15 Safest Cities in the U.S.

Ramapo Town, NY

Ramapo Town, NY

Taking the top spot of the safest city in America is Ramapo Town, New York. Nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley, Ramapo Town basks in natural beauty, offering tranquil hamlets and historic landmarks, and a crime cost per capita of just $271.

Though within viewing distance of New York City, this town is way less populated, making it easier to control crime than its neighbor. Residents enjoy both small-town security and proximity to New York City's vibrant energy.

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Frisco, TX

Frisco, TX

Frisco has blossomed into a vibrant city within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, striking a balance between suburban tranquility and urban conveniences. Its low crime rate and community investments have secured it the second spot on America’s safest cities list. 

Residents of Frisco are rarely bored, as the city offers a wide range of top-tier sports and activities. From the National Soccer Hall of Fame to lively parts, the city’s amenities and focus on safety are a win-win.

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Fishers, IN

Fishers, IN

Fishers is all about that perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city perks. With just over 100,000 people and a spot as the fourth safest city in the U.S., it’s a great place to call home. 

Whether you're kayaking on the stunning Geist Reservoir or catching live music at the lively Nickel Plate District, Fishers has something for everyone to enjoy!

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Lakewood Township, NJ

Lakewood Township, NJ

Located in New Jersey’s pinelands, Lakewood Township has a chill suburban vibe and a real sense of community. With super low property crime, it’s ranked as the fifth safest city in the country. 

Lakewood’s got plenty of charm, from peaceful Lake Carasaljo to a buzzing arts scene and lively downtown markets. Plus, it’s just an hour from NYC, so you get the best of both worlds!

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Cary, NC

Cary, NC

Cary, North Carolina, is a total gem and the sixth-safest city in the country. Right next to Raleigh, it’s packed with manicured parks, peaceful neighborhoods, and top-notch schools that families love. 

Downtown Cary is where it’s at—with cozy local eats and cool spots like the Cary Arts Center. Safe, stylish, and full of opportunities, it’s hard to beat!

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Pembroke Pines, FL

Pembroke Pines, FL

Pembroke Pines in Florida pairs suburban allure with all the perks of a coastal state. Ranked seventh safest in the U.S., this city prides itself on proactive crime prevention and community-focused growth.

Its tree-lined streets and cultural hot spots, such as the Frank Art Gallery, reflect a vibrant, inclusive spirit. Near sunny Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines is a safe slice of paradise.

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Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove, CA

Elk Grove, California, is all about good vibes and community spirit, earning its spot as the eighth-safest city in the U.S. With safe neighborhoods and excellent schools, it’s no wonder families love it here! 

Whether you’re exploring the parks or hitting the city’s scenic trails, Elk Grove blends nature, safety, and a warm, welcoming feel like a pro.

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Surprise, AZ

Surprise, AZ

Surprise, Arizona, lives up to its name with breathtaking desert landscapes and excellent safety standing, securing it in ninth place among America’s safest cities. The city is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive recreational facilities. 

A mix of modern amenities and scenic beauty, Surprise offers perks like Surprise Stadium for sports enthusiasts and wildlife preserves for nature lovers who value a secure community. 

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Sterling Heights, MI

Sterling Heights, MI

Sterling Heights is all about staying safe while keeping life exciting! Ranked tenth safest in the U.S., it’s a proud Michigan suburb with a booming local economy and a strong community vibe. 

From chilling at Dodge Park to enjoying awesome cultural festivals, this city gives you a perfect mix of fun, safety, and opportunities to thrive.

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Port St. Lucie, FL

Port St. Lucie, FL

Port St. Lucie offers laid-back coastal living, paired with a strong safety record, and claims the eleventh position on America’s safest cities list. Its picturesque waterways and golf courses create an inviting environment. 

The nearby Savannas Preserve strikes a balance between the serene and the adventurous, solidifying Port St. Lucie as a dream locale for retirees and families seeking peace of mind.

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Gilbert, AZ

Gilbert, AZ

Gilbert, Arizona, thrives as a hub for innovation and family life, standing proudly as the twelfth safest city in the United States. Its low crime rate, excellent schools, and thriving downtown area make it a model community. 

Known as the “Heritage District,” its downtown area pulses with energy, featuring farm-to-table eateries and locally owned shops, creating a warm and secure backdrop for residents.

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Pearland, TX

Pearland, TX

Pearland, Texas, is the perfect mix of city excitement and small-town charm, snagging the thirteenth spot for safety. With low crime and its close proximity to Houston, you really get the best of both worlds here. 

Stroll through the lush Centennial Park or join in on the lively community events. Pearland is safe, colorful, and full of good vibes!

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Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, Arizona, impresses with its gorgeous desert vistas and high safety ranking as the fourteenth safest city in the nation. Its luxury spas, golf courses, and art galleries exude an upscale yet accessible vibe. 

Residents and visitors alike are drawn to Old Town Scottsdale, blending history and modernism in a vibrant, crime-conscious community.

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Coral Springs, FL

Coral Springs, FL

Coral Springs ranks fifteenth among the nation’s safest cities, offering a suburban feel with a vibrant lifestyle. Known for its well-maintained parks and strong community ties, it’s a haven of security. 

Located just above Miami, Coral Springs is a quiet neighbor. It’s a family-friendly hidden gem that can keep tourists entertained without sacrificing safety. The Coral Springs Museum of Art and scenic walkways make this city a cultural and recreational delight.

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Riverside, CA

Riverside, CA

Riverside, California, strikes a balance between its storied Spanish heritage and modern-day growth. Its historic Mission Inn and tree-lined university avenues encapsulate its undeniable charm.

Although it’s the 12th most populous city in California, it's doing a fine job of keeping its people safe. Riverside looks to the future with cohesive planning, demonstrating how a dedication to safety and quality of life can coexist with cultural progress.

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New York City, New York

New York City, New York

Despite what the movies may show, NYC is the one of the safest cities in the states. It has more police officers per capita than any other city. Violent and property crime combined rank less than 20 incidents per 1,000 residents, a really low number. 

The only reason NYC looks bad is because there are so many people living there. With these statistics, though, you know you’re less likely to be afflicted by crime than most places.

(Image via Adobe)

San Diego, California

San Diego, California

San Diego receives more than 30 million visitors each year. With that many tourists, you know people are checking in for security. Luckily, violence is low. 

Your biggest worry should be on the wallet in your front pocket. Other than that, enjoy some ice cream on the beach and have a great day.

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Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach might have had a rough past, but they’ve worked hard to turn over a new leaf. Crime rates are going down year over year, so now violent crime rates occur 20% less than the national average. 

Nowhere is naturally safe, not even a town of 3,000 people, and the people of Virginia Beach know that. They work hard to make sure their homes are safe, so if you move here, you’ll be in good hands.

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San Jose, California

San Jose, California

San Jose is one of the best places to live, according to U.S. News, and that’s due in part to their low rates of crime. Violent crime has been significantly below the national average for decades. If you look at a heat-map of San Jose crime, it’s almost all safe. 

If you’re considering moving to or even just visiting the Golden State, add San Jose to your list of places to think about.

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Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida

The people of Tampa seem offended that anybody thinks their city isn’t safe, and that's a good thing. You’d likely only be offended if your city really was safe. Tampa, despite having the obvious advantage of sitting on the beach, is a normal place to live. There’s not much to stress about. 

Things are actually significantly worse in the nearby city of Orlando, but that doesn't stop almost 70 million visitors each year. Tampa is not a place to be scared of.

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El Paso, Texas

El Paso, Texas

El Paso gets a bad rap because it sits right on the border of Mexico, right across from a dangerous city named Juarez. While the media may try to make it seem like living this near the border means the Cartel or the Illegal Immigrants are going to come get you, that’s not the case. 

Because of the violence just across the border, security is high, meaning the residents of El Paso are safe. If anything, you’re safer because of the high amounts of law enforcement than you would be without it.

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Mesa, Arizona

Mesa, Arizona

You probably couldn’t point out Mesa, Arizona on a map, but the residents are sure happy to live there. They live in a diverse community that spans different age ranges, economic classes, and ethnic groups. 

Residents attribute this close-knit, healthy community to its safety. They work hard to make sure they are all safe, and if there’s anything we can learn by looking for safe cities, it’s that the safest cities are the ones that actively strive to become safer. Nowhere is accidentally safe.

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Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of our nation’s oldest cities, known as the birthplace of the Revolutionary War. Despite the violence that is tied to its history, it’s pretty safe nowadays.

In fact, the biggest warning people seem to give is to be cautious late at night, but really, where do you not need to be cautious late at night?

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Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana sits right about a stone’s throw from the beaches of California, meaning it’s the type of place you shouldn’t have to worry about your safety when visiting or moving there. 

Like any city, you’ll need to be wise about which areas to avoid, but if you’re smart, you won’t be jumping at every corner. Plus, even car-related injuries are low. You’ll be safe on multiple points.

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Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is safe. Whether you’re just looking to visit their beaches, run the famous Ironman, or settle down for the long-term, you don’t have to worry. Their crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. 

Their police are prevalent, and their crimes don’t go unsolved. Maybe the bad guys just don’t have anywhere to run, but this city doesn’t see a lot of confusing, unanswered, chaotic crime. This city is on solid ground.

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Anaheim, California

Anaheim, California

You might not know where Anaheim, California is, but you know it’s most common destination: Disneyland. If you’re considering visiting the magical wonderland, you’ll be safe. 

Because of the heavy tourism, the areas are monitored by local security, so you shouldn’t lose any sleep over your visit. You’ll need all the rest you can get so you can give Space Mountain your full attention.

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Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Portland has some great stats. Not only is the violent crime rate significantly lower than the national average, but it’s also been cut down significantly from where it was at the turn of the century, where it was already doing great! The place is safe.

Your biggest worry would be somebody stealing your hipster bike that you left outside a coffee shop for too long. But even then, you shouldn’t worry too much.

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Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California

Everybody knows L.A. It’s the home of the film industry and the city that drains the wallet of so many aspiring filmmakers. It’s relatively safe too. 

There are specific areas that people should avoid, but there’s also areas that are relatively safe to be out at night, something most cities can’t boast. Your biggest problem in L.A. is really just the traffic.

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Henderson, NV

Henderson, NV

Henderson is one of the safest cities in the nation, and it has been for years. With a population of almost 300,000, the averages for property and violent crimes are significantly less than the national averages. In fact, violent crimes average just over 2 incidents per 1,000 people, half of the nation’s average. 

According to a Police Officer, they “believe [there] in Henderson that crime is a community issue; it is not just a police issue.” Like any other safe city, it is earned.

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Irvine, California

Irvine, California

If safety is #1 on your list of priorities, get on over to Irvine, California. We cannot overemphasize how safe this city has been for decades. In the 70s, when the population was about 30,000, violent and property crime were enormously high. Now, despite the population being over 250,000, the crime is significantly lower than it was 40 years ago. 

Granted, the rapid growth is changing the city, but for most of the past two decades, the city has been one of our nation’s safest, usually the safest city in the nation.

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