Top 6 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Sacramento, CA with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Population: 83,021 (2021)
• Crime rate: 8.47 crimes per 1000 people

Valley Hi (North Laguna) has a reported crime rate of 8.47 crimes per 1,000 people, making it our top pick for the safest neighborhoods to live in Sacramento, CA. Not only does it make the locals feel secure, but some of those who have recently moved are also experiencing the hospitality of the neighborhood. 

Beyond its inviting atmosphere, locals consider it an ideal location for families and appreciate its working-class environment. Locals mention that it is a great place to settle with young children because it has the Valley Hi Park, which is clean and has covered play structures. They enjoy outdoor activities in North Laguna Creek Park, Shasta Community Park, and Wood Park.

Point2Homes (2021) & SA Police Department (2023)

• Population: 40,847 (2021)
• Crime rate: 17.20 crimes per 1,000 people

College/Glen offers access to green spaces, appealing to nature enthusiasts. Locals praise the neighborhood’s peaceful vibe and affordable cost of living. Commuting downtown or to Folsom is easy via light rail and the Lincoln Highway. 

Locals can also enjoy outdoor amenities like Oki Park, Glenbrook Park, and nearby Granite Regional Park, which features dog parks, sports fields, and hiking trails.

It is home to Hubert H. Bancroft Elementary School, where locals mention that it is a great school with a caring staff. It has wonderful teachers and a strong sense of community. Their existence has an important impact on the lives of students and provides an excellent after-school program.

For safety, it has a total of 17.20 crimes per 1,000 people, making the residents feel safe.

Point2Homes (2021) & SA Police Department (2023)

• Population: 23,490 (2020)
• Crime rate: 23.29 crimes per 1,000 people

South Natomas is a suburban neighborhood with easy access to downtown Sacramento. It provides a mix of residential and commercial spaces, along with parks and recreational areas, for locals and young professionals to stay active.

It features Discovery Park, which contains boat launches, fishing locations, and an archery range, as well as being the beginning point for hiking and biking paths along the American River. Another biking trail is available at adjacent Bannon Creek Park, which also features a covered picnic area and a nature-themed playground.

For safety, it has a total of 23.29 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

City Data (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)

• Population: 53,637 (2021)
• Crime rate: 33.82 crimes per 1,000 people

West Sacramento boasts a diverse range of outdoor activities, unique restaurants and shops, community events, and family-friendly parks, catering to various interests and lifestyles.

This neighborhood offers walkable sidewalks, trails, and major shopping chains, making it convenient for residents. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and boating on the nearby Sacramento River, as well as biking, jogging, and picnics in River Walk Park.

West Sacramento is renowned as a regional innovation leader and a developing commercial area, recently emerging as a focus for the food sector and related industries. Locals can benefit from both living in a bustling neighborhood and in an area with an abundance of outdoor activities.

For safety, it has a total of 33.82 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Sacramento, CA. 

City Data (2021) & SA Police Department (2023)

• Population: 8,006 (2020)
• Crime rate: 53.11 crimes per 1,000 people

Central Oak Park’s efforts for revitalization have made it more pleasing to locals. While amenities may vary, it offers a diverse and culturally rich ambiance. McClatchy Park and the Martin Luther King Jr. community garden are two of the places where locals visit during their free time.

Locals mention that this neighborhood is great and has a good community of people. The area is generally quiet and offers guaranteed off-street parking. Some locals added that they enjoy gardening in their front yard and are overall happy with their decision to live in Central Oak Park.

For safety, it has a total of 53.11 crimes per 1,000 people, making the locals feel secure. 

City Data (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)

• Population: 11,252 (2020)
• Crime rate: 62.38 crimes per 1,000 people

La Riviera is a residential neighborhood along the American River, providing some recreational options for its residents. It is part of the Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Locals say that this place has nice parks, plenty of trees, and is a very green neighborhood because of gardens all around. A quiet neighborhood right next to the river makes it a relaxing place to live. Residents enjoy its proximity to Larchmont Community Park, where they can do many outdoor activities in its playground, jog around the athletic fields, play on the tennis courts, and enjoy the nature walking trails.

For safety, it has a total of 62.38 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

US Census (2020) & SA Police Department (2023)