail runs through this area and passes between the AMC Theater and the Lego Shop. There are also good restaurants, bars and a hotel zone.
Best Areas to Stay in Anaheim for Tourists
It's hard to choose the best area to stay in Anaheim. Indeed, it all depends on what you are looking for in terms of stay and in terms of budget.
This is why it is better to define the 3 best areas to stay in Anaheim according to 3 main criteria:
- Best area to stay in Anaheim to be in the heart of Disneyland Resort
- Best area to stay in Anaheim to be close to Disneyland Resort
- Best area to stay in Anaheim for cheap hotels
Where to stay in Anaheim closest to Disneyland California?
To be the closest to Disneyland, you have to stay in the area ofAnaheim Resort.
Indeed, it is the main tourist area of Anaheim where Disneyland resort which includes Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure Park. See Google Maps location
The most popular hotel in Disneyland is in Disneyland Park. It is indeed the best location to feel in the Disney atmosphere and enjoy all the attractions. Staying inside the park gives you private access to Disneyland Park.
In addition, by staying in the park, you benefit from the extra magic hour: You can enjoy certain attractions one hour before the park opens to the outside public. And another advantage of staying in Disneyland Park is that you can return to your room whenever you want or simply to rest a bit before returning!
The best hotel in Disneyland Park, which is one of the most expensive, is the Disney's Grand Californian Resort.
Where to stay in Anaheim to walk to Disneyland?
Want to stay in Anaheim near Disneyland to walk there? Note that the 2 Disneyland parks (Disneyland Park et Disney california adventure) have their main entrance in the same place: Disneyland Main Entrance on Harbor Blvd.
So, to stay closest to the entrance to the Disneyland parks, you have to look for a hotel on Harbor Boulevard. Indeed, if you are staying on Harbor Boulevard or in one of the streets around Harbor, you can walk to Disneyland Park from your hotel.
Just opposite the entrance to Disneyland, the Best Western Plus Park Place Inn is the closest hotel to the Disneyland ticket office. In fact, it is only a 5-minute walk from the main entrance. In addition, given its ideal geographical location and its services, it offers excellent value for money.
Hotel near Disneyland Park for a family
The most beautiful hotel that will delight your children and which is very close to Disneyland Park is the Castle Inn and Suites Anaheim. Indeed, this pretty castle-hotel is only an 11-minute walk from the park.
Where to stay cheap in Anaheim near Disneyland
To find less expensive hotels but well placed to go to Disneyland on foot, I recommend that you stay near the Anaheim Convention Center. It is a safe area and close to Disneyland as it is located on West Katella Avenue.
In addition, the area has many buses that allow you to easily move anywhere in the city. As there are many hotels there, there are also many cafes and restaurants.
Here is a very good hotel with swimming pool well located near Disneyland Park: Kings Inn Anaheim
With a very low price (130 Euros per night), it is an ideal hotel for an inexpensive stay close to Disneyland (17 minutes walk from the entrance to Disneyland Pard).
How to visit Disneyland without staying in Anaheim?
You don't have to stay in a hotel in Anaheim to enjoy Disneyland California. Indeed, there is a very practical and economical excursion.
From your hotel in Los Angeles or Las Vegas, we pick you up early in the morning to drive you to the airport to catch the plane (1 hour from Los Angeles). Arrived at the airport, an Uber is waiting for you to drop you off directly at Disneyland California Park or Disney California Adventure Park.
You will have the rest of the day to enjoy all the attractions of the chosen park at your own pace. It is in the afternoon that an Uber will pick you up at the park entrance to take you back to the airport.
This article was written using data found on the web. It is a synthesis of information sourced from press articles, forums, statistics and rankings on the different neighborhoods and crime in Anaheim. In fact, this article does not contain any judgment or discriminatory remarks.