9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Northern California

The Golden State is full of exhilarating experiences and enchanting sights that are best enjoyed when crime rates are low and safety initiatives are taken seriously. This is the most populous state in the country for good reason. Mixing natural ancient beauty with new artistic innovation calls so many people to the Northern region of California. In a state where “settling down” is never boring, this list will help you discover the safest small communities where you can truly feel at home.

Tiburon

Crime deterrence is a community effort in this small town, and it is extremely effective. A citizen-owned network of surveillance cameras, as well as “good morning” check-in calls offered to the elderly and disabled, creates an atmosphere of peace for those who live in and visit Tiburon. In the comfort that comes with security, see Tiburon as well as the gorgeous San Francisco Bay at Old St. Hilary’s Landmark & Preserve. Atop this high ridge, travelers will see a 232-acre expanse of rolling grassland, rare serpentine soil, and the iconic San Francisco skyline. To see a more whimsical sight, head over to the bronze sculpture of “Blackie,” a locally beloved horse who once greeted tourists from their vast green pasture.

Blackie’s Pasture is not only home to an interesting installation, but also expansive green land great for picnics, and a playground with climbing structures and swingsets. Make sure to check out The Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, which captures the town’s history in the maritime and railroad industries. While having terrific views out the windows, the museum is filled with intrigue, such as miniature reconstructions and historic furnishings.

Mill Valley

Get to know this gorgeous place at Old Mill Park, where redwoods stand like ancient guards protecting the town. Within the Redwood grove is an amphitheater, a playground, and plenty of space for picnics and barbecues. Step back into civilization at Mill Valley Depot, somewhere to feed the mind and body. The local spot thrives, with community members and visitors stopping by for warmth. This warmth comes in the form of mugs of espresso, daily meals made with seasonal ingredients, and novels from the bookstore.

Feel the rhythm of the town at Sweetwater Music Hall. The intimate venue is an important part of the town's history, and nourishes its future by supporting artistic youth groups that focus on underserved community members. While Mill Valley boasts low crime rates, it is also a safe haven from otherwise unpredictable disasters, such as emergency weather phenomena. With plenty of evacuation routes and early warning signals, this town keeps its tourists and townsfolk safe from hazards.

Sausalito

Only nine miles from San Francisco, Sausalito has all the coastal beauty and double the serenity of its neighboring city over the Golden Gate Bridge. Witness the rich culture of the town at Sausalito Center for the Arts, where open discussions, spoken-word pieces, and paintings engage visitors with the community's creativity. This space offers all who walk through its doors a secure place to express and explore freely. For more artistry, see a USACE hydraulic model at the Bay Model Visitor Center.

The model is a working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta System. The installation is equally interesting and educational, making a great place to stop for all who are curious about the secure waterways of California. Afterwards, wander around the real currents of the town at Gabrielson Park on the Bay. The park comes alive in the summer, when musicians play the shore each Friday night for the Jazz and Blues by the Bay series.

St. Helena

Between its historic shopping district and wine tasting rooms, St. Helena is an exciting and revitalizing getaway. The artistically inclined will love the chance to see the work of a beloved author at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The collection immerses visitors in late Victorian-era English Literature. Archived work within the museum offers a rare glimpse into American expansionism, Polynesian cultures, and more regarding important aesthetic movements.

Remain in the world of stories at Cameo Cinema, an Art House single-screen theater built in 1913, playing independent and blockbuster films. Finish the voyage through the town at one of California’s most historic Wineries, V. Sattui Winery. The stunning estate is known for its warm hospitality and for being a secure place to gather and toast to new friends with a glass of small-batch wine.

Pacific Grove

Nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA”, Pacific Grove is home to a mass yearly migration of Monarch Butterflies. Travelers can see these butterflies at Monarch Grove Sanctuary, a garden covered in cypress and eucalyptus trees. In addition to an abundance of butterflies, visitors can find more of what makes this town so special at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The museum is located just a few blocks from the beach and features gorgeous native flora, miniature dioramas depicting pivotal historic moments, and ancient crafts. Tourists and locals gather here to watch the sunrise over the water at Lovers Point Park & Beach, an east-facing shore with perfect soft sand for lounging and ideal waves for surfing. With crime rates below the state and country average, visitors are able to explore all this town has to offer in peace.

Benicia

Learn the history of Benicia as told through its revolutions, artistry, and more at the Museum of History Benicia. The architecture is almost as interesting as the exhibits within, with the museum being made of four original sandstone military buildings.

For a gentle escape, walk down the Benicia Point Pier at the bottom of First Street. It’s a simple but impactful venture, strolling atop wooden planks and gazing at the mountains in the distance while a gentle current laps against the rocks on shore. Those who would rather walk atop grassy hills should go to Benicia State Recreation Area, where marshland and pebble-speckled beaches welcome travelers with picnic tables and soft ground to rest on.

Danville

With ultra-low violent crime rates, Danville is an ideal city to settle in as a single person or family. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Blackhawk Museum, where six unique exhibits share the history of various cultures from around the world through artistic installations and immersive, large-scale recreations. Another recreation is nearby, open to all who seek community gathering and entertainment. Once a farmers' lodge, this 1873 building has been through many incarnations. Now a creative space, The Village Theater and Art Gallery is a great place to see shows and witness various artistic displays. Nothing completes the local experience like Farmer’s Market, where the smell of dumplings, empanadas, and other local treats fills the air. The market is a space where the townsfolk can gather and trade goods, and it is open on Saturdays year-round.

Sonoma

With its plaza named “the happiest place in California,” the town is the slow-culture capital of the state. Within Sonoma Valley lies a getaway speckled with cobblestone streets, cafes, gardens, and historic structures at Sonoma Plaza. Only a mile away is Sonoma State Historic Park, a collection of six locations, all of them of historical or cultural importance to the town. From the estate of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo to the San Francisco Mission, these historic sights allow visitors to engage with the past. Return to The Plaza for a luxurious night of entertainment at the Sebastiani Theatre, which plays documentaries and features, as well as hosting live performances.

Orinda

Orinda is a haven that can be discovered from the belly of a rare locomotive. Travelers can tour this town by riding along a ridge through the forest on the Tilden Steam Train. The vintage train meanders around Redwood trees, creating a unique experience and an opportunity to wander the wild safely. Leave the forest and frolic in open green fields at Orinda Oaks Park. The 12-acre park has breathtaking views of Mount Diablo and has many rustic paths that connect it to the Orinda Open Space Preserve. This creates plenty of space for hiking and biking. Replenish with authentic Italian fare at La Piazza Pizzeria Trattoria, a neighborhood favorite right across from Orinda Theatre, making an ideal date night featuring pizza and a movie.

Where Safety Meets Small-Town Charm

While California was given the nickname “The Golden State” because of the gold rush era, there is so much about this state that makes it shine. The sunset off of its rolling hills in the wine county, the reflection of sunlight on the waves that splash against coastal boulders, and the faces of happy sun-kissed citizens. Most bright of all is the aura of security that emanates from its safest small towns.