2023 Safe Suburbs in California

• Suburb of Oakland, CA

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  54 reviews

Current Resident: Very peaceful town, full of fantastic shops, stores, cafes, and restaurants to check out. Generally feels very safe, mostly populated by college students and families. Albany Bulb and Albany Hill Park are beautiful hiking/walking spots to check out, the former near the ocean and the latter providing great views.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 19,958

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  92 reviews

Current Resident: What I like about Manhattan Beach is the connected community that we live in. It is a safe environment for kids to be able to exist in, and overall it is a very chill beach town where anyone that comes to visit would enjoy their time. Although there is not much to do, and most activities in MB are expensive, it is still nice to be able to drive around at night, and have fun down at the beach with your friends. What I would fix about Manhattan Beach would be some issues with the publuc education system. While academics are high, social issues are still relevant in our high school and middle school. Other than that, I think that Manhattan Beach is a great place to live, other than the price to live there.... Read 92 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 35,585

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  94 reviews

Current Resident: I love to take walks here because it is safe, the weather is fantastic, and there are so many trees! I love the cute shops on Mission and Fair Oak. Sometimes, the mansions here make you feel like you're walking in the Loire Valley. I have heard that locals are slightly racist towards Latinx people. I have not noticed it, but I can believe it. The stories I have heard about include rude looks and demeaning remarks. Latinx students also are not encouraged to do well in school. South Pasadena's property values are partially due to the public schools. They are safe, and the students here usually do very well academically. However, the schools do not look after students' mental health. The high school counseling department turns away students when they come with issues, and the academically competitive atmosphere is often very tense. Overall, the stores and the vibe of the town are great, but you might have trouble with the social structure.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 26,837

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  54 reviews

Nearby Resident: Hermosa Beach is a quaint beach town with tons to do. It has both a great day and night life. There are significant shops to visit and restaurants to eat at. Overall, I would recommend visiting!... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 19,787

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  136 reviews

Current Resident: I love Mountain View with my whole heart! I have grown up here my whole life, and it hasn't failed to provide fun, jobs, sense of community, and trust. They have such fun and welcoming holiday events that are free for anybody to attend, and have an amazing community center that I live very close to. The community center provides anything you could imagine! From dance classes, tutoring, yoga, daycares, and more, the City of Mountain View doesn't stop with provisions for their community. I have gotten lucky enough to work for the City as a lifeguard, and it has been the most fun and enjoyable experience I've had in all my years living here. They hire teens from the age of 15, pay extremely well, and it is a super fun and engaging job to have during the summer! I have learned so much in my years living here, and I hold a space very close to my heart for Mountain View.... Read 136 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 82,409

• City in California

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  580 reviews

Nearby Resident: I love Irvine! I went to UCI for my bachelors degree and it was a beautiful area. There are many activities to do beyond campus life. My friends and I would ride our bikes in the park and then get food from the University Town center. Irvine became a second home for my friends and I. We would study all day and night in the library and then we would go to the movies in the town center. On the weekend, when we did not have much studying to do, we would go to university town center to interact with other college students. Irvine is not only a great place to raise a family, it is also one of the safest neighborhoods around the area. Additionally, because Irvine is a college town there are many job opportunities If I could, I would live in Irvine to pursue my future buying a house and raising children. To add the cost of living in Irvine is high and over the years has gone up; however, I believe that the cost of living is worth the amazing lifestyle one with achieve by living in Irvine.... Read 580 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 297,868

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in San Diego for nearly my entire life, and I've always found my heart resting in my home region of Solana Beach. The sheer energy of this region highly sets it above all others. My neighbors, family, and friends who inhabit this wonderful little town of the beach never seem to have any issues revolving around their home, and have always been exceedingly kindhearted. I take immense pride in being able to be fortunate enough to live in this beautiful region of San Diego, and I would have never wanted to grow up anywhere else.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 13,025

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  91 reviews

Nearby Resident: Lovely neighborhood with amazing houses and people! Palm trees are a cool addition. Safe environment, farmer's market on the weekends, streets that are clean and nicely paved... One thing I would change: La Canada has a very bubble-like quality. Because it is such a middle-upper class suburbs, many people are dissociated from the "real world." This can be both beneficial and harmful, but I would love for residents to go out of their comfort zone a little more. Explore!... Read 91 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 20,613

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  196 reviews

Current Resident: Culver City is an inclusive city that cherishes diversity and welcomes all kinds of people! Although we could take better care of our environment by stopping loitering in some places, many of us care for our town and strive to make it a more sustainable place. The weather is always beautiful and the city is close to the beach. Neighbors and other citizens are friendly and many of us feel safe in this area. At the same time, there are many students and adults who continue to fight for issues like gender and racial equality to make this city a better place for everyone.... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 40,640

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  32 reviews

Former Resident: Growing up in Foster City was fantastic! It is a fantastic place to raise a family. The water and parks are serene. Don't expect a nightlife - there isn't one. As someone in their 20's, I am looking for something else, with a little more excitement.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 33,511

• Suburb of Oakland, CA

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  57 reviews

Current Resident: Love this town... but diversity should get a C grade at best - especially compared to the surrounding area. High income is required to live here ($200k+) and household costs are grossly understated on this site. Farmer's market, parks, few good restaurants, town owned by one family who refuses to modernize and hampers small business growth, awesome teachers, etc. Loads of jobs within an hour commute but perfect town to work remotely from.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 16,750

• Suburb of San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: A lot of animals around, quiet neighborhood. Very nice place to bike or hike or just walk and jog around. Great neighborhood overall... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 8,520

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  41 reviews

Current Resident: Burlingame is home! I moved here with my mom and dad when I was 2 1/2. My two little sisters were born here, this is home! Everywhere you go - you will see a friendly smile and friends who you grew up either in school or from the local softball team. Burlingame is clean, the people are kind and the weather is usually beautiful! Of course, I am so excited for August when I go away to school, but I will truly miss my town. I already cannot wait to come back to visit, because I know that I will be welcomed home with so many hugs and smiles!... Read 41 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 31,142

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: Very nice area, very safe. Good schools and houses. Pretty expensive cost of living. Safe area to grow up in/raise kids, but a little sheltered. People can be close-minded.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 4,008

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  50 reviews

Nearby Resident: The only way to tell where Alhambra ends and San Marino begins is the color of the street signs because both cities are gorgeous. San Marino has ordinances that keep it very safe. The city has no bars/convenience stores/ liquor stores, no fast food restaurants, no retail chain stores, no supermarkets, no hotels, no theaters, and only one 24-hour gas station. All other businesses close no later than 7:30pm, and the parks close no later than 8:30pm. There are also very few apartments/condos. There are no public activities in the evenings which eliminates most reasons for non-residents to be in the city after dark. It's a guarantee that the only vehicles you will see on the streets in the late evening/early morning hours are the police. If you desire to live in a city where an assortment of restaurant/bar/shopping options are convenient or within walking distance, then this is not where you would want to live. Residents need to venture to neighboring cities for such options & amenities.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 12,620

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  229 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here in San Ramon since 1995. My wife and I raised our children here after moving from Vallejo. The school system was great at the time and children have all graduated from Cal High and moved on to higher learning and adulthood. Crime was nearly non-existent when we moved here, but the new Next Door app indicates that there is more crime than meets the eye. Petty theft, car break ins and package theft are now commonplace. People will even steal your DoorDash and Grubhub food drop-off. Shame on people. Jobs? There is Bishop Ranch where many businesses flourish. Chevron, Bank of the West, 24 Hour Fitness, Toyota and more. Not everyone will find a job here and so that makes San Ramon a sort of "bedroom community" where residents have to commute to work. Housing: Once upon a time, you could buy a house on the cheap if you bought long ago, think 1990's and then the recession. That no longer exists and housing is EXPENSIVE! My home increased $1,000,000. Love it!... Read 229 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 85,688

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: Palos Verdes Estates showcases bucolic scenery with palatial homes. Abundantly verdant! Whether you're walking or driving, Palos Verdes Estates exudes an Edenic vibe. The previous statement doesn't qualify as an exaggeration. Some gardens match Versailles in the precision of manicure; others resemble evergreen forests unsullied by human efforts. All in all, this suburb stands as a bedroom community. Nightlife must be obtained off the hill. Any attempts towards noise pollution will be harnessed. Quiet entrances merit quiet exits. A sweet life to be felt in Palos Verdes Estates.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 13,403

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: It is an excellent gated equestrian community to raise a family.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,436

• Suburb of San Jose, CA

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  74 reviews

Current Resident: Menlo Park is one of the most inviting communities. It is surround by many fun and lively locations like downtown Palo Alto and Redwood City, while still remaining a quiet and cozy place to live. Being in Menlo Park, I have been able to attend one of the best public high schools and participate and some of the best high school athletics. The amount of opportunities available in this area are endless. Lastly, being around such successful people in the Silicon Valley gives our students a boost of motivation to work hard and succeed in their lives after education, making Menlo Park an academically rigorous and competitive place.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 33,677

• Suburb of Oakland, CA

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: Piedmont is a wonderful community, providing a unique sense of community with close access to urban amenities in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. No city is perfect, but Piedmont comes close -- providing strong public schools, a low crime rate, and fabulous community resources including an Arts Center, STEAM building, community pool, multiple parks, sports courts, and a thriving recreation center. Residents care deeply about the city and larger community and work together to affect change -- whether traveling to Mexico to build houses through the community church or volunteering with the local chapter of Boys Team Charity. The desire to affect change can also be seen in the city's attempt to address issues related to race, climate change, and housing. Refreshingly, progress continues as folks generally respect varying viewpoints and find compromise. Piedmont schools allow Oakland students to attend, but unfortunately, the Oakland School District mostly prevents the transfers.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 11,368

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: I don't know why this city gets a C+ crime rating. It is safe. There are more families moving in, but still plenty of retirement homes too. The local mall is not worth mentioning, sadly, don't know why businesses have such a tough time up here. Most of the people are friendly and helpful. We have lived here for 20 years. My son has gone to school here. No problems. Diverse community. His friends I call the mini- United Nations congregation! Horse trails, LA city views, close to beaches. Love it. If you are looking for nightlife, this isn't the place, unless you are into wildlife- the 4 legged furry kind. Beautiful place. Safe place.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 8,305

• Suburb of San Diego, CA

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  77 reviews

Niche User: This is a very special place. Super safe and flanked by the Navy Seal base on one end and North Island Naval Base on the other. Excellent school system Excellent restaurants Walkable amenities Parks Bike paths A great public golf course Amazing community center Numerous resorts And 70 degree weather year round No major Crime issues A very engaged police force Family friendly community where your kids can run about and feel safe! No doubt it doesn’t come cheap because it’s probably the most desirable coastal town in the US! But if you can afford it I highly recommend it!... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 20,627

• Suburb of Los Angeles, CA

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in El Segundo for all of my life and I would have to say that its an incredible city to live in. For the families with kids who are looking for a great place to have their kid go through their K-12 years, El Segundo has their Elementary, Middle, and High School all within walking distance. Along with the schools themselves being excellent. El Segundo has some great and original family owned restaurants that have been there for generations. Lastly, El Segundo is a 5-10 minute walk to their named El Porto beach, so it is convenient for beach goers to have a good time in the Spring/Summer. Overall, El Segundo is a great place to live in California because everything is so close to each other and the city is superb. I hope to live here my whole life!... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 17,243

• Suburb of San Francisco, CA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 2,309

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  200 reviews

Current Resident: The downtown is amazing! There are countless stores to choose from, and each and every single one of the stores are all super-duper trendy and glamorous. I really appreciate having the privilege of being able to live in this pleasurable place. There are quite a few people living in this town, but it is a large place. There are many different elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, and a college nearby, too. Most of the schools are great, and earn a high amount of points on school-review websites. Also, there are a lot of events that go on within Walnut Creek, such as the Art and Wine Festival, the Walnut Festival (an annual tradition), and the running festival. Walnut Creek is located at the foot of Mount Diablo, which is a very fabulous and snazzy mountain that you can climb up. Every decade, it will snow, sometimes only every few years, and everyone goes outside when it falls. I am very happy that I can grow up somewhere like here. I really love Walnut Creek.... Read 200 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 69,876