California cities tend to get a bad reputation because of high crime rates and homelessness issues, but San Diego is one of the state’s safest cities.
The 2022 average crime rate for the entire city is 2,064 per 100,000 residents, which is 20 percent lower than the state average and 12 percent lower than the U.S. average.
Despite its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego has little gang activity compared to other California cities and a well-organized, well-staff police force.
If you’re interested in relocating or moving to San Diego, then it’s essential to learn more about the safest neighborhoods to set up shop. Keep reading to find out!
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in San Diego
Ten: La Jolla
Gorgeous, affluent, and safe are three of the many positive adjectives that describe La Jolla.
This neighborhood has a population of 29,300 and a crime rate of 27 percent lower than the state average, making it the tenth safest neighborhood in San Diego.
Most crimes in the neighborhood are property-related, so residents can take solace in knowing that violent crimes are rare.
The safety level comes with an expensive price tag of $1.3 million for the median home price and $2,700 for the average rent.
Nine: Sabre Springs
Nestled at the foothills directly north of Carmel Mountain Ranch and Scripps Ranch, Sabre Springs is a quiet neighborhood a short drive from downtown, perfect for commuters.
Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is near Sabre Springs for excellent outdoor activities.
Home to a population of 14,559, Sabre Springs has a property crime rate of 745 and a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents.
Eight: Carmel Valley
With a population of 39,559, Carmel Valley is situated on the northwestern corner of San Diego.
The neighborhood has 744 property crimes and 85 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals, resulting in an area that’s 65 percent safer than the U.S. average.
The sprawling neighborhood comprises hotels, restaurants, retail stores, commercial offices, and residential units, making it an excellent destination for young families and professionals.
Seven: Rancho Bernardo
Boasting a combined crime rate of 775 incidences per 100,000 residents, Rancho Bernardo is seventh on this list because the neighborhood has a crime rate that is 67 percent lower than the national average.
The area comprises canyons and rolling hills, making it a secluded, quiet area of the city with reasonable proximity to downtown.
The median rent is $1,732, and the median home price is $553,456, making it one of the more affordable areas of San Diego with a low crime rate.
Six: Rancho Penasquitos
The suburban neighborhood of Rancho Penasquitos is in the northwestern section of San Diego.
The crime rate within the 63,300 population is 755 incidents per 100,000 residents.
This means visitors and residents have a 1 in 133 chance of being the victim of a crime.
Like several others on this list, Ranch Penasquitos is next to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, which offers exceptional equestrian, biking, and hiking trails.
The neighborhood is still near downtown for an easy commute while providing a quiet slice of suburbia.
Five: Alta Vista
This quiet neighborhood southeast of Downtown San Diego has a small population of under 10,000 and boasts an exceptional safety record.
Crime in Alta Vista comprises 487 property and 204 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
This means Alta Vista is 72 percent safer than the U.S. average.
With a median rent price of $1,700 and a median home price of just under $340,000, this neighborhood is highly affordable for the San Diego area.
Four: Scripps Ranch
Scripps Ranch boasts a population of 36,540 and a crime rate 75 percent lower than the U.S. average.
Located near the Marine Corps Air Base, Scripps Ranch is a quiet neighborhood that’s centrally located.
Several of the most popular hobbies are hiking and recreational fishing, making Scripps Ranch an outdoor enthusiast paradise.
The median home price is $620,000, and commuting downtown takes only 20 minutes.
Three: Miramar
Miramar is a tiny neighborhood with a population of 2,000 in the northern section of San Diego.
The neighborhood has a property crime rate of 506 and a violent crime rate of 40 crimes per 100,000 residents.
These statistics show that Miramar has a crime rate that’s 79 percent lower than the U.S. average.
Most residents live on the local Marine Corps base, so having the military infrastructure ensures the community is highly safe.
Two: Egger Highlands
Situated in southern San Diego, Egger Highlands boasts a property crime rate of 76 and a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents.
With a crime rate that’s an impressive 96 percent less than the national average, Egger Highlands is centrally located with nearby beaches, airports, downtown, and military bases.
The small population of just under 10,000 residents enjoy nearby Tiajuana Valley Park, which boasts excellent outdoor activities.
One: Nestor
The safest area of San Diego is undoubtedly Nestor, where citizens have only a 1 in 2,440 chance of being crime victims.
The violent crime rate in this highly safe neighborhood of 16,500 was only 40 incidences per 100,000 individuals, equating to a safety rating 98 percent safer than the California average.
As an added benefit, the median house price is $581,400, making the area highly affordable by San Diego and California standards.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to San Diego
While San Diego is a highly safe city, it’s essential to follow these tips when visiting:
One: Keep Your Wits
Criminals looking to make a quick buck will attempt scams and pickpocketing in the most crowded places in the city.
Avoid being a victim by keeping your wits; if something doesn’t feel right, walk away.
The most common locations visitors are scammed are around the San Diego Zoo, the Space Museum, and the San Diego Museum of Art.
Two: Be Careful at Night
San Diego is a party city with activities like the County Fair, Comic-Con, Pride Parade, and Oktoberfest, and a vibrant nightlife.
If you’re out dancing and drinking until the wee hours of the morning, make sure to have a firm plan to get home, including rideshare, a taxi, or a designated driver.
Never wander the streets alone while intoxicated since it’s asking for trouble.
Three: Wear Sunscreen
Not all safety is related to scams and being targeted.
Since San Diego is a highly active, outdoor city, wearing the proper gear and applying sunscreen is important.
The sun in Southern California is consistent and can get incredibly hot, especially for those not used to this type of exposure.
Four: Be Vigilant on Public Transit
While public transit is perfectly safe, crowded buses, trains, and other vehicles are ideal for pickpockets to lift your wallet or phone.
Keep these items in the front pocket, and be vigilant when riding mass transit.
Five: Be Aware of Riptides
Although injuries and deaths are rare when swimming in the ocean, they occur.
Riptides are a common occurrence along this stretch of the coastline, so always swim where lifeguards are present and swimming is permitted.
If caught in a riptide, swim sideways through the water and parallel to the shore, then diagonally once freed from the current.
San Diego Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: San Diego Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gaslamp Quarter safe at night?
One of the most famous areas of San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter, which is dotted with bars, restaurants, and other attractions.
Due to the vibrancy and police presence, the Gaslamp Quarter is safe all day and night.
However, always use common sense, don’t venture into dark areas, and don’t linger at 3:00 AM.
Is San Diego or Los Angeles safer?
Every year San Diego statistics show a lower crime rate than Los Angeles.
Although both cities have crime crime, with property incidences leading the pack, San Diego has lower violent and property crimes.
Many U.S. and global tourists skip California cities because of their reputation for homelessness and crime.
Still, most incidences occur in poor, abandoned areas of each city and rarely spill over into the more bustling and vibrant tourist destinations.
Always be on guard, aware of your surroundings, and don’t draw attention to mitigating problems.
Is San Diego safe for tourists?
With plenty of historical and cultural attractions, idyllic weather, and glorious beaches, San Diego is one of the most popular and safest destinations worldwide.
If you’re concerned with safety because of the reputation of California cities, take the proper precautions and don’t miss what San Diego has to offer.
