As a local San Diegan, I’ve seen my city evolve over the years. People love it here and continue moving to Southern California. Since 2010, San Diego’s population has increased by 12.32%. As more people move here, does that make San Diego unsafe? No! From the shores of Ocean Beach to the vibrant nightlife of Gaslamp, San Diego has remained a safe city through its growth. I’ve experienced firsthand the changes and challenges this city has faced. Overwhelming crime is not one of them.
This is the ultimate guide to navigating America’s finest city, showcasing that San Diego is a safe city to live in.
Is San Diego a Safe City To Live In
San Diego, nestled just north of the Mexican border, often feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of other major cities. Despite its size, San Diego retains a sense of community and tranquility that contributes to a general feeling of safety.
Personally, I feel like San Diego is a very safe city. Especially compared to other cities in California, SD is a gem. Of course, it depends on your neighborhood, street, and surroundings! Feelings aside, let’s look at the facts proving why San Diego is a safe city to live in.
San Diego Crime Rate
Crime is down! Let’s all celebrate.
The San Diego crime rate has fallen 3% overall between 2021 – 2022. Note that certain violent crimes have increased during this timeframe. However, the crime rate including all crimes has fallen. Which is great news, confirming that San Diego is safe. Both homicides and rapes decreased in 2022. Petty crimes have also happened less frequently. Especially since the city has grown significantly over the past few years, the low crime rate is impressive.
SD Feels Safe to Me - A Local
San Diego, CA is already a very safe city to travel to, live in, and experience life in. That’s why we buy houses in San Diego and throughout the county. We love living here and working here as real estate investors. Our team sees the value in this area and enjoys investing in San Diego. We would not want to own rental properties in a city that wasn’t safe. San Diego is one of the safest areas we’ve done business in.
I personally live in Carmel Valley, San Diego. However, I’ve spent time working all throughout the city of San Diego. Originally being from an area that has high crime rates, San Diego feels safer than most major cities I’ve lived in. Overall, the community cares about where they live and each other. This pride in community inspires local San Diegans to take care of their home and keep it safe.
Safest Neighborhoods in San Diego to Live
Are you considering moving to San Diego, California? Perhaps you’re relocating in San Diego and need to decide which area to move to. Finding the safest neighborhood to live in San Diego isn’t hard. Here are the 5 safest neighborhoods that San Diego has to offer.
1. La Jolla
It’s hard to deny how high-end and overly fancy La Jolla, San Diego can feel. The glitz and glam of La Jolla Village partially contribute to its safety. This neighborhood is 14 miles from downtown San Diego. This gives La Jolla its own, secluded area.
Littered with fancy shopping and high-end restaurants, La Jolla prices out many people. It’s challenging to live here unless you’re making bank. La Jolla is also quite hilly, making it more challenging for burglars to traverse the steep streets and wreak havoc.
La Jolla draws a ton of tourists here. But is also beloved by the locals who call themselves residents. La Jolla, San Diego is an incredibly safe neighborhood to spend time in. If you’re traveling to San Diego, it’s worth stopping by here.
Crime Rate in La Jolla: La Jolla has 12.71% less total crime on average than the city of San Diego as a whole (when considering total crime across 100,000 residents)
2. Scripps Ranch
For those interested in warm mornings, versus the colder mornings along the coast in San Diego, consider Scripps Ranch. This San Diego neighborhood is fairly far from La Jolla and incredibly safe. It has a more relaxed vibe from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Plus, Scripps Ranch is in very close proximity to some epic hiking trails. Enjoy the safe hills of Scripps Ranch when traveling here. It’s a wholesome place to start a family if you’re deciding if Scripps Ranch is a safe enough part of San Diego.
Crime Rate Scripps Ranch: Scripps Ranch blows other neighborhoods in San Diego out of the water when it comes to safety. The crime rate here is a staggering 74% less than the national average when considering total crime. If that doesn’t make you feel safe, you may need to build a mote around your house.
3. Del Mar Heights
Venturing north just under North County San Diego, you find Del Mar Heights. This safe San Diego neighborhood feels like an upscale version of the city. It’s smaller yet bustling with fun shops, dining, and activities. Del Mar Heights has a similar atmosphere to Carlsbad, yet feels safer.
Del Mar Heights is close to the beach and easy to access off Highway 5. Similar to La Jolla, it feels like its own pocket/area. This neighborhood is hilly, beautiful, and very safe.
Del Mar Heights Crime Rate: 80% of people who were asked said that this neighborhood was very safe and had zero safety concerns. This statistic is important because many people who live in this part of San Diego are older. The senior community has a tendency to be more on edge about safety issues in their town. The fact that 80% said it was a perfectly safe neighborhood tells you something.
4. Carmel Valley
Next door to Del Mar Heights is the San Diego neighborhood of Carmel Valley. It’s larger than other areas. Similar to La Jolla, it feels like its own town sometimes.
Carmel Valley is essentially a suburb of San Diego. Many families, after having their fun living in North Park or Pacific Beach, move to Carmel Valley to start families and live peacefully. This neighborhood is extremely safe. There are many gated communities and houses with large yards. Without many commercial buildings, this San Diego neighborhood is safe and relaxing.
Carmel Valley Crime Rate: Carmel Valley is rated +A for overall crime rate.
5. 4S Ranch
With some of the best school districts in San Diego, the small neighborhood of 4S Ranch is as safe as they get. Picture a smaller Carmel Valley – this neighborhood feels like the suburbs. It’s not very central to downtown but is a very safe neighborhood in San Diego to live in with your family. You won’t need too many robust home security features living in this area.
4S Ranch Crime Rate: Very little crime and extremely safe neighborhood.
San Diego Is Safer to Live in than Los Angeles
It’s a common comparison San Diego versus Los Angeles. In terms of safety, San Diego consistently ranks higher. Our lower population density and a strong community policing presence contribute to this difference.
This is partially why San Diego’s population continues to rise. People love it here! And they know it’s a safe city among other California cities. Not only is San Diego safer than LA, but it also has better breakfast burritos and tacos. Would Los Angeles foodies say the same? I would take a burrito in San Diego, along with a safe stroll down the beach, over a day sitting in LA traffic.
San Diego Is Safer to Live in than San Francisco
The Bay Area has been spiraling out of control since the pandemic. San Jose has held up okay, but cities like San Francisco have become lawless and very dangerous. Carjackings and stolen items are a daily occurrence in San Francisco. Even the most crime-ridden neighborhoods in San Diego are safer than San Francisco.
Is San Diego Safe at Night
Like many major cities, San Diego can get slightly less safe once the sun sets. Particularly in inner-city neighborhoods, like Barrio Logan or Cortez Hill, San Diego isn’t 100% safe at night. However, overall it could be worse.
If you’re planning to spend a night on the town in the Gaslamp Quarter, use your best judgment. There are lots of characters that come out of their caves in the vibrant nightlife of downtown. Overall, San Diego is safe at night.
Should Female Travelers Feel Safe in San Diego
Absolutely. San Diego is generally considered safe for female travelers. Common sense precautions are advisable, as they would be anywhere. From what I’ve read, heard, and experienced, incidents targeting female travelers are rare here.
Natural Disasters and Climate Concerns Living in San Diego
Wildfires and Drought Conditions
Wildfires and droughts are part of life in Southern California. San Diego has developed robust strategies to combat and manage these natural threats, ensuring the safety of its residents. Fortunately, the droughts are far less severe than they were years ago. If you live in San Diego and own a home, get fire insurance.
Earthquake Risks and Preparedness
Living in California, earthquakes are always a concern. San Diego is no exception, but the city is well-prepared with building codes and emergency response plans. You don’t feel most of the earthquakes here. Plus, many of the new construction homes are built to withstand light earthquakes. I wouldn’t let these things deter you from living in San Diego.
Public Perception of Safety and Police
The public’s trust in the police is relatively high in San Diego. This trust is reflected in our community’s active engagement with law enforcement. We trust them and they trust us! This relationship helps maintain a safe and secure city.
Living in San Diego is Very Safe
In conclusion, as a San Diegan, I believe that our city is not only a beautiful place to live but also a safe one. While no city is without its risks, living here is not dangerous. San Diego’s efforts in community policing, disaster preparedness, and maintaining a low crime rate make it a safe choice for residents and visitors alike.