Searching for a safe city in Northern California? You’re in luck! From charming small towns to bustling urban areas, Northern California has some of the safest communities around.
We’ve gathered a list of the 15 safest cities in this region, where low crime rates and high quality of life go hand in hand. If you’re planning a move or simply want to learn about the safest places, this guide is for you.
15 Safest Cities In Northern California
1. Danville
Danville is the safest city in Northern California due to having the lowest violent crime and property crime rates. Danville is also conveniently located close to other major cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley.
Plus, Danville offers a great quality of life with its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and wide range of outdoor activities like hiking trails and parks nearby.
Things To Do In Danville
⭐ Museum of the San Ramon Valley: This small museum located in downtown Danville tells the story of the region’s history through a variety of exhibits and artifacts.
⭐ Rock City State Park: The park offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, hiking trails, and other outdoor recreational activities. And while you’re here, visit Mount Diablo State Park, one of the best things to do in Walnut Creek.
⭐ Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site: This site was the home of Eugene O’Neill, one of America’s greatest playwrights, and is now a museum that celebrates his life and work.
⭐ Blackhawk Automotive Museum: This museum features a collection of classic and exotic cars, as well as exhibits on the history of the automobile.
Looking to stay in or near Danville? Check prices for hotels here.
2. San Ramon
San Ramon is home to a number of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces and home to a number of major corporations, including Chevron and AT&T. The city’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area makes it a hub for technology and innovation.
Things To Do In San Ramon
⭐ Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve: This natural preserve offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching, with scenic views of the surrounding hills.
⭐ Canyon Lakes Golf Course: Take a golfing lesson at this popular golf course that features beautiful greens and challenging holes, and offers lessons and clinics for golfers of all levels.
⭐ Art & Wind Festival: This annual festival features kite flying, live music, food, and a variety of other activities and attractions.
Looking to stay in or near San Ramon? Check prices for hotels here.
3. Lincoln
Lincoln is a great destination for anyone looking for historic charm, outdoor activities, wine tasting, golfing, or family fun. Its proximity to the Sierra Foothills and the Sacramento area makes it abundant with outdoor activities in the area, including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
Things To Do In Lincoln
⭐ Thunder Valley Casino Resort: This casino and resort feature a variety of gaming options, as well as restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Attend a concert or event at the Thunder Valley Amphitheater, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
⭐ Lincoln Hills Golf Club: This beautiful golf course features rolling hills, scenic views, and challenging holes, making it a popular destination for golfers.
⭐ Wine tasting: Lincoln is located on the Placer County Wine Trail, and there are several wineries in the area that offer wine tastings and tours. The area is known for its Zinfandel and Rhône-style wines.
Looking to stay in or near Lincoln? Check prices for hotels here.
4. Oakley
Interested in exploring the great outdoors or experiencing the local culture and entertainment, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in the vibrant and dynamic city of Oakley. It’s located in Contra Costa County.
Things To Do In Oakley
⭐ Big Break Regional Shoreline: This park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering a marina, picnic areas, and scenic trails for hiking and biking.
⭐ Fishing: Oakley is a popular destination for fishing, with access to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and several nearby lakes. You can fish for a variety of species, including bass, catfish, and trout.
⭐ Festivals and events: Oakley hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Almond Festival, the Harvest Festival, and the Heart of Oakley Festival.
Looking to stay in or near Oakley? Check prices for hotels here.
5. Cupertino
Cupertino is located in Santa Clara County and is home to many iconic technology companies such as Apple. It is known for its affluent neighborhoods, highly-rated schools, and proximity to major tech companies like Apple.
Things To Do In Cupertino
⭐ Apple Park Visitor Center: The visitor center offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of Apple, with interactive displays, an augmented reality experience, and a beautiful rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding area.
⭐ Villa Montalvo County Park: This park has the Montalvo Arts Center which is a beautiful and historic venue that offers a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year.
The park has 4 hiking trails and you can also picnic in the huge grassy area. We’ve hiked the Redwood Trail to Lookout Point trail and the view above was gorgeous.
⭐ Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve: This nature preserve has 32 hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. We’ve hiked the Hammond-Snyder Loop trail and spotted some deer!
Looking to stay in or near Cupertino? Check prices for hotels here.
6. Folsom
Folsom has a reputation for being a family-friendly community with low crime rates compared to other cities in California. The city offers good schools, well-maintained parks, and recreational opportunities, making it attractive for families and professionals. Plus it’s less than 2 hours away from Lake Tahoe.
Things To Do In Folsom
⭐ Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park: This historic building, once a functioning powerhouse in 1895 (and one of the first ones), now serves as a museum that showcases the early days of California’s electrical system.
⭐ Folsom Lake State Recreation Area: Near the foothills of Sierra Nevada, this beautiful lake is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a beach, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.
⭐ Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary: This small zoo features a variety of animals, including primates, reptiles, and exotic birds, making it a great place to spend a day with the family.
What makes this zoo stand apart is the way the animals were brought in and how they are cared for.
Looking to stay in or near Folsom? Check prices for hotels here.
7. Foster City
Foster City, located in San Mateo County, is considered a safe and desirable place to live, with crime rates well below the national average. The city is known for its planned communities and waterfront homes, making it popular for families and professionals.
Being near major tech hubs like San Mateo and Silicon Valley, Foster City attracts a well-educated and affluent population, which tends to correlate with lower crime rates.
Things To Do In Foster City
⭐ Lagoon in Foster City: The lagoon is a popular destination for windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and other water activities, and is surrounded by parks and picnic areas.
⭐ Mariners Point Golf Center: It has a 9-hole, par-3 golf course that is ideal for players of all skill levels. The course is relatively short, with holes ranging from 64 to 135 yards, making it a great option for beginners and families.
⭐ Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park: This park features a large marina, picnic areas, and a beach, making it a great place to spend a day outdoors. This park is named after Leo J. Ryan, a U.S. Congressman from California.
Looking to stay in or near Foster City? Check prices for hotels here.
8. Pleasanton
Pleasanton is located in Alameda County, known for its historic downtown, scenic parks, and vibrant community events. It’s also home to several wineries and vineyards that offer tastings, tours, and beautiful scenery, making it a popular destination for wine lovers.
Things To Do In Pleasanton
⭐ Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park: This park features scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of Pleasanton, the Livermore Valley, and the surrounding hills, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
⭐ Amador Theater: This is a beautiful and historic theater that hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and cultural events throughout the year.
⭐ Alameda County Fairgrounds: These fairgrounds host a variety of events throughout the year, including the Alameda County Fair, a popular annual event that features live music, food, and rides.
Looking to stay in or near Pleasanton? Check prices for hotels here.
9. Dublin
Dublin has experienced rapid growth, leading to modern amenities, shopping centers, and diverse dining options. Its proximity to major highways and BART access makes commuting to nearby cities like San Francisco and Silicon Valley convenient, adding to its appeal for professionals.
Things To Do In Dublin
⭐ Dublin Heritage Park and Museums: The park is home to two museums: the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums Visitors’ Center and the Kolb House Museum.
The visitor center features exhibits on the history of Dublin and the surrounding area, while the Kolb House Museum showcases what life was like for a farming family in the early 20th century.
⭐ Dublin Hills Regional Park: This park features scenic trails and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You’ll also get panoramic views of the Tri-Valley area.
⭐ Dublin Ranch Golf Course: This course is an 18-hole championship course that offers stunning views of the Tri-Valley area.
Looking to stay in or near Dublin? Check prices for hotels here.
10. Rocklin
Rocklin has a friendly, suburban vibe with a strong community feel, and it’s close to bigger cities like Sacramento. Back in the 20th century, Rocklin was known as the center of the granite and railroad industry.
The town has grown a lot recently, adding new places to shop, eat, and have fun, while still keeping its small-town feel. Plus, it’s near great outdoor spots like Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a great choice if you love the outdoors.
Things To Do In Rocklin
⭐ Quarry Park Adventures: This park features a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, zip lining, and rope courses. It’s the only adventure park in the country that’s built in and on a rock quarry.
⭐ Rocklin History Museum: The museum’s exhibits include a variety of items that showcase the city’s history, including photographs, artifacts, and documents related to the area’s early settlers, the local railroad, and the mining and granite industries that helped to shape the city’s development.
⭐ Wilderness Archery Inc.: An archery range and pro shop that offers a variety of archery services, including equipment sales, lessons, or booking a lane.
Looking to stay in or near Rocklin? Check prices for hotels here.
11. Daly City
Daly City is located in San Mateo County and is bordered by San Francisco, South San Francisco, and Pacifica. It has easy access to the city while offering a more affordable suburban lifestyle. Its proximity to public transportation, like BART, makes commuting to San Francisco and other Bay Area locations convenient.
With its coastal location, it’s close to beautiful beaches and scenic spots like Pacifica, making it great for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Things To Do In Daly City
⭐ Mar Vista Stables: The stables are situated on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and they offer scenic trail rides along the coast and through the hills near Thornton State Beach.
⭐ Mussel Rock Park: The park is situated on a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and it offers stunning views of the coastline, the beach, and the ocean. Mussel Rock is also a popular spot for hang gliding, paragliding, and other forms of flying. The park has a designated launch area for hang gliders, and it is known as one of the best spots for flying in the Bay Area.
⭐ Epic Limousine: It’s a high-end transportation service that provides a luxurious and comfortable experience. The drivers are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers and are available to help with any questions or concerns.
Looking to stay in or near Daly City? Check prices for hotels here.
12. Hollister
Hollister, located in San Benito County, offers a quiet, small-town atmosphere with a rich agricultural heritage. It’s a great place for those seeking a slower pace of life while still being within driving distance of larger cities like San Jose and Monterey.
The town is surrounded by scenic farmland and vineyards, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and wine tasting.
Hollister also has a strong sense of community, with local events and festivals that bring residents together. Its affordable housing and proximity to natural beauty, like Pinnacles National Park, make Hollister a great place to live for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To Do In Hollister
⭐ Hollister Soaring Center (Bay Area Glider Rides): A glider flight school and tour operator that offers a range of glider rides and lessons for both novice and experienced pilots, as well as sightseeing tours for tourists and aviation enthusiasts.
⭐ Pinnacles National Park: Hollister is the northern entry point to the park’s east side. This scenic park features towering rock formations, hiking trails, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
⭐ Leal Vineyards and Winery: The winery is situated on a 40-acre estate and produces a variety of award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Looking to stay in or near Hollister? Check prices for hotels here.
13. Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, located in Santa Clara County, combines small-town charm with modern convenience. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, it’s great for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wine tasting.
The town has a strong community with local farmers’ markets and festivals that bring people together. Even though it’s peaceful, it’s still close to Silicon Valley, making it a good option for professionals who want a quieter and more affordable place to live while staying near work.
Things To Do In Morgan Hill
⭐ Uvas Canyon County Park: The park features a variety of scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests, along sparkling streams, and past beautiful waterfalls.
⭐ Anderson Lake County Park: The park consists of Anderson Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Santa Clara County! This park features a scenic lake, as well as opportunities for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.
⭐ Henry W. Coe State Park: It covers over 87,000 acres of rugged hills, grasslands, and oak woodlands, and is the largest state park in Northern California.
Looking to stay in or near Morgan Hill? Check prices for hotels here.
14. Elk Grove
Elk Grove, located just south of Sacramento, is a family-friendly city with a suburban feel and plenty of parks, schools, and community events. It’s known for its affordable housing compared to other parts of the region, making it popular with families and first-time homebuyers.
The city is also close to outdoor recreation areas like the Sacramento River and nearby wildlife preserves, perfect for those who enjoy nature. Its combination of suburban living, strong community spirit, and proximity to Sacramento makes it a great place to live.
Things To Do In Elk Grove
⭐ Elk Grove Regional Park: This park features a variety of recreational facilities, including a lake, picnic areas, and sports fields.
⭐ Elk Grove Fine Arts Center: This center features a variety of exhibits, events, and art workshops in a range of artistic disciplines.
⭐ Old Town Elk Grove: This historic area features a variety of historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, as well as regular events and activities.
Looking to stay in or near Elk Grove? Check prices for hotels here.
15. Martinez
Martinez, located in Contra Costa County, is a charming small city with a historic downtown and scenic waterfront. Known for its rich history and as the birthplace of John Muir, it offers a strong sense of community and a relaxed suburban lifestyle.
Martinez has great parks, hiking trails, and easy access to the Carquinez Strait, making it perfect for outdoor lovers. The city’s downtown area features unique shops, restaurants, and regular community events, preserving its small-town charm.
With its proximity to larger cities like Walnut Creek and easy access to major highways, Martinez provides a balance of peaceful living and convenience.
Things To Do In Martinez
⭐ John Muir National Historic Site: This historic site is dedicated to the life and legacy of naturalist and conservationist John Muir and features a variety of exhibits and tours.
⭐ Downtown Martinez Historic District: This historic district features a variety of historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, as well as regular events and activities.
⭐ Martinez Marina: This marina features a variety of recreational facilities, including a boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
Looking to stay in or near Martinez? Check prices for hotels here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Danville has the lowest crime rate in Northern California at 0.63 per 1000 residents.
Danville is also conveniently located close to other major cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. It’s located in Contra Costa County.
Yes, Northern California is a safe place to live. While the state does have some unsafe areas, it’s also home to some of the safest cities in the country.
Oakland is the least safe city in Northern California with a property crime rate of 19.83 and a violent crime rate of 7.0 per 1000 residents.
Final Thoughts
Finding a safe city is the perfect way to narrow down your search for the Northern California home of your dreams.
While safety is a top priority, we hope that this list helps you weigh other vital factors as you continue your search. From beautiful views to top-rated schools to lively downtowns, Northern California proves that you can do it all from the safety of a wonderful community.
Curious about the safety in Southern California? Here’s what you need to know about the safest cities in Southern California.
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