List Of Top 10 Safest Cities in Los Angeles to Live in (2023)

Los Angeles is renowned for its iconic personalities, pleasant climate, picturesque beaches, and exceptional restaurants and entertainment. With abundant attractions, LA is an ideal destination to reside or explore. Nevertheless, if security is a priority, it’s crucial to be acquainted with the secure neighbourhoods in this bustling city of more than four million inhabitants. This article highlights the top ten safest communities in Los Angeles for 2023.

10 Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

1. 1. Bel Air
   2. Sherman Oaks
   3. Studio City
   4. Los Feliz
   5. Playa Vista
   6. Encino
   7. Brentwood
   8. Porter Ranch
   9. Silver Lake
   10. Playa Del Rey

1. Bel Air

Bel Air, one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, is considered to be the safest area in the city. As per the 2021 FBI crime statistics, Bel Air has an overall crime rate of 65% lower than other neighbourhoods in Los Angeles. With a population of 10,715, residents of Bel Air have a significantly lower chance of falling victim to any crime.

Bel Air’s safety may come at a steep cost, with the median home price reaching $4.5 million as of 2022. Nevertheless, this list includes a range of more reasonably priced neighbourhoods.

2. Sherman Oaks

With a population of approximately 70,000, Sherman Oaks is considered one of the safest areas to reside in Los Angeles. According to recent statistics, the crime rate in Sherman Oaks is 53% lower than the national average and 58% lower than the California average. Despite its reputation as a secure neighbourhood, Sherman Oaks is also known for being one of the most expensive areas in LA, with a median home price of around 1.7 million dollars as of 2022.

3. Studio City

Studio City, situated in the Southeast Fernando Valley, has gained fame for being the home of numerous famous personalities in the past, courtesy of its proximity to Hollywood. However, what sets Studio City apart is that it consistently ranks as one of the safest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles. With a population of 40,449, Studio City is safer than most other areas in LA.

Studio City is an exceptionally safe neighborhood with rare incidents of violent crime. This makes it a reassuring place for both residents and visitors alike.

4. Los Feliz 

Los Feliz, located in Los Angeles, is a peaceful and economic neighbourhood with a low crime rate. Compared to other areas in Los Angeles, it is 61% safer, making it a secure place to live. On the other hand, Encino is known for its urban/suburban ambience.

Encino is an ideal neighbourhood for singles, young professionals, and families due to its proximity to Hollywood and downtown. With a median home price of $740,684 and a median rent of $1,407, Los Feliz is one of the more affordable neighbourhoods on this list. Los Feliz is a perfect combination of safety and affordability, with proximity to nightlife, bars, great restaurants, and hiking opportunities.

5. Playa Vista 

Playa Vista should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for a safe place to live in Los Angeles. With a population of 13,697, this neighbourhood is considered safer than 60% of other areas in Los Angeles. According to FBI statistics from 2021, Playa Vista has 1,890 incidents per 100k people, making it much safer than the US national average and 27% safer than the California average. Plus, living in Playa Vista means you’re close to the beach without paying a premium. With a median home price of $655,300 and a median rent price of $1,535, this area is affordable and perfect for students, singles, young professionals, and families.

6. Encino

Encino is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, with a meagre crime rate. This area is an excellent place to live for singles, young professionals, families, and retirees. Encino is located in the San Fernando Valley, offering safety and affordability. The median home price in Encino is $753,866, with a monthly median rent of $1,475. In comparison, the average home price in Los Angeles is nearly a million dollars, and rent exceeds $2,700 per month. Therefore, Encino is a budget-friendly area to reside in.

7. Brentwood

Brentwood, situated in Western LA, is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles. With a population of approximately 31,000, Brentwood boasts a crime rate that is 37% lower than the city average, making it a highly secure neighbourhood. While isolated incidents of property crimes may occur, violent crimes such as murder are almost non-existent, which is quite impressive. Interestingly, the infamous OJ Simpson murder case occurred in Brentwood in 1994.

Living in Brentwood is expensive, similar to Bel Air. The median home price in this neighbourhood exceeds 2.2 million as of 2022.

8. Porter Ranch

With a population of 30,571, Porter Ranch is situated in the serene San Fernando Valley. It has earned a reputation for being one of the safest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles. The median home price in Porter Ranch is $681,550, and the median rent is $2,763. This area is predominantly known for being home to families and retirees. The ambience is more suburban, surrounded by numerous state parks and green spaces, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Apart from being one of the safest neighbourhoods, Porter Ranch is also one of the greenest places in the city.

9. Silver Lake

With a population of 30,972 and an impressively low crime rate, Silver Lake is known to be one of the safest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles. Between Echo Park and Los Feliz, this area is especially favoured by young, single individuals. In recent years, Silver Lake has undergone significant gentrification, leading to an increase in housing prices. In 2022, the median house prices in Silver Lake were around 1.73 million dollars, reflecting the upscale nature of the neighbourhood.

10. Playa Del Rey

Playa Del Rey is a tranquil neighbourhood with convenient beach access and an excellent choice for young families. With a population of 12,900, this neighbourhood has a crime rate of 1,686 per 100,000 people, 28% lower than the national average and 35% lower than the California average. Thus, it is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Los Angeles.

Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles Bottom Line

The West Side is generally considered the safest in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. The primary factor that determines safety is the crime rate per capita. Despite being safe neighbourhoods, they are also some of the most expensive places to live in the United States due to the high cost of living in Los Angeles. The median home prices in these areas often exceed a million dollars.

Los Angeles can be challenging to balance safety and affordability, but some decent options are still available, as seen on this list. Although many of these neighbourhoods have lower crime rates, certain areas are affected by issues like homelessness and property crime. While safety and affordability are becoming increasingly rare in Los Angeles, pockets of affordability can still be found.

Also Read:

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