Low Crime, High Comfort!
Known for its diversity, nightlife, and iconic landmarks, Los Angeles is the center of the nation’s film and television industry. When moving to LA, one of the major concerns students face is safety. While the city’s overall crime rate has decreased by 5% as of 2025, property crimes like theft and burglary remain an issue in certain areas. But worry not! Los Angeles boasts several areas that stand out for their low crime rates and community-based atmosphere. In this blog, we will take you through the top 15 Los Angeles safest neighborhoods.
Despite its reputation as a sprawling urban center, Los Angeles (LA) is home to several neighborhoods that stand out for their robust safety records. These Los Angeles Safest neighborhoods feature a combination of active community engagement, well-funded local police divisions, and robust neighborhood watch programs. As per the recent Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) report, the safest areas in Los Angeles typically experience crime rates 50-70% lower than the city average. Let’s explore the top 15 Los Angeles safest neighborhoods.
Situated in the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks is considered a safest neighborhood in Los Angeles, supported by a safety index score of 72–75. Regular LAPD patrols, well-lit residential streets, active neighborhood watch programs, and controlled-access housing contribute to low violent crime levels. Students choosing Sherman Oaks, one of Los Angeles safest neighborhoods, benefit from a quiet, well-monitored residential environment.
Next on our list of Los Angeles safest neighborhoods, Glendale is widely regarded as one of the safest places to stay in LA, with a safety index score of 75–78. Well-lit streets, frequent local police patrols, city-wide surveillance systems, and strong community policing contribute to consistently low violent crime rates. This safest neighborhood in Los Angeles offers students a secure and well-monitored living environment.
Home to some of the most exclusive residential zones, Bel Air is one of the safest suburbs in Los Angeles, supported by a safety index score of 78–82. Private security patrols, limited access roads, low traffic flow, and regular LAPD monitoring contribute to extremely low violent crime rates. This safest neighborhood in Los Angeles offers students a highly controlled and secure living environment.
Home to some of the most exclusive residential zones, Bel Air is one of the safest suburbs in Los Angeles, supported by a safety index score of 78–82. Private security patrols, limited access roads, low traffic flow, and regular LAPD monitoring contribute to extremely low violent crime rates. This safest neighborhood in Los Angeles offers students a highly controlled and secure living environment.
Next up is Culver City, recognised as one of the best safe neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with a safety index score of 74–77. Dedicated city police services, well-lit streets, extensive CCTV coverage, and active community policing programs contribute to low violent crime levels. As one of the safest areas to stay in LA, Culver City provides students with a secure, well-regulated residential environment.
Next on our list of Los Angeles safest neighborhoods, Pacific Palisades is widely recognised as a safest neighborhood in Los Angeles, supported by a safety index score of 80–85. Low-density residential planning, private security patrols, well-lit streets, and regular LAPD presence contribute to very low violent crime levels. This secure setting makes it one of the best LA safest neighborhoods for students seeking a calm, well-monitored living environment.
A picturesque and one of the safest areas in Los Angeles, Brentwood maintains a safety index score of 77–80. Well-lit residential streets, frequent LAPD patrols, strong neighborhood watch participation, and secure apartment complexes contribute to low violent crime rates. This safest neighborhood in Los Angeles offers students a consistently monitored and secure living environment, particularly near major university zones.
Featuring several tech-driven residential zones, Playa Vista is recognized as one of Los Angeles safest areas, with a safety index score of 78–82. Planned community design, private security patrols, 24/7 surveillance systems, well-lit streets, and controlled-access apartment complexes help maintain very low violent crime levels. As one of Los Angeles safest neighborhoods, it offers students a highly secure, modern living environment.
Offering a low-density residential layout, Tujunga is considered one of the safest areas to stay in Los Angeles, with a safety index score of 70–73. Limited through-traffic, well-lit streets, regular LAPD patrols, and strong community vigilance contribute to low violent crime rates. This safest neighborhood in Los Angeles provides students with a quiet, closely monitored living environment.
Last but not least on our list of Los Angeles safest neighborhoods, Cheviot Hills records a safety index score of 78–81. Low-density housing, quiet residential streets, consistent LAPD patrols, excellent street lighting, and active neighborhood watch groups ensure very low violent crime rates. Its proximity to UCLA makes it a secure and convenient student-friendly residential choice.
Nestled near Beverly Hills, Beverlywood is one of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with a safety index score of 79–83. Well-lit streets, regular LAPD patrols, low-density residential planning, and active neighborhood watch programs maintain very low violent crime rates. This makes Beverlywood a secure and peaceful residential area for students and families alike.
Sawtelle, one of the best Los Angeles safest neighborhoods, has a safety index score of 74–77. Regular LAPD patrols, well-lit streets, active neighborhood watch programs, and low-density residential planning help maintain low violent crime levels. This makes Sawtelle a secure, student-friendly area, providing peace of mind while living in a lively, urban environment.
Named among Los Angeles safest areas, Westwood has a safety index score of 76–79. Frequent LAPD patrols, well-lit streets, active neighborhood watch groups, and controlled-access student housing help maintain low violent crime rates. As the home of UCLA, Westwood provides students with a secure and well-monitored environment while living in a lively urban neighborhood.
Mar Vista is one of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with a safety index score of 72–75. Regular LAPD patrols, well-lit streets, active neighborhood watch programs, and low-density residential planning help maintain low violent crime levels. This makes Mar Vista a quiet, secure, and student-friendly neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles.
Los Feliz has a safety index score of 70–74, making it one of the safer neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Well-lit streets, regular LAPD patrols, active neighborhood watch programs, and low-density residential areas contribute to low violent crime rates, providing students with a secure and comfortable living environment while staying centrally located in the city.
When choosing the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, students must consider several factors. Below are essential safety considerations when selecting LA safest neighborhoods:
Firstly, you must evaluate the crime statistics of the area. You can find this information from many online resources, such as crime maps or detailed reports of incidents. Compare crime trends over time to see if the area is improving or declining.
Next, you must check the accessibility to police, fire departments, and hospitals. When looking for the safest neighborhood in Los Angeles, it’s essential to access these services easily. Quick response times can make a significant difference in emergencies.
The safest areas in Los Angeles offer well-lit streets, especially in areas frequented by pedestrians. A high walkability score means students can comfortably walk to nearby stores, cafes, and parks. Sidewalk conditions and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure also contribute to safety.
Areas with strong community organizations or active watch programs tend to have better safety records. So, do consider this factor when choosing Los Angeles safest neighborhoods. Engaged residents help deter crime and create a stronger sense of security.
If you travel more via public transportation in the US, make sure to check the safety transit stops and routes in the area. Ensure that bus or metro stations are well-maintained, monitored, and situated in secure spots. Additionally, check for safe crosswalks and traffic-calming measures to protect pedestrians.
So, this is our list of LA's safest neighborhoods! These safest suburbs of Los Angeles offer a secure and peaceful living environment to all their residents. However, it’s vital to remember that safety is dynamic and can change over time, but you can always choose amber for the best student housing in Los Angeles. Students coming to attend the universities in Los Angeles must, therefore, conduct their research and keep the safety considerations in mind when looking for the safest Los Angeles suburbs.
Yes, Westwood is considered safe for students, especially due to regular patrols, high foot traffic, and its proximity to UCLA, making it one of the safest student-friendly neighborhoods in LA.
Westwood, Brentwood, and Sawtelle are among the safest neighborhoods near UCLA, offering good walkability, reliable public transport, and relatively low crime rates for students.
Most safe neighborhoods in Los Angeles are more expensive, but students can reduce costs by sharing apartments or choosing nearby areas like Mar Vista or Rancho Park, which balance safety and affordability.
Students should review LAPD crime maps, check recent crime trends, visit the area at different times of day, and speak with current residents or university housing offices.
Students should look for secure entry systems, good exterior lighting, controlled access, functional locks, and proximity to busy streets or public transport.