Top 5 Safest cities in California with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Population: 47,442
• Crime Rate: 6.87 crimes per 1,000 people

Rancho Santa Margarita is a small city with a cozy village vibe, with a family-oriented community where safety is a top priority. The residents collaborate through various programs, and the presence of law enforcement ensures the maintenance of a safe city, evidenced by a low crime rate of 6.87 crimes per 1,000 people.

Most of the residents here are in their 30s, living in large condominiums and houses. They consider it a great place to raise a family, with a friendly community, offering a high quality of life. They have access to amenities such as parks, including Lake Santa Margarita parks, pools, pedestrian, and bicycle trails, and public schools nearby.

City of RSM (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Ucr.fbi.gov (Dec 2022), & City Data (Dec 2016)

• Population: 35,975
• Crime Rate: 7.06 crimes per 1,000 people

Moorpark, a small city in Southern California and home to 5,975 residents, most ranging in their 30s. Conveniently located near to universities, like California State University (30-minute drive), California Lutheran University (15-minute drive), and major institutions like UC Santa Barbara, Pepperdine, UCLA, and USC, all within a 50-minute drive, ideal for young professionals seeking to further their education.

Commuting here is easy, the city has its own Metrolink Station, with stops from Oxnard to Los Angeles Union Station, as well as bus services. It is also recognized as a low-cost city with a long history of being the safest city in Ventura County. Moorpark has a reported crime rate of 7.06 crimes per 1,000 people, providing a secure environment for its residents.

Moonpark City (De 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Ucr.fbi.gov (Dec 2022), & City Data (Dec 2016)

• Population: 43,240
• Crime Rate: 7.38 crimes per 1,000 people

Danville is a wealthy town located in the San Ramon Valley in Contra Costa County, California. Housing options range from luxury homes to condos and townhomes. Residents enjoy shopping centers in Downtown Danville and larger malls like Blackhawk Plaza.

The town is home to several outdoor recreation areas, and if you enjoy hiking, Mount Diablo State Park is the perfect place with hiking trails. Residents here say it stands out for being a quiet and safe town, with a reported low  crime rate of 7.38 crimes per 1,000 people.

 Local Logic (Nov 2023), Ucr.fbi.gov (Dec 2022), & City Data (Dec 2016)

• Population: 30,163
• Crime Rate: 8.49 crimes per 1,000 people

Saratoga, a small city in Santa Clara County, is home to around 30,163 residents, primarily in their 40s to late 50s. Renowned for being an expensive suburb where residents live in luxury homes, it offers a strong sense of security, complemented by a low crime rate of 8.49 crimes per 1,000 people.

Just a 13-minute commute to Silicon Valley, residents here enjoy working in proximity to employers such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and IBM. Saratoga also offers open spaces like Sanborn County Park and Hakone Estate and Gardens, along with boutique shopping and high-end restaurants, enhancing the quality of life while maintaining its small-town feel.

Saratoga (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Ucr.fbi.gov (Dec 2022), & City Data (Dec 2016)

• Population: 19,483
• Crime Rate: 10.88 crimes per 1,000 people

Orinda, a suburb of Oakland in Contra Costa County, has a population of 19,483 and a reported crime rate of 10.88 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest places to live in California. Renowned for its luxury hillside homes with spectacular views, surrounded by green areas and small downtown shops.

Residents claim to enjoy different recreation areas, including Siesta Valley, Orinda Community Park, and Orinda Oaks Park. They appreciate the city’s scenic arts and theaters, with the Rheem Theater being a local favorite. While buses are available for commuting, they say that the best way to get around is by car, with the San Francisco Bay Area just a quick 20-minute ride away.

Redfin (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Ucr.fbi.gov (Dec 2022), & City Data (Dec 2016)