nervousexpat
5/2/2018 13:01 EST
Hi,
My husband and I are looking into a possible move to Nassau for a work opportunity. I have read many reports online regarding high crime, and it not being safe.
I realize one must always be aware of their surroundings and not venture into unsafe neighborhoods. However, generally is it safe for a family? Do you feel that you can enjoy Nassau with out always being worried? Will I be able to take my daughter to the beach during the day while my husband is at work? How about day to day activities?
I feel so silly asking this question, but what I have read makes Nassau seem highly unsafe. Thank you for any information.
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bergie
5/2/2018 13:22 EST
Cable beach, nirvana beach and the beaches on Paradise Island are all busy during the day so I never felt unsafe (female, age 30) but I wouldn’t venture alone to beaches that don’t have anyone else on them as you could be a target. Nirvana beach was my favorite, you can snorkel right off the beach and see amazing sea life and it isn’t as touristy as the others. There’s a condo complex and food hut there so there’s always people around. Better overly safe and avoid the empty beaches alone. I lived in Balmoral and always felt safe, with a daughter Sandyport could be a good option I always saw a lot of families. We always attended local events but that is because we didn’t only want to live the expat life and we felt safe being at their festivals. There are a lot of police at them typically. I wouldn’t venture downtown at night but overall when I lived there in 2015 I felt safe and my husband worked all day.
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nervousexpat
5/2/2018 13:56 EST
Thank you so much for your response. This is helpful!
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MrsQ
5/3/2018 11:10 EST
Hi Nervous,
You shouldn't feel embarrassed about being concerned; I know I was when my husband and I first discussed moving to Nassau. We have been here for almost 5 months now and I can reassure you that it is safe as long as you practice common sense. We live in Sandyport in the Cable Beach area and it is a lovely community; there are many families and I see kids riding bikes, etc. There is a large, clean beach directly across the street from the complex and I will also second Bergie's suggestion of Love Beach. Downtown Nassau is fine during the day and to go to for dinner, but I wouldn't walk around at night. We have also heard that the State Department tells you to avoid going to the fish fry area at Arawak Cay at night (it's where you can have authentic Bahamian food), although when we first moved here we weren't aware of that and we had dinner there several times without a problem. The vast majority of crime occurs in the poorer neighborhoods in the area called "Over the Hill", which is south of Shirley Street in downtown Nassau; it tends to be drug-related or domestic violence.
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breija
5/7/2018 20:53 EST
Hi Nervous,
I know some of the info here can be intimidating. We have been here permanently for 12 years and we have not had any issues.
While crime is high, almost all violent crime is between people known to one another (a.k.a. domestic, drug, gang related). When it comes to other crime, if you are vigilant and take steps to decrease your risk, you will be fine.
Sandyport, and some of the smaller gated communities along Cable Beach, are quite safe for families. Sandyport has many pools and play grounds within the community, and a beach across the road. As others have said, it is not recommended to go to a beach that is unoccupied. As for day to day activities, again, if you are vigilant and stay out of risky areas, you should be fine.
It is not silly at all to ask these questions. When you read some of the things here, some even posted by myself in the past, it can sound scary. Moving here can be wonderful if you take advantage of the positive things that are available to you.
Feel free to PM me with more questions.
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breija
5/7/2018 20:53 EST
Hi Nervous,
I know some of the info here can be intimidating. We have been here permanently for 12 years and we have not had any issues.
While crime is high, almost all violent crime is between people known to one another (a.k.a. domestic, drug, gang related). When it comes to other crime, if you are vigilant and take steps to decrease your risk, you will be fine.
Sandyport, and some of the smaller gated communities along Cable Beach, are quite safe for families. Sandyport has many pools and play grounds within the community, and a beach across the road. As others have said, it is not recommended to go to a beach that is unoccupied. As for day to day activities, again, if you are vigilant and stay out of risky areas, you should be fine.
It is not silly at all to ask these questions. When you read some of the things here, some even posted by myself in the past, it can sound scary. Moving here can be wonderful if you take advantage of the positive things that are available to you.
Feel free to PM me with more questions.
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