Five Safest Places to Live in Los Angeles

Home to 3.8 million people, Los Angeles is the second largest city in America. Its thriving economy, uber-diverse culture, year-long sunny weather, stunning beaches, outdoor recreational activities, buzzing attractions, and iconic entertainment, arts, music, and fashion scene have all made it an attractive place to visit and live in pursuit of the American dream.

However, one area in which Los Angeles falls short is safety. Despite the laid-back vibe, the city’s crime rate per capita is 52% higher than the national average, according to AreaVibes. From door-to-door scams and fake charity fraud to burglary, rape, and murder, LA residents have had their fair share of
threats over the years. Of course, not all neighborhoods in the city bear the same level of safety risks. In
fact, some are exceptionally secure and make ideal communities to settle in. If you plan to move to Los Angeles this year, here are five safe places (based on AreaVibes findings) you would want to consider.

1. Tujunga
   Located between the Verdugo Mountains and Crescenta Valley, Tujunga is a quiet suburban neighborhood that is only a short drive from the National Forest. And it is not just famed for its easy-going lifestyle and the stunning outdoors, ideal for nature lovers. It has also been a well-known filming location for popular movies and television series—from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and River’s Edge to Teen Wolf and Seven Pounds.
   And Tujunga’s reputation for safety is second to none: The total crime rate there is an estimated 1,259 per 100k people. That is 64% below the Los Angeles levels and 46% lower than the national average. The likelihood of experiencing a crime in this community is 1 in 80. And it has no reported murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, or theft, according to available data.
   What’s more, Tujunga records a median household income 40% above the U.S. levels, and its living expenses are 7% below LA’s average.

2. Bel Air
   Bel Air’s ranking among the safest places in Los Angeles barely comes as a surprise for many people.
   This neighborhood of under 8,000 people hosts the rich and the famous, boasting several country clubs and luxury mansions in gated communities. Along with tranquil mountainous views and sprawling estates, it offers privacy and seclusion, together with quick access to all the amenities of downtown Los Angeles. An important perk that comes with up-scale living in Bel Air is safety. The area’s crime rates are 42% below the U.S. average. And violent crimes are recorded as
   140 per 100,000 people, which is 62% lower than the national level. With just 1 in
   74 chances of becoming a victim, this community is safer than 89% of California’s cities.
   But all this exclusivity and safety comes at a cost. Living expenses in Bel Air are 217% above the U.S. levels.
3. Westwood
   Home to UCLA, Westwood is pretty much a college community that is ideal for both young people and families to settle in. This also means it is equipped with all the essential amenities, from a good transportation network to various dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
   For many people, Westwood is known for a buzzing night-life and an excellent
   atmosphere for college students. But don’t be deceived; This is a swanky
   community with a well-above-average cost of living. In fact, life in Westwood can
   be pricier (45% higher, to be exact) than most places in Los Angeles.
   However, one upside to choosing it to call home is the area’s safety track record.
   Westwood has an exceptionally low crime rate, which is 58% below the LA
   levels. Violent crime is only 140 per 100k residents. That is 62% lower than the
   national figures.
4. Brentwood
   Together with Bel Air and Beverly Hills, Brentwood makes up the three B’s of the
   affluent neighborhoods of LA’s Westside. The residents there range from
   celebrities to retirees and others who could afford Brentwood’s upmarket lifestyle.
   But what makes it such an attractive place to live? This community has both an
   urban and suburban feel to it. It features plenty of restaurants, cafes, shopping
   districts, and cultural venues, including the famous Getty Center. And if you enjoy
   the outdoors, Brentwood offers parks, scenic routes, hiking trails, mountain
   ranges, and more.
   Crime rates are also relatively low there at 1,830 for every 100,000 people. And the area is pegged to be more secure than 86% of the cities in California. Brentwood is overseen by the West Los Angeles Community Police Station of the LAPD. This undoubtedly has played a role in keeping the community’s residents safe.
5. Mar Vista
   With a livability score of 72/100, Mar Vista is one of the most desirable places in Los Angeles to settle in. It is located on the Westside of LA and borders Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, and Palms. The population at Mar Vista is just under 36,500, while the median age of residents is estimated to be around 40.6 years. This community has a coastal laid-back vibe and hosts lots of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It is also highly family-friendly and has excellent schools, parks, and commuting facilities. The cost of living, however, is 143%
   above the national average.
   What about safety? AreaVibes gives the community a B rating for crime. Mar Vista’s total crime rates are well below the U.S. and Los Angeles levels. And its neighborhoods are safer than 77% of the places in California.

To Conclude
Although Los Angeles has a fairly high crime rate compared to other cities in the U.S., some communities within it offer impressively secure living environments for its residents. If you are planning on moving to LA this year, local real estate agents can help you identify safe neighborhoods ideal for you and your family. But ensure you do some research, too, to get an idea about potential risks. Online reviews from
residents and visitors, local news reports on media, and statistics on platforms like the FBI’s Crime Explorer can help you with this.