Is San Diego Safe?
Yes, San Diego is very safe. In 2022, the average crime rate was 2,064 per 100,000 people, which is 12% lower than the national average and 20% lower than the California average. In addition, San Diego has a well-organized police force and very little gang activity compared to other California cities.
10 Safest Neighborhoods in San Diego
- Nestor
- Egger Highlands
- Miramar
- Scripps Ranch
- Alta Vista
- Rancho Penasquitos
- Rancho Bernardo
- Carmel Valley
- Sabre Springs
- La Jolla
1. Nestor
The safest neighborhood in San Diego is Nestor. This residential neighborhood is located in southern San Diego and has a population of 16,560. Nestor is one of the safest places in California, with almost no crime. In 2022 the violent crime rate in the neighborhood was only 40 incidents per 100,000 people, which makes it 98% safer than the state average. Citizens have a 1 in 2,440 chance of becoming victims of any crime. The average home price in Nestor is $581,400, which is very affordable by California standards.
2. Egger Highlands
Located in southern San Diego, the Egger Highlands has a population of 9,877 people and is known as being one of the safest places to live in the city. Egger Highlands has only 55 violent and 76 property crimes per 100,000 people, making its crime rate 96% below the national average. The location offers a short commute to nearby military bases, downtown, the airport, and beaches. The Tijuana Valley park is a popular destination that is just a short drive from Egger Highlands.
3. Miramar
Another one of the safest San Diego neighborhoods is Miramar. This small neighborhood has just over 2,000 residents and is located in north San Diego. Miramar has 40 violent crimes and 506 property crimes per 100,000 people making the crime rate 79% below the national average. Many of Miramar’s residents live on the Marine Corps Air Station base. Having the military infrastructure nearby makes the community very safe.
4. Scripps Ranch
Scripps Ranch is another one of the safest neighborhoods in San Diego. It has a population of 36,540 and a crime rate that is 75% lower than the national average. Scripps Ranch is also located near the Marine Corps Air Base and is known for being a quiet coastal bedroom community. Recreational fishing is a popular hobby for residents, and downtown is only a 20-minute drive away. The median home price in Scripps Ranch is $619,742.
5. Alta Vista
Alta Vista is a quiet community in southeastern San Diego. The neighborhood has a population of 9,210 and is known for its excellent safety record. The crime rate in Alta Vista is 204 violent crimes and 487 property crimes per 100,000, making the city 72% safer than the national average. The median home price is $339,814, and the median rent price is $1,712, which is only slightly higher than the national average.
6. Rancho Penasquitos
Rancho Penasquitos is a suburban neighborhood that is one of the safest areas in San Diego. It is located in the northeastern part of the city and has a population of 63,300 people. With a crime rate of 755 incidents per 100,000 people, residents have a 1 in 133 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. It is adjacent to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, a popular space that offers hiking, biking trails, and equestrian trails.
7. Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Bernardo has a population of 44,185 and a crime rate of 775 per 100,000 people making total crime 67% lower than the national average. Rancho Bernardo consists of rolling hills and canyons, offering a quiet, secluded setting that is still close to downtown. The median home price in Rancho Bernardo is $553,456, with the median rent being $1,732.
8. Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley is another one of the safest places to live in San Diego. The neighborhood has a population of 39,559 and is located in the northwestern corner of the city. Carmel Valley has 85 violent crimes and 744 property crimes per 100,000 people making the area 65% safer than the national average. This sprawling neighborhood is made up of residential units, commercial offices, retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. Carmel Valley is great for young professionals or young families.
9. Sabre Springs
Sabre Springs is a quiet neighborhood in the foothills north of Scripps Ranch and the Carmel Mountain Ranch. With a population of 14,559, Sabre Springs has a violent crime rate of 101 and a property crime rate of 745 per 100,000 people. Sabre Springs offers a great mix of being near the city and nature. The neighborhood is near Miramar Lake and the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve while being a short drive from downtown.
10. La Jolla
Regarded as a gorgeous, safe, and affluent beachfront community, La Jolla has a population of 29,356 and a crime rate of 27% lower than the California average. Residents will feel safe knowing that violent crimes are especially rare in the neighborhood. La Jolla may be expensive for some, as the median home price is $1.3 million, and the average rent price is $2,740. La Jolla still has incredible ocean views from its perch in the San Diego hills.
Safest Neighborhoods in San Diego Bottom Line
There are plenty of safe places to live in San Diego. The city is an amazing place to live while also being a popular tourist destination, and luckily crime in the city is well below the national average. People view San Diego as a much more relaxed and easy-going Los Angeles. Many of the neighborhoods that made this list offer a great mixture of safety and affordability!