As one of the biggest states in the continental U.S. it is safe to say that when considering a move to, or within California, there are plenty of options. Unprecedented Covid-19 has significantly altered the housing market trends, and many people are migrating out of high-density areas and into more rural, suburban neighborhoods.
To help aid this transition, here are the top seven safest cities to live in California:
1. San Ramon
Average crime rate: 1.08 per capita*
(57.85% Below National Crime Rate, 61.71% Below State Crime Rate)
San Ramon is in Contra Costa County located 30 miles east of San Francisco. It is a city rich with history – the first American settlers arrived there in the 1850s – and San Ramon honors its history with many museums and parks. Since then, it has expanded into an affluent city, being one of the wealthiest cities with a median family income of $129,000.
2. Mission Viejo
Average crime rate: 1.09 per capita*
(57.60% Below National Crime Rate, 61.49% Below State Crime Rate)
Mission Viejo is one of the safest cities in the state as well as a booming suburban city with roughly 100,000 residents. Located within Orange County and just inland of Laguna Niguel with similar crime ratings, it boasts nature trails and a 125-acre reservoir, Lake Mission Viejo, that many locals use to lounge in and sail on.
3. Yorba Linda
Average crime rate: 1.24 per capita*
(51.55% Below National Crime Rate, 56% Below State Crime Rate)
Yorba Linda is a suburb nestled about 30 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. It is known for being the birthplace and home of Richard Nixon, and his house stands as a National Historic Landmark. It also contains Yorba Regional Park and is a short drive away from the Orange County Zoo.
4. Irvine
Average crime rate: 1.33 per capita*
(42.25% Below National Crime Rate, 53.12% Below State Crime Rate)
Irvine is a master-planned city of inland Orange County with some of the lowest crime averages – even with a population of nearly 300,000. It houses UC Irvine, and is close to Disneyland, the Anaheim Angels stadium, and Newport Beach. For those looking to keep that urban feel within a safe environment, Irvine is the perfect place to be.
5. Thousand Oaks
Average crime rate: 1.33 per capita*
(51.65% Below National Crime Rate, 56.08% Below State Crime Rate)
Thousand Oaks is 40 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles in Ventura County. Dedicated to preserving the natural environment, Thousand Oaks consists of 15,000 acres of open space and trails for hiking, biking, and strolling.
6. Murrieta
Average crime rate: 1.31 per capita*
(48.95% Below National Crime Rate, 53.63% Below State Crime Rate)
Murrieta is located in Riverside County, just next door to Temecula Wine Country, and is one of the fastest growing cities in California. The lower crime rates are of course a major plus, but the vineyards nearby set it apart with beautiful surroundings. In addition to the wineries and parks, Murrieta offers great public and private school options, golf courses, Lake Skinner, and Pechanga Resort and Casino.
7. Pleasanton
Average crime rate: 1.37 per capita*
(47.96% Below National Crime Rate, 52.61% Below State Crime Rate)
As the name suggests, Pleasanton is an extremely pleasant place to live. Located just over the hill of Silicon Valley in Alameda County, Pleasanton is a great town to raise a family and is surrounded by ample work opportunities. It offers a dense suburban feel with a population just under 100,000, and lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools are also highly rated here.
Honorable Mentions: Oakley, Lake Forest, Santa Clarita, Camarillo, Chino Hills, Moorpark, Lincoln, Poway
*Average crime rate taken between violent and nonviolent crimes per city population.
If you are looking to move to a new city within California, please reach out to Bluefire Mortgage at (760) 930-0569 with any questions you may have. We specialize in all California counties, and are extremely knowledgeable about the market and lifestyle surrounding each area.