The City of Angels offers it all: access to the ocean, a vibrant university life, a deep connection to the arts, and, of course, private residential areas. However, when deciding on which LA neighborhood to make your new home or invest in, it’s essential to prioritize safety.
That’s why we created this list of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It’s a ranking based on reliable data as well as our own experience working and traveling across the city.
Key Takeaways:
- Beverlywood, Porter Ranch, and Glendale are the top-rated neighborhoods for safety in 2026.
- Security comes at a high cost, with median home prices typically ranging from $1.1M to over $7M.
- Neighborhoods are mostly tailored to specific groups, such as families (Beverlywood), executives (Encino), and students (Westwood).
Data-based Crime Level in LA Neighborhoods
When creating this list and describing each neighborhood, we relied on data from multiple trusted sources. During our research, we used platforms such as DoorProfit, CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout, Niche, Nextdoor, Realtor.com, Walk Score, and others to evaluate crime rates and overall comfort in each area.
The 11 Safest Areas to Live in Los Angeles
| Name | DoorProfit Crime Score | Population | Median home price | Median rent price | Best for |
| Beverlywood | A | ~6,000 | $3,245,000 | $8,995 | Families, college students |
| Porter Ranch | A | ~30,000 | $1,504,000 | $4,397 | Students, highly educated professionals |
| Glendale | A | ~180,000 | $1,195,000 | $2,995 | Young, single residents |
| Cheviot Hills | A | ~7,000-12,000 | $5,002,499 | $7,950 | Urban sophisticates |
| Encino | A | ~45,000 | $1,873,997 | $4,470 | Executives, retirees, families |
| Brentwood | A | ~35,000–40,000 | $3,572,500 | $5,195 | High-profile residents looking for privacy |
| Bel Air | A | ~7,500–8,000 | $7,995,000 | $18,000 | High-profile residents looking for privacy |
| Mar Vista | B+ | ~35,000 | $1,850,000 | $2,850 | Retirees |
| Sherman Oaks | B+ | ~65,000 | $1,649,999 | $3,489 | Upper-middle-income individuals |
| Los Feliz | B | ~22,000 | $2,496,000 | $2,950 | Young professionals, art connoisseurs |
| Westwood | B | ~50,000 | $1,550,000 | $4,245 | Students, young adults |
1. Beverlywood
Beverlywood is a densely urban neighborhood with an approximate population of 6,000 residents and is one of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles for families.
How Safe Is Beverlywood?
Crime maps often give the area strong crime & safety grades. Furthermore, in 2025, Beverlywood earned the second spot on the Niche list of the “Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in the Los Angeles Area.”
Below are the recent reported crime statistics for Beverlywood. Here’s how to read this stat: The figures shown are crime index scores, which are used to compare how often different types of crime are reported in one neighborhood versus typical U.S. neighborhoods. A score of 100 represents the average level of reported crime.
For example, an assault score of 134 means assaults are reported about 34% more often than the national average. A robbery score of 22 means robberies are reported about 78% less often than the national average.
- Assault: 134
- Robbery: 22
- Burglary: 42
- Larceny/theft: 50
- Vehicle theft: 77
The assault figure may look surprising because Beverlywood is widely considered very safe. The reason is that the neighborhood has a relatively small population. A single reported incident in a small community has a much bigger impact on the score than it would in a large city.
Beverlywood Housing Market
Beverlywood has quite a tight supply for buyers, which keeps prices high. As of the December 2025 reporting period, the median home sale price is $3,245,000. It’s also considered best to buy a house, since the median rent is $8,995 per month.
Beverlywood Schools
Beverlywood residents have access to a range of high-quality schools. Highly rated nearby public schools include Girls Academic Leadership Academy, Renaissance Arts Academy, High Tech Los Angeles, Larchmont Charter School, and WISH Community School. Families also have access to private schools such as Windward School, Harvard-Westlake School, and Marlborough School.
Beverlywood Parks and Walkability
The Beverlywood streets are mostly pedestrian-friendly. This makes it a convenient place for residents to walk their dogs, jog, or stroll to local parks like Circle Park.
Best For
Beverlywood is certainly best for families. Additionally, it’s quite popular among college students.
2. Porter Ranch
Porter Ranch is another neighborhood that belongs to the safe areas in Los Angeles. It’s located in the northwestern San Fernando Valley, with an approximate population of 30,000 residents.
How Safe Is Porter Ranch?
Unlike busier parts of LA, Porter Ranch was designed as a suburban community, which explains its low crime level.
The following figures show how frequently different types of crime are reported in Porter Ranch compared to typical U.S. neighborhoods:
- Assault: 57
- Robbery: 101
- Burglary: 24
- Larceny/theft: 46
- Vehicle theft: 67
Porter Ranch Housing Market
As of December 2025, the median home price is $1,504,000, while the median rent is $4,397 per month. Demand stays strong thanks to the neighborhood’s safety, among other things.
Porter Ranch Schools
Porter Ranch has a decent selection of well-rated public and charter schools. Some of the options are the Science Academy STEM Magnet and the Renaissance Arts Academy. Students also have access to Valley International Preparatory High School, as well as High Tech Los Angeles and Larchmont Charter School.
Porter Ranch Parks and Walkability
Porter Ranch residents and visitors prefer attending such parks, as Porter Ranch Community Park and Holleigh Bernson Memorial Park.
Porter Ranch is more suburban than walkable. It ranks as the 84th most walkable neighborhood in Los Angeles, with a Walk Score of 17 and a Bike Score of 17. So, most errands require a car.
Best For
The neighborhood ranks among the top 1.1% of college-friendly places to live in California. It’s also a great fit for highly educated professionals and families with school-aged children.
3. Glendale
Glendale is a large suburban city located just northeast of Los Angeles. It has a population of around 180,000 residents and is active and busy, but still comfortable to live in.
How Safe Is Glendale?
Glendale is another area known for low crime and high livability. While it doesn’t rank among the very safest places nationally, it remains reasonably safe for a city of its size.
Some areas are considered exceptionally safe, including Chevy Chase, Whiting Woods, El Miradero, and Brockmont, which received an A+ rating. Busier parts of the city, such as City Center and Pacific-Edison, typically receive B+ to B ratings, but these areas still have solid neighborhood safety levels.
The figures below reflect how Glendale compares to the national average:
- Overall crime: 30% lower than the U.S. average
- Violent crime: 4% lower
- Property crime: 33% lower
- Neighborhood safety: 100% of Glendale neighborhoods are rated A or B
Glendale Housing Market
Glendale’s housing market remains relatively accessible compared to some other Los Angeles neighborhoods. The median home sale price is $1,195,000, while the median rent is $2,995 per month.
Glendale Schools
Glendale residents have access to such public and charter schools as California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, The Science Academy STEM Magnet, Crescenta Valley High School, Renaissance Arts Academy, and High Tech Los Angeles.
Glendale Parks and Walkability
Glendale is generally walkable, especially in its central areas. Neighborhoods around City Center are often described as a “walker’s paradise.” The city also offers plenty of green space - popular parks include Brand Park, Verdugo Park, and Deukmejian Wilderness Park.
Best For
Glendale has a lot of young, single residents. This makes it easier to find people to spend time with, whether it’s for friendship, romance, or just fun.
4. Cheviot Hills
Cheviot Hills is a residential neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles with around 7,000–12,000 residents.
How Safe Is Cheviot Hills?
Most types of crime are reported less often than average, especially property-related crimes like burglary and theft. Here’s what the community safety picture in Cheviot Hills looks like:
- Assault: 147
- Robbery: 75
- Burglary: 59
- Larceny/theft: 88
- Vehicle theft: 92
Cheviot Hills Housing Market
Homes here tend to sell relatively quickly. The median home sale price is $5,002,499, and the median rent is $7,950 per month.
Cheviot Hills Schools
Cheviot Hills is surrounded by the best public schools, such as Girls Academic Leadership Academy: Dr. Michelle King School for STEM, Renaissance Arts Academy, High Tech Los Angeles, Larchmont Charter School, and WISH Community School.
Cheviot Hills Parks and Walkability
Cheviot Hills has several pleasant green spaces, including Cheviot Hills Park, Rancho Park Golf Course, and nearby Stoner Park, and it is generally easy to walk around.
Best For
Cheviot Hills is particularly a good fit for affluent, culture-minded residents. The neighborhood has more urban sophisticates than about 97.2% of neighborhoods across the U.S.
5. Encino
Encino is a suburban-style neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley with a population of about 45,000 people.
How Safe Is Encino?
Encino ranks in the 29th percentile for safety, so it’s safer than about a third of cities. Residents often point to the northwestern part of Encino as the calmest and most secure area. Here are more detailed Encino crime stats:
- Assault: 141
- Robbery: 63
- Burglary: 69
- Larceny/theft: 96
- Vehicle theft: 84
Encino Housing Market
The housing market in Encino is competitive but not as pricey as beachfront neighborhoods. Homes have a median sale price of $1,873,997, while the median monthly rent is $4,470.
Encino Schools
Encino offers access to several public schools, many of which also serve students from nearby Los Angeles neighborhoods we mention on this list. These are The Science Academy STEM Magnet, Renaissance Arts Academy, and Valley International Preparatory High School. All have earned strong A or A+ ratings.
Encino Parks and Walkability
Encino isn’t very walkable. It ranks 77th in Los Angeles, with a Walk Score of 45 and Bike Score of 40. The neighborhood has several well-known parks, such as Los Encinos State Historic Park, Balboa Sports Complex, and Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.
Best For
Encino is a great fit for executives who prefer to live among like-minded professionals. It’s rated as a top choice in California for an executive lifestyle. In general, this neighborhood appeals to everyone who values residential safety, including active retirees, families with school-aged children, and urban sophisticates.
6. Brentwood
Brentwood is an upscale neighborhood with about 35,000–40,000 residents, popular with A-list celebrities thanks to the privacy it offers.
How Safe Is Brentwood?
Overall, Brentwood is considered a very safe neighborhood with relatively low crime rates, which also makes it a great choice for those seeking privacy and peace of mind. According to DoorProfit, it has a Crime Score of A:
- Assault: 163
- Robbery: 127
- Burglary: 107
- Larceny/theft: 108
- Vehicle theft: 97
Brentwood Housing Market
Brentwood is one of the top areas where you can buy luxury homes in Los Angeles. As of December, the median sales price reached $3,572,500, and the median rent was $5,195 monthly.
Brentwood Schools
Schools in and around Brentwood include Brentwood Science Magnet and University High School Charter, as well as private options like The Archer School for Girls.
Brentwood Parks and Walkability
Brentwood is a neighborhood with several outdoor spots, including Barrington Recreation Center. Families also often visit nearby Douglas Park in Santa Monica. With a Walk Score of 52, the area is considered only somewhat walkable.
Best For
The area attracts many high-profile residents thanks to its comfortable lifestyle and sense of privacy.
7. Bel Air
Bel Air is another neighborhood famous for its luxury estates, privacy, and celebrity residents. It has a population of about 7,500–8,000 people.
How Safe Is Bel Air?
Bel Air is often ranked among the safest areas in Los Angeles, and crime score maps typically give it an A rating for safety. Here’s Bel Air’s crime statistics:
- Assault: 151
- Robbery: 102
- Burglary: 81
- Larceny/theft: 82
- Vehicle theft: 67
Bel Air Housing Market
Bel Air is known for its very high-end housing market, with a median home price of $7,995,000 and typical rents around $18,000 per month.
Bel Air Schools
The neighborhood has some of the country’s most prestigious private schools, including Marymount High School and Wise School. Nearby public schools include Roscomare Road Elementary School and Community Magnet Charter School.
Bel Air Parks and Walkability
Several scenic outdoor spots are associated with Bel Air, including Stone Canyon Overlook, Franklin Canyon Park, and the gardens at The Getty Center, which are popular for walking and enjoying nature. Yet, Bel Air is largely car-dependent — it has one of the lowest walkability scores in Los Angeles, so most daily trips require a car.
Best For
Like Brentwood, Bel Air attracts high-profile residents looking for privacy and peaceful surroundings.
8. Mar Vista
Mar Vista is a Westside neighborhood with an approximate population of 35,000 people.
How Safe Is Mar Vista?
While Mar Vista has earned its spot on our list of the safest neighborhoods to stay in the City of Angels, it ranks below the other areas on the list in terms of safety. Some crime maps, such as DoorProfit, assign it a B+ Crime Score due to the following figures:
- Assault: 136
- Robbery: 101
- Burglary: 103
- Larceny/theft: 129
- Vehicle theft: 111
Despite these figures, Mar Vista remains one of the safest places in LA. Moreover, it was ranked as one of the best places to live in LA in 2025.
Mar Vista Housing Market
Homes in Mar Vista sell for the median price of $1,850,000. This area has the lowest cost of living compared to other neighborhoods on the list - the median rent is $2,850 per month.
Mar Vista Schools
Families in Mar Vista can choose from a broad range of schools, including Girls Academic Leadership Academy, Da Vinci Science, and Santa Monica High School.
Mar Vista Parks and Walkability
Mar Vista ranks as the 33rd most walkable neighborhood in Los Angeles, with a Walk Score of 75, so many daily errands can be done on foot. Two well-known parks in Mar Vista are the Mar Vista Recreation Center and the Culver West Alexander Park.
Best For
Mar Vista is a great neighborhood for those approaching retirement or already retired. In fact, it ranks among the top 6.8% of retiree-friendly neighborhoods in California.
9. Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks is a popular neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley with an approximate population of 65,000 people.
How Safe Is Sherman Oaks?
Sherman Oaks is generally moderately safe - crime levels are mixed compared to national averages. DoorProfit assigns a B+ Crime Score:
- Assault: 153
- Robbery: 90
- Burglary: 104
- Larceny/theft: 130
- Vehicle theft: 113
Sherman Oaks Housing Market
The Sherman Oaks housing market remains in high demand. Homes have a median sale price of $1,649,999. The median monthly rent is $3,489.
Sherman Oaks Schools
Students in Sherman Oaks can attend a variety of respected schools, such as The Science Academy STEM Magnet, Renaissance Arts Academy, Valley International Preparatory High School, High Tech Los Angeles, and Larchmont Charter School.
Sherman Oaks Parks and Walkability
Sherman Oaks is considered somewhat walkable. It ranks as the 56th most walkable neighborhood in Los Angeles, with a Walk Score of 62. Locals can enjoy multiple parks, including Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park and Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.
Best For
Sherman Oaks is well-suited for upper-middle-income residents.
10. Los Feliz
Los Feliz is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in near-central Los Angeles, both ethnically and culturally. Its approximate population is 22,000 people.
How Safe Is Los Feliz?
Los Feliz, like Mar Vista and Sherman Oaks, is generally considered safe, but it’s not crime-free. It’s often rated with a B Crime Score. The crime indexes here are all above the national average:
- Assault: 171
- Robbery: 117
- Burglary: 112
- Larceny/theft: 134
- Vehicle theft: 134
Residents generally consider the northern part of Los Feliz to be the safest, while the southwestern areas of the neighborhood tend to see a higher number of incidents. Even so, Los Feliz has an active community, visible police presence, and well-lit streets.
Los Feliz Housing Market
The Los Feliz homes have a median sale price of $2,496,000, and the median monthly rent is $2,950.
Los Feliz Schools
Living in Los Feliz means having access to such public schools as Girls Academic Leadership Academy, The Science Academy STEM Magnet, Renaissance Arts Academy, Rise Kohyang High School, and Odyssey Charter School.
Los Feliz Parks and Walkability
Los Feliz is widely considered a relatively walkable LA neighborhood, especially around its main streets with shops, cafés, and restaurants close by. Plus, residents are minutes from Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.
Best For
Los Feliz is a top choice for young professionals, ranking #2 out of 110 neighborhoods. Also, if you love the arts, theatre, local boutiques, or unwinding with a great glass of wine, you’ll fit right in.
11. Westwood
Westwood is one of the Westside Los Angeles neighborhoods, best known for being home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It has an approximate population of 50,000 people.
How Safe Is Westwood?
Despite the fact that Westwood ends this list, it is still one of the safe places to live. Many people say the community makes Westwood feel welcoming and comfortable, and a Friendliness Score of 71, according to Nextdoor, confirms this. Crime is more common in the southwest areas, while the southeast part sees the fewest incidents.
Here’s what the stat shows:
- Assault: 144
- Robbery: 123
- Burglary: 127
- Larceny/theft: 139
- Vehicle theft: 145
Westwood Housing Market
The Westwood housing market is balanced in terms of supply. Homes sell for the median price of $1,550,000. The median price for renters is $4,245.
Westwood Schools
Living in Westwood means having good school options nearby. The area is served by such top-rated schools as Girls Academic Leadership Academy, Renaissance Arts Academy, and High Tech Los Angeles. Westwood residents also live next to UCLA, one of the best national universities, which significantly impacts Westwood’s daily life and culture.
Westwood Parks and Walkability
Westwood is fairly walkable. It has the 43rd most walkable neighborhood in Los Angeles with a Walk Score of 69. When it comes to quiet spots to relax and enjoy the outdoors, residents and visitors regularly attend Westwood Park and the nearby Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden.
Best For
Westwood is especially suitable for students and young adults.
FAQs
1. What are the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles right now?
Some of the safest neighborhoods in LA include Beverlywood, Brentwood, Cheviot Hills, Porter Ranch, and Glendale.
2. What is considered the safest part of Los Angeles to live for families?
Beverlywood earned second place on Niche’s list of the Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in the Los Angeles Area in 2025. In addition, families also frequently opt for such areas as Porter Ranch, Brentwood, Encino, and Glendale.
3. Is Los Angeles safe compared to other major U.S. cities?
While some LA areas have higher crime levels, many neighborhoods are just as safe (or even safer) than parts of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Overall, the city is safer than about 14% of U.S. cities.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Safest LA Neighborhoods
While safety can be a subjective concept to some degree, there is solid data that clearly highlights the safest neighborhoods in LA. Some areas are primarily quiet and residential, such as Beverlywood, Cheviot Hills, and Porter Ranch, while others, like Los Feliz, Mar Vista, and Glendale, manage to balance an active lifestyle with safety.
If you’re looking for a property in an LA neighborhood that meets your safety needs and other priorities, we’re here to help, whether you’re buying your next home or selling your current one in the City of Angels.