When we look for somewhere to live, we’ve all got our own list of priorities. Some people want to be near the best schools, and others want a good local gym. Some people want a house by the beach, and others want fantastic job opportunities.
High on everyone’s list of priorities is a desire to live somewhere safe. In fact, not feeling safe can have a dramatic effect on our mental health even if we haven’t been a victim of a crime. That’s why so many people looking for the best places to live in America aren’t looking for the biggest theme parks or the most significant historic monuments – they simply want somewhere safe. Here’s a quick guide to five of the safest places to live in the US:
Arlington, Virginia
Arlington is the safest place to live in America, with crime rates 48% lower than the Virginia average, which is already 6% lower than the national average. Violent crime rates are 50% lower than average and Arlington’s property crime rate is 24% lower than the national average.
Neighbourhoods in Arlington include Arlington Forest, Waverly Hills, Lyon Park and Arlington Heights – all great places to live if you’re looking for a safe environment in which to live, work and bring up a family.
Cary, North Carolina
Cary is amongst the safest places to live, with all crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The cost of living might be a little higher than it is elsewhere, but in return you’ll live in a city with great graduation rates and an impressive typical household income.
Irvine, California
If you’re looking for safe places to live in California, then why not take a look at Irvine? Irvine’s neighbourhoods include Walnut Village and Turtle Rock, as well as the more traditionally named West Park and Woodbridge. Irvine includes a campus of the University of California, making it a safe place for students as well as long-term residents.
Murrieta, California
Murrieta is another safe place to live, and again is in California. It’s a relatively affordable place with a high average household income, though you’ll enjoy better savings if you own your house as renting is fairly expensive. 90% of people in Murrieta graduate from high school, and it’s considered to be a good place to raise a family.
Naperville, Illinois
Low crime rates in Naperville make it another safe place to live and to raise a family. Naperville is within 25 miles of Chicago, and has a very high cost of living. In return for your investment you’ll get high school graduation rates above 96%, a relatively low student-to-teacher ratio and the beautiful Centennial Beach right on your doorstep.
Most people, given a less-than-perfect house in a safe location and a perfect house in a less safe location would choose the first option. People are happier to sacrifice their dream home, to live in a location that feels safe.
What do you look for when you’re choosing somewhere to live? Would you buy a house in one of the safest places in America, or are you looking for something else? Let us know by commenting with your opinion.
David Wilson writes for AreaVibes, the 'livability' experts in the USA.
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