Fort Lauderdale just landed in the top 3 most unsafe cities in the U.S. according to WalletHub’s 2024 rankings, and it’s not just because of crime. The city struggles with high traffic fatalities, financial insecurity, and natural disaster risks (hello, hurricanes). Fort Lauderdale’s low ranking in emergency savings and job security only makes things worse. So, it’s not just about violence—it’s about the overall sense of safety.

And now, the irony: Hialeah is ranked the second safest city in Florida (#53 overall) according to WalletHub. But anyone who’s actually lived in Hialeah knows that safety isn’t the first word that comes to mind. While WalletHub’s stats may look good in some categories (low crime rates and decent community safety scores), the reality is a bit different. Hialeah’s traffic is a nightmare—getting anywhere can feel like a battle. The city may be growing (they call it the city of progress aka La cuidad que progresa in spanish), but its streets and vibe often make it feel less like “progress” and more like “stress.”

So, while WalletHub’s stats may give Hialeah a decent safety ranking, those who live here know that it’s not all sunshine and smooth rides. The takeaway? Safety is about more than just numbers on paper—it’s about the day-to-day experience. Fort Lauderdale may be struggling, but let’s not pretend Hialeah is a safe haven either.