Safer Streets and Saner Policies: Why Crime Is Driving Families Out of Blue States
There was a time when relocating across state lines meant chasing a job, a better climate, or maybe a fresh start. Today, one of the biggest reasons families are leaving blue states in record numbers is far simpler and far more primal: they want to feel safe.
Crime—especially violent crime—is no longer confined to the shadows. It's on public transit, in once-charming downtowns, and on the doorsteps of middle-class neighborhoods. From carjackings in Chicago to retail smash-and-grabs in Los Angeles, many Americans no longer feel secure in their own communities. And they're tired of watching the same leaders offer more excuses than solutions.
A System That Fails the Law-Abiding
Soft-on-crime prosecutors, catch-and-release bail policies, defunded police departments, and activist judges have created a revolving door for violent offenders. In major cities like San Francisco, Portland, and New York, criminals are emboldened, while honest citizens are told to adapt or move.
Well, they’re moving.
According to recent FBI statistics and state crime data, many of the states experiencing population declines—like California, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Washington—also lead the nation in rising violent crime. In contrast, states with strong law enforcement cultures and conservative criminal justice policies consistently report lower violent crime rates.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s look at the facts:
Illinois, home to Chicago, saw over 700 homicides in 2023 alone.
In Portland, Oregon, shootings increased 280% from 2019 to 2023.
New York City’s subway crime is at a 25-year high, despite billions in spending.
Meanwhile, Wyoming reported just 235 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024.
What do these safer states have in common? Conservative leadership, robust police funding, and laws that prioritize victims—not offenders.
Why Safety Is a Conservative Value
Public safety isn’t just a political issue—it’s a moral one. Conservatives believe that the role of government is to protect rights, preserve order, and punish evil. When that order breaks down, it’s the most vulnerable who suffer most.
At RedRefuge, we believe that no American should have to choose between their values and their safety. And we understand that the two are deeply connected. When cities are governed by policies that tolerate criminality, they inevitably become places where families no longer thrive.
The RedRefuge Commitment
We created RedRefuge to help families escape not only bad policy but unsafe environments. We partner with agents in communities where crime is low, law enforcement is respected, and families can walk down the street without fear.
When you work with RedRefuge, we won’t just show you the square footage of a home—we’ll walk you through crime data, neighborhood watch programs, and the local culture around safety and justice. Our agents live in the communities they serve, and they share your concern for raising children in a secure environment where the rule of law still matters.
Real Families. Real Escapes.
A family from Oakland came to us after their home was burglarized twice in a single year. They now live outside Knoxville, Tennessee, in a neighborhood where kids still ride bikes to the park. A police officer from Seattle, tired of being vilified for doing his job, now owns a home in North Dakota and says he finally sleeps soundly. We’ve helped elderly parents relocate to safer towns near their adult children, and business owners reclaim peace of mind in places where theft isn’t considered "part of the cost of doing business."
Policy Makes the Difference
Conservative states tend to:
Fund and equip law enforcement
Enforce meaningful bail and sentencing guidelines
Protect Second Amendment rights for lawful self-defense
Support local control of policing and public safety
States that prioritize victims and empower police agencies don’t just see lower crime—they see stronger communities. And that’s what our clients want.
Your Family Deserves Better
We’re not here to fearmonger. We’re here to offer solutions. If your family feels unsafe, unheard, or unsupported where you live, you don’t have to stay and hope things improve. You can leave.
You can find a home in a place where neighbors look out for each other, where kids can play outside, and where elected officials actually take public safety seriously.
Get Started Today
The decision to move isn’t always easy. But when the safety of your family is on the line, it becomes clear. At RedRefuge, we’ll help you explore your options, connect you with values-aligned professionals, and make the transition as seamless as possible.
Because a good life starts with a safe home. Let us help you find it.
