8 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Washington
As the most populous of the Pacific Northwest states, Washington's higher crime rates are no surprise, with notorious cities like Seattle. With so much space and multidimensional beauty, safety exists in abundance through tight-knit communities nestled in the creases, hugging the shores, and hidden from urban influences, such as La Conner, situated at the convergence of the sea and mountains, or the blufftop town of Langley on Whidbey Island.
Friday Harbor, on the largest of the San Juan Islands, is a foolproof choice for safety-conscious foodies, wildlife fans, and those after a life that feels like a getaway. Stacked against state and national baselines, these towns consistently rate below the national average for aggravated assault over the past five years, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. The first town is just a breezy, picturesque ferry ride away from the Emerald City.
Bainbridge Island
Hop across the Puget Sound from Seattle, and life feels simpler on this enchanting island. Home to 25,000, locals savor its paced tempo between cultural diversions and scenic beauty. The ravine, a glacial groove, marks the heart of Winslow (the city's downtown, next to the terminal). Just south, Rockaway Beach Park lures picnickers with unbeatable views of the city skyline. The offbeat Streamliner Diner features a pet-friendly deck that transforms into a friendly Italian bistro by night.
It is easy to find solitude with nature at your fingertips, such as in the dog-friendly Hawley Park, where you can take a stroll next to a public golf course. Blakely Harbor Park boasts a fantastic loop trail and clean amenities, with wildlife and greenery fringing a tranquil harbor, scenic fall foliage reflections on the water, and cool graffiti at the mill ruins. In addition to the beautiful, free-entry art museum with a gift shop, browse colorful boutiques and recharge on fresh seafood, sweets, and coffee.
Chelan
For endless lakeside pursuits and wine tourism, Chelan is one of the state's most beautiful and safest towns to call home. Derived from a Salish Indigenous word for "deep water," history and nature converge along the crystal-clear 50-mile-long Lake Chelan, carved by glaciers deep into the North Cascades. Among dozens of wineries and vineyards, Vin Du Lac Winery opens into the lake with a patio for sunset views and tastings across from a scenic municipal golf course.
Home to 4,500 residents, locals enjoy lively summers and undisturbed nature pockets just steps from the bustling waterfront. Take the paved trail through Don Morse Memorial Park, or rent and launch a canoe for an alternative vantage point. The one-mile paved riverwalk loops around the river, featuring grassy areas, wildflowers, and informative signage. Lakeside Park is a favorite hangout by the beach for swimming, picnics along tree-canopied lawns, and the scenic water-meets-mountain frame.
Friday Harbor
As a busy commercial center on San Juan Island, its distinct small-town personality shines through in a slow pace, beautiful scenery, and a bustling downtown full of amenities that calms down during the off-season. Water-centric perks include fresh seafood and seaside dining, whale watching, and wildlife trails that wind through endless views. The isolated Lime Kiln Point State Park flanks the rocky shoreline to the west with a lighthouse and trails from which you can spot marine life.
Dine or sip cocktails at an outdoor patio at Downriggers, on the doorstep of a waterfront park, where you can soak in scenic marina views and incoming ferries. As a tourist hotspot, you can expect to stay wildly entertained, from the Whale Museum with whale skeletons and interactive exhibits to day outings on Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures. The local charm and hospitality make for a place many are reluctant to leave, a fair trade for the steel in the city.
La Conner
Boasting forested surrounds, seaside ambiance, and peaceful mountain vistas, this town at the crossroads of the best PNW scenery lives on its own time along the Swinomish Channel, near the Salish Sea. The nearby tulip fields reflect the distinct beauty in this slice of Washington, luring tourists during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival for the entire month of April, after the town's Daffodil Festival. Drop by to relax at a waterfront park or a sip stop along First Street.
Lined by historic buildings and colorful downtown inns, galleries, and quirky shops, the channel ties the town together in a way you won't forget after a stroll. From the impressive Museum of Northwest Art, south, you can admire fishing boats, local wildlife, and the unique bridge dubbed the Golden Gate of La Conner. With a speed limit of 25 and no stoplights or chain stores, it soon feels like the saltwater scents and squawking seabirds have been missing from your life.
Langley
Overlooking Saratoga Passage, Langley's allure lies in its seamless connection to nature, with a peaceful beach scene, tide pool walks, and harbor seals sunning on the outcrops, all within steps of the compact downtown area, which is filled with local shops and galleries. Seawall Park offers front-row seats with blufftop picnic tables to soak in tranquil views of sails in the seascape, and you can spot whales in spring and fall. Sunrises light up the water and the Olympic Mountains across.
Living on Whidbey's southern side, you can imbibe culture, tasting fresh seafood and other locally grown products by the waterfront and institutions like the Langley Whale Center. See where the meandering community park trail takes you—the dog-friendly Spoiled Dog Winery or the island's distillery right across? In addition to the local theater company's summer and fall lineup, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts hosts the Celtic Festival and Summer Night Series.
Oak Harbor
Whether it is the military history and Navy presence, or the natural barriers that safeguard this town on Whidbey Island's north flank, Oak Harbor boasts consistently lower crime rates than the state and the nation. Named after the Garry Oaks, their centuries-old canopies shade you in a homegrown feel as you explore the sidewalks. Locals enjoy Windjammer Park with sculptures and a cove-like beach, plus the nearby West Beach County Park, with extensive sands and sea views.
Home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the south gateway to the Deception Pass State Park, which spans onto Fidalgo Island, tourists seek out this ancient forest on 4,134 acres with a marina, saltwater shores, camping, and 38 miles of trails, in addition to ecotourism, the diverse population ties into unique cultural offerings, like the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, galleries, large, detailed sculptures stuffed throughout, and a retro drive-in theater with go-karts.
Snohomish
There's something homey about the vibrant "Antique Capital of the Northwest," a blend of history and nature along the Snohomish riverfront, with Victorian-era buildings and manicured sidewalks. Just 30 miles north of Seattle, getting to know this friendly community often starts at the old-fashioned Snohomish Pie Co., with cozy vibes, sandwiches, and drinks. You can always spruce up your place next door at the popular Antique Station in Victoria Village.
The downtown green offers fishing docks and grassy areas to spread a sunny day picnic with your pup on a leash. Locals enjoy the 30-mile paved Centennial Trail, which starts here and ends in Skagit County, for a leisurely ride through mellow natural scenery. Wide-open prairies to the south burst in summertime blooms, while the nearby Flower Farmer Girls is beloved for strolls, soaking up the fragrant peonies, which turn into a fall-themed farmers market to browse.
Snoqualmie
Associated with the TV series and films Twin Peaks and the 2024 movie Train Dreams, Snoqualmie is a laid-back town offering free parking, a historic downtown, and a mix of antiques, art, and curated shops. There's a restored 1890 train depot within a neat community park, along with a gazebo for scenic selfies and family picnics, while all the drama lies in nature. Just 30 miles from Bellevue and Seattle via I-90, tourists enjoy day trips to Snoqualmie Falls.
Just north, the breathtaking waterfall cascades 268 feet over granite cliffs in a thunderous cloud of mist against the rock face. Enjoy views along the river, from the observation deck, or the park and gift shop at the top. After a refreshing outing, you can walk through the nearby tunnel and drop by Forest Theatre for musical theater, a seasonal must-stop in a forest setting. Hop off to Snoqualmie Falls Brewery, Sigillo Cellars for wine, or savor BBQ at Buckshot Honey.
Ranking high on the national list for overall crime makes many reluctant to move to the endlessly diverse Evergreen State, with its rocky shoreline, verdant rainforests, and granite ranges. Whether you're a local or coming out of state, these eight tight-knit communities are welcoming places for homemaking on the edge of grandness in the rugged Pacific Northwest.
The locals have peace of mind, living life to the fullest without fear for their family's health and the integrity of their household. Several island communities, including a Navy base, offer more than the obvious natural barriers; a profound connection to nature enriches daily lives. These communities feature public parks, amenities, and cultural institutions that keep residents of every age happily engaged.
