During the pandemic, 27 million Americans relocated to a new area. That’s down from the previous five-year annual average of 40 million, but it’s still a lot of people looking for (hopefully) greener pastures.
But how do you pick the right area for you and your family to move to? Before you start the process of choosing a city, it’s smart to do some research and learn about the city’s attractions – and drawbacks.
What are the safest cities in the US?
For many Americans, the right city has a strong economy, good job opportunities, amenities for families, and low crime rates. While you can (and should) monitor your home no matter where you live, an area with lower property crime rates can reduce your home insurance premiums because you are statistically less likely to be the victim of a break-in.
The following cities all have violent crime rates 1.19 lower than the national average and property crime rates 1.06 times lower than the national average. That’s important because low crime rates tend to correlate with economic prosperity . With that in mind, here are four of the safest metro cities in America.
1. Virginia Beach, Virginia is a great coastal community
Want to shake off the grind of city living and trade it in for a life in a coastal community? If so, then Virginia Beach, Virginia may be the right place for you. With a population of just over 450,000 people, this coastal jewel has a very low property crime rate (19.35 per 1,000) and a median income of $70,500. One of the best parts about living in this city is the beautiful scenery.
Most Virginia Beach residents bike around in the downtown area to take in the scenery and enjoy the great weather. Plus, public transportation is readily available – think trolleys, shuttles, ferries, and buses. It’s also home to more millennials per capita than any other city in America. Regardless of your age, Virginia Beach has something for everyone.
2. El Paso, Texas is one of the safest metro cities in America
El Paso, Texas has a population of around 688,000 people and has a median household income of $44,000 a year. While the median income this city has is below the national average, El Paso has a very low property crime rate: 18.19 per 1,000. Ask anyone who lives in this great Texas city why they love it so much and they are sure to mention the vibrancy and tight-knit local community.
Not only is this city home to vibrant, multicultural communities, but it is also a proud supporter of the arts. Downtown El Paso is rich with art studios and museums, providing plenty of cultural activities for the whole family to enjoy. El Paso also has plenty of other forms of entertainment: water parks, movie theaters, and restaurants.
3. Anaheim, California is the ‘City of Kindness’
In the past few years, lawmakers in Anaheim, California have passed initiatives like the City of Kindness, which is designed to amplify community engagement and acts of kindness. With a population of more than 350,000, the initiative is already making a difference – property crime is only 26.3 per 1,000, and violent crime is a 3.55 per 1,000.
The median income in Anaheim is about $65,000, which is slightly higher than the national median of about $63,000. Anaheim also boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, which is great news for people who are looking for a job before moving to this area. With more than 74 public schools and several colleges within a 20-mile range, Anaheim is a great spot for families who want options when it comes to a good education for their children.
4. Tampa, Florida is a great place to raise a family
Looking for great weather and community? Tampa, Florida might be the safe city for you. In addition to having a low property crime rate (17.44 per 1,000), with over 380,000 residents, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Florida.
The cost of living in this city is low, which means your already dollars go further here. You can also take advantage of Kin’s affordable Florida home insurance rates and put your savings toward all the leisure and recreation Tampa has to offer – it’s only a 20 minute drive away from Disney World, after all.
