What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is well known as the entertainment capital of the world, as well as for its mild, semi-arid climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. While it has long grappled with high crime rates, there have been signs of improvement. Our divorce attorneys recommend that even if you live in Los Angeles or plan on visiting, knowing which neighborhoods are the safest is a good idea
Current Crime Rates in Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles has a population of 3.8 million, making it California’s most populous city. It’s also the second-largest city in the nation, spreading across 470 square miles and containing more than 80 neighborhoods.
The city’s recent crime data shows that in 2023, there were 327 homicides — a 17% decrease from 2022. Violent crime also decreased with a 3.2% drop compared to the previous year. But overall citywide Part I crimes — homicide, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault — increased by 1.9%, and citywide property crimes climbed 3.5%.
7 of the Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
Of the 80+ Los Angeles neighborhoods, which ones are the safest? Movoto Real Estate highlights these seven communities.
1. Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks, located in San Fernando Valley, has a population of over 52,000. While the cost of living is high, the neighborhood is lauded as family-friendly. It offers a senior center, shopping centers, parks, and a weekly farmers market. Sherman Oaks has a crime rate of 8.4 per 10,000.
2. Tarzana
Also located in the San Fernando Valley, Tarzana was named after the Tarzan character, conceived of by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, who had a ranch there. Tarzana has served as a location for many films, such as “The Karate Kid.” With a population of about 35,000, it’s both family- and animal-friendly.
Movoto states that the neighborhood has a thriving economy and educated community members. Its crime rate is 6.1 per 10,000.
3. Boyle Heights
A multicultural city with a population of fewer than 100,000, Boyle Heights is among Los Angeles’s most affordable communities. As a result, it tends to attract the young working class. Boyle Heights is also Los Angeles’s most famous Hispanic community and has a crime rate of 5.5 per 10,000.
4. Miracle Mile
Part of the Mid-Wilshire community, Miracle Mile has a population of approximately 5,500. It features five museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, earning it the title “Museum Row.” Movoto describes the neighborhood as child-friendly, with plenty of paved sidewalks. It has a crime rate of 5.5 per 10,000 residents.
5. Mar Vista
Situated in West Los Angeles, Mar Vista used to be called the “Lima Bean Belt” of the nation. Another claim to fame is its Venice High School, which served as a location for Rydell High, the school in the 1978 movie “Grease.” Mar Vista has a population of nearly 35,000 and a crime rate of 3.7 per 10,000.
6. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is home to nearly 35,000 residents. The neighborhood is considered friendly and relaxed, with a good community in which to raise a family. It encompasses four distinct residential areas: Trousdale Estates, The Flats, Golden Triangle, and South of Wilshire and South Beverly Drive. Beverly Hills has a crime rate of 3.6 per 10,000.
7. Palms
Palms has a population of more than 42,000. While formerly an agricultural center, today it’s a diverse and affordable area to raise a family. In addition to a city park and recreation center, it offers an abundance of family entertainment options and sights to behold, like the “Hobbit Houses.” Palms has a crime rate of 2.6 per 10,000.
Navigating Los Angeles Safely
These are but a few of the neighborhoods worth visiting or considering as the location of your family home in Los Angeles. No matter which neighborhood you visit in the city, it’s important to always maintain basic safety practices for both yourself and your family.
Contact a Los Angeles Family Law Lawyer Today
If you’re going through a divorce, you need a strong team on your side fighting for your rights. Call Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers today to know how we can assist you.
Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers Los Angeles Office
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Los Angeles, CA 90013
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Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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