The 5 Safest Places to Live in Washington State [2024]

Safety is a top priority when choosing a place to live, especially for people looking to sell their homes in Washington State. Cities like Sammamish, Redmond, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Bainbridge Island are some of the safest cities in the state, with amazing community initiatives to ensure that they remain safe for everyone living within their borders.

Let’s take a closer look at the criteria used to rank these cities, why safety is so important to a person’s quality of life, and why it matters when choosing a home.

Sammamish: A City That Prioritizes Safety and Quality of Life

Sammamish, often referred to as a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest, embodies a blend of natural beauty, thriving local businesses, and a rich cultural heritage. The city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is evident in its vibrant community and progressive initiatives.

Known for its plethora of outdoor spaces, Sammamish offers opportunities for various recreational activities including hiking, biking, and boating. This coupled with its strategic proximity to major employment hubs, marks Sammamish as an ideal place to raise a family or start a new chapter.

Sammamish has a reputation for being one of the safest places to live in Washington state and for good reason. The city has consistently maintained low crime rates, demonstrating the efficacy of its robust public safety policies.

Low Crime Rates

The low crime rates in this city offer a sense of security and peace to its residents. According to crime data, the city is ranked as the 13th safest small city in the country. The city’s dedicated law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to suppress crime and ensure that every citizen always feels safe.

Community Engagement

Residents in Sammamish are known for being proactive, often collaborating with local authorities to identify and address any safety concerns quickly. This sense of collective responsibility has fostered a community where safety is shared accountability, significantly reducing crime rates.

High Quality of Life

Sammamish is safe and also a great place to live. The city offers a high standard of living with a wealth of amenities, including top-ranked schools, expansive parks, and convenient services. Its strategic location provides an easy commute to several major hubs, making it an ideal place for families and professionals seeking the balance of a safe, peaceful home that’s close to work.

Redmond: A Technologically Advanced Safe Haven

Next on the list of the safest places to live in Washington State is Redmond. Known for being the home of tech giants like Microsoft and Nintendo, this city is also characterized by its many safety initiatives and safe, vibrant urban centers.

Redmond’s culture of innovation is not limited to its business sector. It permeates every aspect of life in the city, including safety. This city is a beacon of security in the heart of Washington State, providing an environment where residents can enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life without compromising their peace of mind.

Its highly efficient law enforcement, community-centered safety policies, and tech-integrated security measures create a safe and welcoming atmosphere that is cherished by all who live here. Redmond’s reputation as a technology powerhouse plays a key role in its emphasis on security, making it an ideal choice for those who value safety and innovation.

Technology-Driven Community Safety Initiatives

Redmond embraces a futuristic approach to community safety, integrating technology into many of its safety efforts. The city uses technology to improve the transparency of its police force, employing body cameras and maintaining an open data portal where residents can access detailed crime statistics. These actions reinforce the city’s dedication to keeping its residents safe and secure.

Vibrant, Safe Urban Centers

Despite its bustling urban centers, Redmond still enjoys a notably low crime rate, thanks to its well-planned community spaces and robust law enforcement strategies. The city center is vibrant and diverse, boasting many different entertainment, dining, and shopping options – all within a secure and welcoming environment. The city’s effective urban planning has resulted in areas that are not just lively but are safe places for residents to work, live, and play.

Active Resident Participation

Much like Sammamish, Redmond also promotes active resident participation in safety measures. The city believes in the power of an informed and engaged community, promoting neighborhood watch groups, community meetings, and workshops focused on public safety. By fostering a strong sense of community, residents feel more secure and become an integral part of the city’s safety initiatives.

Issaquah: A Blend of Natural Beauty and Community Safety

Primarily known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, the city of Issaquah also boasts highly effective safety programs and an ever-vigilant community. It’s the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to live without worrying about crime rates or safety concerns.

The city has preserved its historic downtown area, turning it into a hub of culture with museums, art galleries, and theatre venues, fostering a sense of community pride. Known for its significant salmon hatchery and the annual Salmon Days festival, Issaquah embodies a unique blend of past and present that adds to its charm and community spirit.

Natural Beauty

Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Issaquah is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its picturesque setting is stunning. The city has a comprehensive park safety program that includes regular maintenance, risk assessment, and park ranger patrols to ensure that every hike, picnic, or camping trip is enjoyable and secure.

Outdoor Recreation Safety Programs

The city administration is well-known for being proactive about keeping people safe while enjoying outdoor recreational activities. The Issaquah Police Department regularly conducts bike safety checks and the city sponsors safety-centric events such as “Helmet Fitting and Giveaway” or “Learn to Fish” programs.

Community Policing Efforts

In Issaquah, the community and police work hand-in-hand to maintain the city’s status as a haven. Neighborhood watch programs are prevalent, while the police department maintains a strong presence in the community through neighborhood meetings and serving as school resource officers. Their efforts are successful, as reflected in the city’s low crime rates.

Mercer Island: Safety in an Exclusive Community

Sitting in the middle of Lake Washington, Mercer Island is a unique and exclusive neighborhood that undoubtedly ranks among the safest places to live in Washington State. Mercer Island stands out not only for its stunning, natural beauty but also for its strong sense of community. It is known for its affluent residential areas, exceptional schools, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Located between Seattle and Bellevue, this close-knit community offers a serene respite from the bustling city life, while still being close enough to the city’s amenities. Its unique geography and community-focused approach to safety make it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance of tranquility and security.

Exclusive Community

Mercer Island’s community is small and close-knit, naturally leading to a safer environment. Neighbors watch out for each other, creating a sense of shared responsibility and a secure atmosphere that is hard to replicate in larger cities.

Emergency Preparedness Programs

Mercer Island is well-prepared for emergencies. The city has a highly effective Emergency Preparedness program that includes training for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), school emergency drills, and community education about personal preparedness and emergency supplies.

Low Crime Rates

Crime rates on Mercer Island are consistently low, thanks to the diligent efforts of local law enforcement and community involvement. Living here means enjoying peace of mind, and that’s an attractive attribute for families and individuals looking for a safe and tranquil city to call home.

Bainbridge Island: Community-Led Safety Initiatives

Rounding off our list of the safest places to live in Washington State is Bainbridge Island. A charming community within commuting distance from Seattle, the island places high importance on community involvement in safety, preventive safety measures, and access to quality healthcare.

Bainbridge Island offers a unique blend of small-town tranquility and big-city conveniences. An island that thrives on a strong sense of community, Bainbridge is a place where residents know their neighbors and where safety is a shared endeavor.

Its quaint downtown features local shops, dining spots, and a vibrant arts scene, and the Islands’ natural beauty provides ample outdoor recreational opportunities. Living in Bainbridge offers an enviable lifestyle, making it a strong contender for one of the safest and most desirable places to live in Washington State.

Community Involvement in Safety

Bainbridge Island has a strong sense of community, and its residents actively participate in various initiatives to keep their neighborhood safe. From neighborhood watch programs to local fundraising for safety equipment, the people of Bainbridge Island show an exemplary commitment to maintaining safety on the island.

Preventive Safety Measures

Prevention is better than treating a problem, and Bainbridge Island takes this adage seriously. The city invests in preventive measures, including well-maintained roads, clear signage, and regular safety inspections of public facilities, to mitigate potential safety hazards before they occur.

Access to Quality Healthcare

Bainbridge Island residents have access to excellent healthcare services. With a state-of-the-art hospital and numerous clinics just a short drive away, healthcare is never far for these island dwellers. In addition to emergency services, the island also provides robust mental health support and preventive care programs, further contributing to the overall safety and well-being of its residents.

What Makes a City Safe?

When we talk about the safest places to live in Washington State, we are looking at several factors. High on the list are low crime rates—a clear indicator of safety. The presence of community programs aimed at safety, crime prevention, and emergency preparedness also plays a significant role.

Other factors, like a substantial local police presence and an engaged and responsive police department that works in tandem with the community, can significantly contribute to the city’s overall safety index.

Equally important to a city’s safety is its social and environmental infrastructure. Urban design that promotes visibility and natural surveillance, like well-lit streets and open, active public spaces, can help deter criminal activity.

Instances of crime are also generally lower in cities where social ties among residents are strong. This fosters a sense of common responsibility, where residents look out for one another. That’s why community-building efforts, ranging from local events to public spaces, encourage interaction and contribute greatly to enhancing citywide safety.

Why Safety Matters

Safety significantly impacts a person’s quality of life in many ways. It affects your mental health by reducing stress and fear. Safety improves property values, and it plays a crucial role in community well-being, making neighborhoods more cohesive, friendly, and supportive places to live.

Put simply, a safe city creates an environment where children can play freely, the elderly can move about without worry, and everyone can focus on living their best lives rather than worrying about their security.

Living in a safe city also significantly influences our daily decisions and routines. It allows residents to feel comfortable taking evening walks, allows children to play outside, and encourages people to actively participate in community events without concerns about their safety. Safety also fosters a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

It’s also worth noting the reciprocal relationship between safety and civic responsibility. Safe communities encourage citizens to contribute positively to their neighborhoods, creating a cycle where safety breeds positivity and vice versa. Because of this, living in a safe place can lead to a better quality of life, promoting your physical well-being, mental health, and social life.

Find Your Forever Home in One of the Safest Cities in Washington State

Sammamish, Redmond, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Bainbridge Island are some of the safest cities in Washington state. Each city has unique features and initiatives that contribute to its safety status and make it stand out as one of the best places to live in this beautiful state.

Consider the perks of living in these cities and make an informed decision for your next home. A safe home is, indeed, a happy home, after all.

Before you move, you will need to sell your house first. If you’re wondering how much you could get for your house, submit your address to iBuyer.com to receive multiple quotes from cash home buyers and investors.