7 Safest Small Communities To Settle In California

California, one of the most expensive states for real estate, is also one of the most rewarding investments you will ever make, asking an average of around $760,000 as of October 2025. Despite headlines screaming "crime" throughout the US, the Golden State has it all, including safety in surplus, nature, cultural heritage, and diverse geography.

Whether you're after the Pacific coast or a charming mountain enclave, it is time to cut through the noise and discover unique lifestyles in the seven safest communities. Each, with a head count of under 50,000, offers more than peace of mind and a safe family appeal, blending affluence with history and landmarks, scenery, town greens, and amenities.

Danville

Danville is a mix of trendy and bucolic at the foot of Mt. Diablo. The imposing 5,000+ acres of wilderness from the south and craggy mountain views to the north lend a cocoon feel within. Danville Downtown reflects the legacy of a thriving Gold Rush town with a quintessential après scene of restaurants, boutique shops, and thriving arts, plus its centerpiece, the 350-year-old oak tree, the star of the annual "Lighting of the Old Oak Tree."

All-level hiking trails meander around Boy Scout Rocks, opening up plenty of unique opportunities. In addition to a trail system, the park features unique rock formations that offer endless photo opportunities. For a different experience, the nearby Blackhawk Museum is nearby with an outdoor shopping mall with ponds.

El Centro

Home to fewer than 50,000, the city offers unique experiences, a rich cultural heritage, and exciting annual festivals in a safe and appealing setting at the heart of the Imperial Valley. Locals enjoy doorstep access to the sunny valley, including lively outdoor events like the Imperial Valley Expo with carnival rides, live music, and local vendors. Bucklin Park is a locally beloved spot for dog-walking, family picnics, and gatherings by the clean pond, featuring ducks and a scenic fountain.

In addition to the California mid-winter fair and the county airport, families appreciate an array of grade schools and amenities within a short stroll, as well as healthcare, a variety of museums, and the Valley Plaza Shopping Center. Sought after from far and wide, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is just a quick drive from town to breathtaking vistas, with an abundance of flora adorning its hiking trails and wildflower fields.

Los Gatos

Founded in 1887, San Jose's suburb was a tiny Spanish mission before California was annexed by the U.S. and became the 31st state in the mid-19th century. The bustling farming town in the 1920s owes its Spanish name, “The Cats,” to the presence of mountain lions and bobcats in the area. Today, Los Gatos is a safe haven in the bustling Bay Area, with its hallmark Victorian-era homes etched into the beautifully restored downtown, luring summertime tourists.

From playgrounds to fresh farmers' markets offering juicy apricots, prunes, and grapes, the allure is real in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley. Home to under 35,000, locals enjoy quick access to big city lights and amenities while braced by enough wildlife and recreation parks for a lifetime, such as the pristine Lexington Reservoir County Park. The hilly, chaparral-covered El Sereno Open Space Preserve lures real hikers and mountain bikers with panoramic vistas.

Moorpark

South of the Santa Clara River, this Ventura County town is known for its dog- and family-friendly feel and open spaces, with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails through grassland and forest to the north. In addition to the Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, open on weekends to the public, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library features his burial site, a life-size replica of the Oval Office, and the authentic Air Force One plane used by seven presidents.

Some 50 miles northwest of LA, locals benefit from fresh produce and the iconic lavender fields at Underwood Family Farms, which offers U-pick from mid-June through July. In addition to bistros and antiques, the rustic 18-hole Rustic Canyon Golf Course offers mountain vistas, a driving range, and a cafe. Indeed, SoCal life doesn't have to look the same from one day to the next, with its unique pepper trees peppering High Street, a county trademark.

Orinda

This village-like community boasts a quaint downtown district and proximity to San Francisco. Just 10 minutes from Oakland, the remote feel is a surprising perk for the commuters and those who enjoy big cities in small doses, all thanks to the sprawling wilderness and the volcanic regional preserve separating it from urbanity. Once a hidden resort town for San Francisco, Orinda hasn't lost its sparkle or allure today at the eastern base of the Berkeley Hills.

For active locals, the hike from Inspiration Point to Wildcat Peak is 4.2 miles. Take the Seaview Trail for sunset over the San Francisco Bay to the west. The southern master-planned Wilder community enjoys wide-open access to Lafayette Reservoir for hiking, fishing, and boating.

Rancho Palos Verdes

Abbreviated as RPV, its distinct neighborhoods offer scenic coastal views, luxury homes, and upscale amenities, like the Palos Verdes Art Center, a cultural hub with art galleries. Check out the town's iconic, architecturally significant "glass church," a popular wedding venue.

The rich feel extends into the stunning outdoors with oceanfront cliffs and public beaches for hiking and whale watching. From the lush Three Sisters Reserve with wildflowers to Pelican Cove Park, which offers Santa Catalina views and a trail-beach access. Point Vicente Lighthouse is a historic landmark—still an operational navigation aid, with monthly open days featuring WWII history and ghost lore at the on-site museum.

Rancho Santa Margarita

Home to fewer than 50,000, this master-planned community hidden near Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Long Beach offers an unforeseen small-town atmosphere and a spanking-new appeal along the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Incorporated only in 2000, the 33rd city in Orange County is an idyllic blend of peace and vibrancy with historic landmarks and the scenic Lake Rancho Santa Margarita, offering a loop trail for walking, jogging, or biking.

Marked by shops, restaurants, and annual events, locals enjoy unmatched mountain vistas and outdoor access, from the local Trabuco Mesa Park to Bell View Trail Trailhead, an arduous hike to the summit. In addition, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is surrounded by varied wilderness terrain, making it an ideal location for outdoor recreation.

A Safe Settlement In California

Through these towns, California offers pockets of safety amidst mountain views and ocean vistas. Whether you're a family or thinking of starting one, a first-time buyer, or an investor, safe neighborhoods appreciate fast. Orinda and Rancho Palos Verdes lure commuters minutes from urban sprawl. From the thriving Gold Rush town of Danville to the Santa Ana Mountains foothills in Rancho Santa Margarita, these seven boast consistently low crime rates, well below the national and state averages.