7 Cities to Move to If Safety is Your #1 Priority

If your family is moving, safety is likely at the top of your list of concerns when choosing a place to live. Safe cities include places where it’s common knowledge that crime is lower than average, but do a little digging and you’re bound to find some gems that few know about as well. On this list, you’ll find the familiar and you’ll learn of a few new safe cities to consider moving to.

This list takes into consideration low crime rates, school systems and activities available. Hopefully, you’ll either find somewhere you want to live, or you’ll get a better idea of what you want to look for in a new city.

Naperville, Illinois

Naperville is one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., so it’s no wonder it belongs at the top of this list. It has a population of about 150,000. Naturally, cost of living is higher than most of the U.S., and the average annual income in Naperville is about $58,000. The average two-bedroom apartment rents for about $1,500. The crime index, on which 1 is the worst crime and 100 is the least, scores an amazing 61 in Naperville, with a violent crime rate of 0.087% (per 100 residents, that is) and property crime rate of 1.14%.

Naperville has places to bike, a gorgeous outdoor concert center, a living history museum called Naper Settlement, and much more.

Sunnyvale, California

With a crime index of 45 to reflect its violent crime rate of 0.106% and property crime rate of 1.57%, Sunnyvale is another safe place you could call home. It’s in a prime real estate area within Silicon Valley, so you can expect rent to be high. The average one-bedroom home rents for about $1,600, the average two-bedroom for about $2,000. However, if you’re in the right line of work, expect to make a good salary. Average yearly income in Sunnyvale is about $88,100.

Great! Schools gives Sunnyvale K-12 schools an average rating of 8 out of 10. If you’re interested in sending your kids to private schools, the city also has plenty.

Irvine, California

In southern Orange County, California, is the  thriving, business-oriented city of Irvine. It’s home to the major game company, Blizzard, and just happens to be the home of StorageFront as well.

Irvine is clean and spacious despite its population of about 260,000, and has an overall crime index rating of 43. The rate of violent crime is just 0.065% and property crime rate is 1.69%. Cost of living is high, with the average two bedroom place costing about $2,150 per month. Irvine schools get high ratings, and if students wish to they can get a great college education in the city as well at schools like California Southern University and UC Irvine.

Thousand Oaks, California

Near Simi Valley you’ll find Thousand Oaks, California. This city has a crime index of 56, reflecting its violent crime rate of just 0.1%, and property crime rate of 1.2%. It has a population of about 130,000, and the average annual income is about $50,500. A two bedroom apartment rents for about $2,025 per month. Thousand Oaks is in the Conseco Valley School District, which also has highly rated K-12 schools.

There’s lots to do in Thousand Oaks as well, from activities at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center to seeing concerts and more at the Civic Arts Plaza.

Provo, Utah

On the eastern shore of Utah Lake is the city of Provo, with a crime index of 30, reflecting its low violent crime rate of 0.13% and property crime rate of 2.17%.

One fantastic thing about Provo is that rental prices are surprisingly low. The average two-bedroom place rents for just $680 per month. Even in the Provo-Orem metro area, it’s just about $790 per month. Alas, Provo schools don’t rate as highly as others on this list, but that’s all the more reason for parents to get involved. Fortunately, there’s a lot to do in Provo. If you like museums, you can visit The Soap Factory, BYU Arts, or Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum. If you love the outdoors, go on a hike to Bridal Veil Falls or spend time in the parks in Provo Canyon.

Round Rock, Texas

Round Rock has a crime index of 35, reflecting a 0.13% violent crime rate and 1.9 percent property crime rate. It has a population of about 125,000. A two-bedroom apartment will run you about $1,325 per month, and the average annual income is about $50,000 per month. School ratings are all over the map, from 3 out of 10 to 10 out of 10, so pick where you move wisely.

In Downtown Round Rock, you’ll find outdoor music, called Music on Main, every Wednesday, and other family events every month.

Sugar Land, TX

Sugar Land has an excellent crime index of 41, with violent crimes at 0.095% and property crimes at 1.73%. This city has a population of about 89,000, and is an expensive place to live for Texas, though less expensive compared to pricy areas in the rest of the country. Annual income is about $51,500, and a two-bedroom apartment rents for about $1,325 per month. The city’s schools get an average rating of 8 out of 10 from Great! Schools.

Sugar Land has plenty of parks and trails, youth programs, adult sports leagues, and more to meet your activity needs and desires.

Now that you know some of the safest cities in the U.S., it’s time to take your research further on the cities that interest you most. Best of luck finding a wonderful, safe home for you and your family!