9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is known for snow-capped mountains, floral valleys, and vast forests. Beyond the region’s visual appeal, it is also home to small communities where safety, security, and a strong sense of community make enjoying the surrounding landscape more comfortable. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, towns on this list consistently rate below the national average for aggravated assault over the past five years. For people seeking year-round outdoor recreation or a town with lower crime rates, these towns stand out for their stability and livability. Keep reading to find out which communities offer some of the safest places to settle in the Pacific Northwest.

Snoqualmie, Washington

Nature shows its strength in Snoqualmie, Washington at Snoqualmie Falls Park, home to a 268-foot waterfall that cascades over rocky cliffs. One of the most visited natural attractions in the state, the falls are also a sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe. The park covers roughly 12 acres and includes forested walking paths and multiple viewing platforms overlooking the waterfall. While kayaking takes place on nearby stretches of the Snoqualmie River, launch access is not provided within the falls park itself. The awe-striking nature is even easier to enjoy in the unique safety this town boasts, with ultra-low crime rates compared not only to the country, but to the state of Washington.

You can see more of the surrounding valley aboard a vintage locomotive at the Northwest Railway Museum. The museum offers exhibits focused on railway history and operates seasonal train excursions on the historic Snoqualmie Valley Railroad. After exploring the area, stop by Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, where visitors can choose from roughly 2,000 slot machines, dozens of table games, and several dining options ranging from casual fare to upscale restaurants.

West Linn, Oregon

Explore West Linn, Oregon, with a glass of wine produced at Tumwater Vineyard, located on the town’s rolling hills above the Willamette River. The winery produces chardonnay, rosé, and other varietals using locally grown fruit. Guests can choose a tasting flight, local beer or cider, or a non-alcoholic beverage in a relaxed indoor or outdoor setting. West Linn's crime rates are well below the national and state averages, making a walk through local parks easy to enjoy.

Be sure to check out the Camassia Natural Area, a Nature Conservancy preserve shaped by prehistoric flooding events. The preserve supports over 300 plant species and is renowned for its seasonal wildflower displays and winding trails through oak woodland and prairie habitats. Mary S. Young Park provides another outdoor option, offering 128 acres of forested space, river access, and picnic areas along the Willamette River.

Pullman, Washington

Low crime rates, art, and colorful gardens make this town stand out in Washington's stunning, vast landscape. Meet some of Pullman’s most recognizable residents at the WSU Bear Center, where rescued bears live in a large outdoor enclosure. Viewing depends on season and activity levels, but during warmer months, the bears are often seen lounging, swimming, or exploring their habitat. Lawson Gardens adds another outdoor highlight, featuring landscaped paths, a reflective pool, and themed garden sections filled with roses and perennial plants. Art lovers can explore the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the Washington State University campus. The museum houses a collection of more than 18,000 works, with a strong emphasis on prints, works on paper, and rotating exhibitions representing artists from many cultures.

Camas, Washington

With crime rates far below the national and state average, exploring this quiet community is as invigorating as it is peaceful. While walking between shops, bars, and eateries downtown, follow the neon lights to the Liberty Theatre and catch a movie. The theater retains much of its 1927 Art Deco design while offering modern seating and sound. Programming includes new releases alongside classic and independent films. Spend time outdoors at Lacamas Lake Regional Park, where osprey and bald eagles are often seen above forested shorelines and open water. The lake system is linked to ancient glacial flooding that shaped much of the region’s terrain. Visitors can hike wooded trails, paddle on the lake, or explore wetlands filled with seasonal blooms. For a recreational change of pace, Camas Meadows Golf Club offers an 18-hole course and driving range designed around the area’s natural contours.

Bainbridge Island, Washington

Begin an introduction to island culture at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, a contemporary museum with free admission and rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, and community events. Continue exploring at Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre forest preserve designed as a series of curated gardens. Japanese garden elements, reflective ponds, wooden bridges, and quiet paths guide visitors through the landscape. Near the ferry terminal, Waterfront Park & City Dock sits along Eagle Harbor and serves as a central gathering space for outdoor events, casual walks, and seasonal concerts.

Sandy, Oregon

With a population of 13,100 and low crime rates to match, Sandy is an ideal choice for those looking for a tight-knit community. One of the area’s best viewpoints sits at Jonsrud Viewpoint Park, a cliffside overlook with views of Mount Hood rising above the Sandy River Valley. The viewpoint is a popular stop for photographers and travelers exploring nearby highways. Another community favorite is Meinig Memorial Park, which includes an amphitheater for summer concerts, a water play fountain, and a forest-themed playground. Sandy’s local history is preserved at the Sandy Historical Museum, where exhibits and dioramas depict the daily life of early settlers, local businesses, and regional development.

Kenmore, Washington

Kenmore’s waterfront redevelopment has become a focal point for community life. Log Boom Park provides public access to the northern end of Lake Washington, with a pier, small beach area, and views across the water. Nearby, Saint Edward State Park combines forested trails with historic brick buildings originally constructed as a seminary. The restored structures now house The Lodge, which offers dining, afternoon tea, classes, and a spa. The park blends natural spaces with architectural history, creating a setting used for walking, quiet reflection, and community gatherings. The most important asset in this small town is its safety, with the FBI Crime Data Explorer showing significantly low crime rates.

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Lake Oswego offers several long-standing gathering spaces tied to its history and community life. George Rogers Park, the city’s first public park, features riverfront trails, picnic areas, and an iron furnace preserved from the area’s industrial past. Elevated viewpoints within the park overlook the Willamette River. Another social hub is the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market, held at Millennium Plaza Park. Vendors sell local meats, produce, baked goods, and specialty foods, while musicians perform live throughout the season. Millennium Plaza Park itself includes a pergola, fireplace, and hosts movie nights and outdoor concerts during warmer months. Furthermore, this lakeside town's crime rates are far lower than the US average.

Canby, Oregon

Community events play a large role in Canby’s local identity, with the Clackamas County Fairgrounds hosting activities throughout the year. Communal care also shows itself in the local violent crime rates, which are very low compared to the rest of Oregon. Town events range from rodeos and fairs to seasonal markets and festivals. For a look into regional transportation history, the Canby Depot Museum preserves one of Oregon’s oldest railroad depots and displays rail artifacts and local memorabilia. Just outside city limits, Swan Island Dahlias operates a 50-acre dahlia farm recognized as the largest grower in the United States. Visitors can walk the fields during bloom season and browse the on-site shop featuring floral products and locally made goods.

Steady, Connected, and Grounded

From island communities to towns surrounded by forests, rivers, and valleys, the Pacific Northwest offers many places that balance natural surroundings with a strong sense of security and community life. The locations highlighted here combine access to outdoor spaces with lower crime rates and established local institutions. For those considering a move, these towns offer opportunities to settle into environments where daily life feels steady, connected, and grounded in the region’s landscape.