What Are The 8 Safest Neighborhoods In Fresno, CA?

Paige Hanawalt
by Paige Hanawalt

Fresno, CA is a city in the San Joaquin Valley. It’s the largest city in the Central Valley Region, located in central California. Fresno is one of the most populous cities in California, and the city attracts more and more people each year.

Safety should be a top priority when deciding where to live.

The top five safest neighborhoods in Fresno are South Growth Area, North Growth Area, and Woodward Park. South Growth Area is by far the safest, with a crime rate of just 36 per 100K. The safest neighborhoods in Fresno are generally located to the north and south of the city center.

The city revolves mainly around agriculture, and there are dozens of fruit orchards, vineyards, and other farms located on the outer rim of the city. Fresno has something for everyone, whether you like sports, the arts, or spending time outdoors!

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8 Safest Neighborhoods in Fresno, CA

The crime rates in Fresno, CA are above the national average. However, there are areas within the city limits that are safe to call home. What’s important is to be aware of which neighborhoods are the safest so that you can avoid any dangerous situations.

Most Fresno residents agree that like any large city, there are places that are safer than others. Below is a detailed list of the 8 safest neighborhoods in Fresno, CA, in no particular order!

1. South Growth Area

  • Population: 3,848
  • Median Income: $66,411
  • Crime per 100k: 36
  • Unemployment Rate: 6.8%

The South Growth Area neighborhood is located to the south of downtown Fresno, CA. The area is quiet without a lot of street traffic. You will need a car in the South Growth Area neighborhood as there isn’t a lot of public transportation. But residents say that it’s very easy to find parking!

You’ll find single-family detached homes here and townhouses too. There was a house-building boom in the South Growth Area in the early 2000s, so most of the homes are just over 20 years old.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to do your grocery shopping on foot. Otherwise, you’ll need to hop in your car to run most of your errands! That said, South Growth Area is very residential and calm.

2. North Growth Area

  • Population: 2,295
  • Median Income: $89,000
  • Crime per 100k: 1,570
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.2%

As the name suggests, North Growth Area is located north of downtown Fresno, CA. It is the most northern neighborhood within the Fresno city limits. North Growth Area is an attractive neighborhood with large homes and yards. The homes are newer here as well, and the median year built is 1999.

This safe neighborhood in Fresno is located near the small town of Friant as well as the Copper River Country Club. It’s a quiet area and is far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. North Growth Area is another great place if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

North Growth Area is the perfect Fresno neighborhood for those of you who like to get outside as it’s located just next door to Woodward Park!

3. Woodward Park

  • Population: 58,752
  • Median Income: $78,412
  • Crime per 100k: 2,074
  • Unemployment Rate: 5.6%

Woodward Park is much larger than South Growth Area and North Growth Area, with a population of 58,752. The neighborhood is located much closer to downtown Fresno and has something for everyone! Whether you have a family with young children or you’re a retiree, Woodward Park is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Fresno, CA.

You won’t need to rely on your car as much in Woodward Park thanks to the extensive public transportation. You can even walk to several restaurants and shops. The Fresno Convention Center is in Woodward Park where you’ll find different events to go to all year round.

You also can’t miss the neighborhood’s namesake, Woodward Park. Equipped with biking and hiking trails, you can easily spend a weekend afternoon here enjoying the beautiful California weather!

4. Southeast Growth Area

  • Population: 6,677
  • Median Income: $69,536
  • Crime per 100k: 2,279
  • Unemployment Rate: 5.6%

The Southeast Growth Area is located to the south of downtown Fresno, CA and to the northeast of South Growth Area. This neighborhood is also quiet, but there are some areas closer to the freeway and railway that experience more street noise.

The houses here are newer and are made up of single-family homes and mobile homes. You’ll need a car here, too, but there is plenty of parking available! A small fraction of people who live in Southeast Growth Area are able to access a supermarket on foot.

The Fresno County Blossom Trail isn’t far from Southeast Growth Area, and is an amazing way to see blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers. Don’t miss it in February and March!

5. West

  • Population: 53,891
  • Median Income: $42,317
  • Crime per 100k: 2,659
  • Unemployment Rate: 8.5%

West, located to the west of central Fresno, is one of the more sought-after areas to live in in the city. Residents say that thanks to the local park and good schools, it’s a great place to raise a family. You’ll also be in close proximity to the center of Fresno if you live in the southeastern corner of the neighborhood. Otherwise, you typically need a car in West.

West is clean and the people are friendly. The homes are generally large and were built in the last 20 years. The front and backyards are large as well which is great for children or pets. The houses, yards, and shared outdoor areas are well-maintained.

There are plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities in West, making it a convenient and safe neighborhood in Fresno!

6. Roosevelt

  • Population: 128,345
  • Median Income: $34,276
  • Crime per 100k: 3,239
  • Unemployment Rate: 8.0%

The Roosevelt neighborhood has the largest population in Fresno, coming in above 125k. It is located to the south of downtown and to the north of the South Growth Area neighborhood. It’s an affordable neighborhood in Fresno, which attracts single people and young families.

You’ll need a car in Roosevelt but there are also plenty of amenities in the area. The neighborhood also has great freeway access which makes getting around easy. The crime rate is higher than some of the other neighborhoods on this list, but that is mostly due to a higher population.

Residents say that the neighborhood is quiet and friendly. There are several maple and oak trees that are worth admiring when the seasons change! Nearby parks are convenient for pets and children.

7. Bullard

  • Population: 100,730
  • Median Income: $63,516
  • Crime per 100k: 3,227
  • Unemployment Rate: 6.0%

Bullard is located northwest of the center of Fresno. By car, it’s less than a 20-minute drive away from downtown. This neighborhood is conveniently located without all of the hustle and bustle of living in the city.

The schools in Bullard are well-regarded and so this neighborhood is great for children and families. You’ll need a car here but the roads are well-maintained and easy to get around. There are grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers in this neighborhood. The Kings River is also easily accessible. Bullard has one of the best amenities ratings in Fresno.

For culture, you can visit the Kearney Museum and Meux Home. If you’re looking for other things to do, don’t miss Riverside for golfing, Island Waterpark, and the Fresno Philharmonic!

8. Hoover

  • Population: 5,5566
  • Median Income: $45,225
  • Crime per 100k: 5,267
  • Unemployment Rate: 9/1%

Hoover, just north of downtown, is a top-rated neighborhood in Fresno. It is very close to the city center and you can even bike there in just 40-minutes. If you have a car, you can get there in under 20! There is also public transportation in the area.

If you’re concerned about your children’s education, this Fresno neighborhood may be the best choice! The schools in Hoover are better than most and many exceed the national standards. The houses are large with well-maintained yards and streets. Residents say that the area is quiet.

There is plenty to do in Hoover. Kings River, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, a golf course, and Island Waterpark are all in close proximity to this safe neighborhood. Plus, you’ll find all of the amenities you need, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers.

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What’s The Verdict?

Whether you’re moving to Fresno, CA for work, family, or simply for a change of pace, there are several different neighborhoods to choose from. If you can, aim to move to the South Growth Area neighborhood. It is by far the safest neighborhood in Fresno, CA! And, as is the case in all urban areas, always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. With these tips, you’ll have a great experience in Fresno, CA.

Paige Hanawalt
Paige Hanawalt

Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.

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