Reforma

Oaxaca, Mexico

Overall Safety
Good
3.6 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

Reforma is authentic local life with good safety and easy Centro access. Good if you want to live like locals.

Residential and authenticModern middle-class areaLocal restaurants and shopsFamily-orientedNon-touristy
Details

Reforma is modern residential Oaxaca - middle-class families, kids walking to school, daily local life without tourists. East of Centro, it has local restaurants like Itanoni (traditional corn dishes) along with international options and boutique hotels. Lower crime rate and police presence. Walking to Santo Domingo takes about 20 minutes, though most people taxi for 40-50 pesos. You get real Oaxacan life - eat where locals eat, then easily reach tourist attractions. No colonial charm or historic significance, but authentic and safe. Not much English outside hotels, so good for practicing Spanish. Restaurant prices are local, not tourist prices.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Moderate

Harassment Risk

Low

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Low

Scam Risk

Low

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Good

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Low

Homelessness Visibility

Low

Getting By in English

Moderate

Is This Neighborhood Right for You?

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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Casa Oaxaca Cafe
  • Local neighborhood cafes

Restaurants

  • Itanoni
  • Casa Oaxaca
  • Local comedores and family restaurants

Bars

  • Local neighborhood bars

Other Spots

  • Local markets and shops
Impressions & Tips

"Ate where locals eat, no tourist prices"

"Felt safe in residential area"

"Little English but good for Spanish practice"

"Easy taxi to Centro for tourist stuff"

"Authentic without sacrificing safety"

"Police around"

Similar Neighborhoods in Oaxaca

Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers

Xochimilco

4.0
Oaxaca, Mexico
Night Walking SafetyModerate
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyGood
Village feel within the cityTraditional textile workshopsGood breakfast and brunch spots+2

Xochimilco feels like a village with authentic residential life and good breakfast places. Further from Centro but worth it if you want local experience.

43

Jalatlaco

4.0
Oaxaca, Mexico
Night Walking SafetyModerate
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyGood
Artistic community with street muralsQuieter than Centro but still centralMix of locals and expats+1

Jalatlaco has an artistic vibe with quiet streets. Good if you want a residential feel while staying within walking distance of Centro.

54

Centro Histórico

4.0
Oaxaca, Mexico
Night Walking SafetyModerate
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Colonial architecture and historic landmarksActive plaza life throughout the dayTourist services everywhere+2

Centro has the most attractions, restaurants, and other travelers. Safe until around 10pm, then you need taxis for everything. Good for first-timers who want convenience.

55

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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