San Diego’s 4 Safest (and Least Crime Ridden) Places to Live in 2023 | 2024

Everyone wants a safe place to live and raise his or her children. Those seeking a home to buy want to know it is safe to walk in the neighborhood and that their spouse is going to be safe at home alone. 

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While San Diego can get a bad rap for some of the crime downtown, there are really many safe areas for those seeking a place to call their own. There are four that rank especially high on the safety list with all receiving an A+ or B+ in crime and safety, making them great choices for living there moving forward.  

Here's a quick rundown of our list:

1) Del Mar Mesa

This semi-rural neighborhood has an urban feel with lots of shopping, coffee shops and parks. It is also known for its 10 miles of hiking, biking and riding trails. The population is 20,415 and most residents in Del Mar Mesa own their homes. The median home value is $974,544 with the median rent price point at $2,526. The median household income is $150,292.

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This neighborhood takes other distinctions too with being #1 in best neighborhoods to buy a house in San Diego, #1 in best neighborhoods to live in San Diego and #1 in best neighborhoods to raise a family in San Diego. 

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The reason for the extremely high safety rating is because Del Mar Mesa is well below the national average for violent crimes. In fact, there were no cases of assault, murder, rape or robbery reported at all. It is also well below the national average regarding non-violent crimes like burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. There rates are 26.3 burglaries for every 100,000 residents compared to 500.1 nationally. The theft rate is 31.5 per every 100,000 residents, compared to 2,042.8 nationally. There were no motor vehicle thefts reported.

2) Torrey Hills

Torrey Hills is a relatively new neighborhood created in the early 1980s that offers an urban vibe, but also has a small-town feel with only 15,695 residents. The community is made up of mostly families who own their homes and also boasts a lot of restaurants, parks and boutique shops. The public schools are well rated too.

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Torrey Hills has some high-valued real estate. The median home value is $1.09 million and the median rent is $2,392. Fifty-nine percent of residents own their homes. The media household income is $148,641 and 51 percent of residents have a master’s degree or other higher degree.

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As far as rankings go, Torrey Hills is #2 of 49 in best neighborhoods to live in San Diego, #3 of 49 of best neighborhoods to raise a family in San Diego and #4 of 49 of best neighborhoods to buy a house in San Diego.

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The community ranks high for safety because it has virtually no violent crime. The only reports are 6.8 robberies for every 100,000 residents, way below the national average of 135.5. 

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While there are more burglaries in Torrey Hills than in Del Mar Mesa, reported incidents are still way below the national average. Statistics show the rating for burglaries in Torrey Hills is 108.7 per every 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 500.1. The rating for theft is 74.7 for every 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2,042.8. There were no motor vehicle thefts reported.

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3) Torrey Pines

Those seeking a laid back atmosphere in a coastal area where people are friendly should look to Torrey Pines. This neighborhood has 13,080 residents and a completely suburban feel. Residents tend to be young professionals and retirees with most having moderate political views. The public schools are excellent as well.

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Fifty-seven percent of residents own their homes in Torrey Pines and the values are good with the median home value at $1,069,272. The median rent is $2,271. The median income is $120,399 and most residents have a master’s degree or other higher degree.

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Torrey Pines is ranked #3 of 49 as best neighborhoods to live in San Diego and #7 of 49 of best neighborhoods to raise a family in San Diego. It is at the 17th spot of 49 as best neighborhoods for young professionals in San Diego.

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Its crime and safety ranking is excellent and below national averages. The assault rate is 25.8 for every 100,000 residents, still well below the national average of 282.7 per 100,000 people. It has a robbery rate of 25.8 for every 100,000 residents, below the national of 135.5 for every 100,000 residents. There were no murders or rapes reported. 

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With non-violent crime, Torrey Pines has a rating of 283.8 for every 100,000 people, about half of the national rate. The theft rate is 68.8 per every 100,000 people, miniscule compared to the national rate. There were no motor vehicle thefts reported.

4) Via De La Valle

Those who are older, want a small community, and tend to be more liberal would love Via de la Valle. This is a 125-acre community located south of the City of Solana Beach. Most of the residents in this community of 2,723 are retired. However, it does have an excellent school system for those who have children. Only 12 percent of residents have children in this community.

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The most significant aspect of Via de la Valle is that 88 percent of residents own their homes, far more than any other San Diego community. The median home value is $1.3 million and the median rent is $1,611. The median household income is $146,067 and 37 percent of residents have a master’s degree or higher-level degree. Another 39 percent have a bachelor’s degree.

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Via de la Valle is highly ranked as a best place to live in several categories. It ranks #2 out of 49 San Diego communities as best neighborhoods to raise a family and #4 in best neighborhoods to live in San Diego. It places as #7 as best neighborhoods to buy a house in San Diego.

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This community has an outstanding crime and safety rating. It has no reported violent or non-violent crimes at all.

Any of these four communities are great places to live and will allow your family to live in safety. The one you pick depends on your own personality and how much you want to spend. I can help answer any more questions about these communities and others. 

I would love to help assist you with your home purchase, home sale, or home loan - please feel free to give me a call, text, or use the form below. 

Your Safe Insider, 

Scott

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