Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Sacramento, CA with the Best quality of life – 2025

• Population: 82,983 (2022)
• Crime rate: 3.2 crimes per 1000 people

Valley Hi (North Laguna) has a reported crime rate of 3.2 crimes per 1,000 people, it stands out as one of the safest neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA. Residents feel secure, and newcomers often highlight the neighborhood’s welcoming atmosphere.

Beyond its safety, Valley Hi (North Laguna) is known for its family-friendly environment and strong working-class community. Locals appreciate Valley Hi Park for its cleanliness and covered play structures, making it a great spot for families with young children. The neighborhood also offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities at North Laguna Creek Park, Shasta Community Park, and Wood Park.

Point2Homes (2022) & Crimegrade.org (Feb 2025)

• Population: 23,460 (2023)
• Crime rate: 4.11 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 4.11 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

City Data (2023) & Crimegrade.org (Feb 2025)

• Population: 7,000 (2023)
• Crime rate: 7.6 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 7.6 crimes per 1,000 people, making the locals feel secure. 

City Data (2023) & Crimegrade.org (Feb 2025)

• Population: 40,205 (2022)
• Crime rate: 12.65 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 12.65 crimes per 1,000 people, making the residents feel safe.

Point2Homes (2022) & Crimegrade.org (Feb 2025)

• Population: 11,252 (2020)
• Crime rate: 28.28 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 28.28 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

US Census (2020) & Crimegrade.org (Feb 2025)