Located in the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is a beautiful city in California. Fresno covers around 115 square miles and has a population of 542,107. There are plenty of wonderful neighborhoods in Fresno, but which ones are the safest for you and your family?
Before purchasing a home in the area, you may be asking, “How safe is Fresno CA?” You will be happy to know that crime in Fresno is on the decline, and many neighborhoods in the area see little to no crime at all! These are the safest neighborhoods in Fresno CA for you to consider settling down in.
Fresno Safety & Crime Statistics
Is Fresno safe? To answer this question, let’s take a look at the Fresno crime rate.
- Overall Fresno crime rate: 3,742 crimes per 100,000 people (45% higher than state average and 59.5% higher than national average)
- Fresno violent crime rate: 665 crimes per 100,000 people (50.5% higher than state average and 71.5% higher than national average)
- Fresno property crime rate: 3,077 crimes per 100,000 people (43.9% higher than state average and 57.1% higher than national average)
Although Fresno doesn’t always make the list of the safest places to live in California, it is still a safe city to reside in. Crime in Fresno CA is on a downward trend, and it was recently reported by Fresnoland that there was a 10.5% decrease in violent crime in Fresno over the past year as well as a 52% drop in homicides.
So, how safe is Fresno CA? If you want to learn more about crime in Fresno, you can check out a Fresno crime map like the one on ArcGIS. You can also view public police reports on the Fresno Police Department’s website.
South Growth Area | One of the Safest Fresno Neighborhoods
- Population: 3,848
- South Growth Area crime: 60 crimes per 100,000 people (99% less than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $1,556
- Median home price: $370,000
When it comes to the safest neighborhoods in Fresno, the South Growth area tops the list. This neighborhood boasts a crime rate that is 99% lower than the Fresno average, due to the small number of homes and attractions in the area. The homes in the South Growth Area are set away from most of the big city attractions that Fresno has to offer, and the area is largely residential. Because of this, the area sees little to no crime.
The South Growth area is just how it sounds, a growth area. There is not much to do in the neighborhood, and the area is full of land for sale. Because of the abundance of open space, this neighborhood is a perfect place to live for those who want to build their own custom home. Luckily, there are several Fresno CA home builders available to help you build the home of your dreams.
Bullard | One of the Safest Areas in Fresno CA, With Top-Rated Schools
- Population: 105,413
- Bullard crime: 3,586 crimes per 100,000 people (17% less than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $1,601
- Median home price: $355,000
Bullard is one of the safest neighborhoods in Fresno CA. Bullard has greatly evolved over the years and has grown to become one of the best places to live in all of Fresno. With a crime rate that is 17% less than the Fresno average, this family-friendly area has many active neighborhood associations as well as fun local events that allow everyone to get involved. You will also find plenty of outdoor attractions and places like Figarden Loop Park. This 5-acre park features a baseball field, a playground, a splash pad, picnic tables, and a BBQ area.
One of Bullard’s notable features is the presence of quality schools, contributing to its appeal to families. The neighborhood is home to various educational institutions, both public and private, providing residents with excellent options for their children’s education. Some popular schools in the area include Bullard High School and Sparrow Christian Academy. Additionally, Bullard boasts convenient access to shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities.
North Growth Area | Quiet Fresno Neighborhood With Beautiful Real Estate
The North Growth area is one of the safest areas in Fresno CA, and is popular among families and retirees alike. This neighborhood is best known for having some of the most expensive real estate in the city, with a median home price of $700,000. This is up 128.8% compared to last year, so the area is quickly becoming a more popular place to settle down. Just like the South Growth Area, the North Growth Area is full of unused land, making it a wonderful place to live for those who want to build a new, custom home.
The North Growth Area is set far away from the city center, which helps to make it one of the safest places to live in Fresno. When living in this area, you will find luxury golf clubs such as the Dragonfly Golf Club and the Copper River Country Club. The North Growth Area is also just a few miles away from Clovis Community College, making it a perfect place to live for families with older children.
- Population: 2,295
- North Growth Area crime: 1,726 crimes per 100,000 people (60% less than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $2,352
- Median home price: $700,000
Roosevelt | Safest Area of Fresno Close to Downtown
Many people ask the question, “Is Downtown Fresno safe?” While Downtown boasts higher crime rates, the neighborhood of Roosevelt is one of the safest neighborhoods in Fresno CA close to the Downtown area. Roosevelt is a historic neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Fresno. The neighborhood is largely residential and features a mix of architectural styles ranging from charming bungalows to more modern housing. However, if you enjoy apartment living, then there are plenty of options for you. Some of the most popular options include Alta Apartments and Redwood Canyon Apartments. The median rent in Roosevelt is only $1,374 per month, which is less than the Fresno average of $1,556.
Roosevelt’s cultural vibrancy is evident in its many local businesses, churches, and community centers. When living in the Roosevelt neighborhood, you should be sure to check out all of the incredible restaurants, such as Pho Phuong Nine Restaurant, Adrian’s, and Country Fare Cafe. Roosevelt also has plenty of green space at places like Calwa Recreation & Park District and the Fresno County Blossom Trail.
- Population: 123,984
- Roosevelt crime: 3,706 crimes per 100,000 people (29% less than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $1,374
- Median home price: $380,000
Southeast Growth Area | Rural Neighborhood With Low Crime Rates
- Population: 6,677
- Southeast Growth Area crime: 2,533 crimes per 100,000 people (41% less than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $1,556
- Median home price: $370,000
The Southeast Growth Area is easily one of the safest neighborhoods in Fresno CA. This neighborhood often makes the list of safe areas of Fresno as it has a crime rate that is 41% below the Fresno average. The small neighborhood features mostly single-family homes with two to four bedrooms. Because the area is largely residential, there are not many shopping or dining opportunities within the neighborhood.
Although there is not much to do in the neighborhood itself, the Southeast Growth Area is only 11.6 miles (a 15-minute drive) from Downtown Fresno. This allows you to enjoy easy access to some of Fresno’s top attractions, like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the Fresno Art Museum, and the Shinzen Friendship Garden.
West Side | One of the Safest Neighborhoods In Fresno CA
- Population: 39,506
- West Side crime: 3,068 crimes per 100,000 people (48% less than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $1,570
- Median home price: $400,000
If you are searching for safe Fresno neighborhoods, then you can’t skip out on West Side. Fresno’s West Side is one of the safest neighborhoods in Fresno, with a crime rate that is well below the Fresno average. This vibrant community blends historical charm with modern urban living. Over the years, the area has undergone urban development, and today the neighborhood maintains a balance between its agricultural heritage and contemporary urban living. This neighborhood is popular among young professionals, and there are plenty of contemporary apartments available to rent. Some of the top apartments in the area include Courtyard at Central Park Apartments, Meridian Luxury Apartments, and Stonegate Apartments.
While the neighborhood has faced some economic challenges, revitalization efforts have been underway to enhance the infrastructure, community services, and overall livability. There are many wonderful family-friendly attractions in the West Side neighborhood, such as Gateway Ice Center, Jaswant Singh Khalra Neighborhood Park, and Inspiration Park.
Woodward Park | Quiet Neighborhood With Large Park
- Population: 58,391
- Woodward Park crime: 2,239 crimes per 100,000 people (48% less than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $1,885
- Median home price: $490,000
Nestled in the northern part of Fresno, Woodward Park constantly makes the list of safe neighborhoods in Fresno CA. This neighborhood is known for its upscale residential character and the beautiful natural surroundings of Woodward Park itself. Woodward Park is a sprawling 300-acre regional park in the center of the neighborhood. The park features scenic trails, serene lakes, and well-maintained gardens. Throughout the year, the park also hosts various events such as fitness classes, concerts, and festivals. The homes surrounding Woodward Park are mostly single-family homes and modern condos.
Beyond its recreational amenities, the Woodward Park neighborhood boasts a range of conveniences, such as shopping centers, restaurants, and high-quality schools. Some of the best schools in Woodward Park include Woodward Park KinderCare, Creative Minds Learning Center, and Valley Oak Elementary School.
McLane | Safe Fresno Neighborhood Close to the Downtown Area
- Population: 57,728
- McLane crime: 4,439 crimes per 100,000 people (3% higher than the Fresno average)
- Average rent: $1,347
- Median home price: $383,640
If you are searching for the safest areas in Fresno CA close to Downtown, then check out the neighborhood of McLane. McLane is a diverse and lively community located in the eastern part of the city. McLane is only 5.2 miles from the Downtown area, which you can easily access by car or public transport. McLane is incredibly walkable, and you will find several wonderful shops and restaurants in the area, such as Me-n-Ed’s Victory Grill, Malee’s Kitchen, and Lovely Boutique Fresno.
McLane is home to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, so if you are a frequent traveler, then this may be the perfect neighborhood for you. In addition to the airport, you will also find many fun attractions in McLane, like the Fresno Discovery Center, the Fresno Art Museum, and Club One Casino.
Safest Neighborhoods In Fresno CA Map
Check out this map of the safest neighborhoods in Fresno.
Which one of these safest neighborhoods in Fresno CA will you be calling home? Southbay Moving Systems is here to make your moving experience a great one. With over 30 years of experience, our team has moved over 10 million miles and serves over 1,200 customers per year. Give our experienced Fresno movers a call today at 831-786-5537 to get started with a free, personalized estimate.