Safe places to stay in NorCal, somewhat close to I-5?

Question

I’m moving up to Washington and have a car full of stuff with me. I’m trying to stop in the Redding area but am up to drive another hour and a half ish if there are better options. I’m also happy to drive a little ways off I-5. I just don’t know where to look.

Note: I of course always bring my big luggage and irreplaceable things inside with me wherever I go, but there’s a LOT of little stuff in the back seat that’s just not feasible to haul inside. Very much not trying to arrive with a broken window 😬

Answer

This is a really smart question — when you’re road-tripping north up I-5 with a car full of stuff, picking a “safe enough” place to stop at night matters a lot. Here are some thoughts and specific recommendations around Redding (and nearby) to help you choose a good overnight stay.

How Safe Is Redding / the I-5 Corridor There?

Redding has a moderate crime rate. According to CrimeGrade, property crime in Redding is a concern (grade D), though some neighborhoods fare better than others.
On the “Stay Safe in Redding” visitor site, they explicitly advise locking your car and not leaving valuables visible — that’s a red flag that opportunistic crime (like break-ins) is a real risk.
Reddit locals have called out certain areas to avoid: for example, “apartments and cheap hotels along 273 south of downtown” can be sketchy.
That said, other Reddit users strongly recommend the Sheraton Redding at the Sundial Bridge for safety and comfort: > “Sheraton … right by the bridge and Turtle Bay … All 3 [hotel options] are safe … Sheraton … great walking trail …”

Good Hotel / Stopover Options Near I-5

Here are a few places to consider that balance convenience (close to I-5) with relative safety:

Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge — Highly recommended on Reddit: good location, scenic, walking trails, safer area.
Oxford Suites, Redding — More budget-friendly; according to a federal lodging list for the area, it offers decent amenities and a safer-feeling environment.
Motel 6 South, Redding — Very affordable option (per the same list), though less “lux” and likely fewer security features.

Where to Stay (Neighbourhood Guidance)

Based on local input and safety data, here are some neighborhood-level tips:

Northeast Redding (north of Highway 44, east of I-5): Mentioned by locals as relatively safer.
Avoid the “cheap motels” strip on Hilltop / near I-5: Some say that area sees more vehicle break-ins.
Avoid “South Market / 273 south of City Hall”: Called out by locals as more “sketchy.”

Alternative Towns / Stops If You Want to Go a Bit Farther

If you’re okay driving a little more (an extra hour or so), here are some safe-ish alternatives off I-5:

Dunsmuir, CA: A small mountain town north of Redding. Quiet, scenic, especially good for rest. (TripAdvisor users on a similar question suggested this.)
Mt. Shasta, CA: Also recommended — very scenic, and generally a safe, calm small town to stay in.

Practical Tips for Your Situation (Lots of Stuff in the Car)

As you’re worried — take anything *irreplaceable* inside, but also try to hide / cover loose items in the back seat so they’re less visible.
Choose a hotel with a lit, well-used parking lot versus an isolated strip motel. If possible, ask when booking: “Is your lot well-lit / patrolled?”
Arrive earlier in the evening: this gives you time to choose a good spot in the lot, rather than parking somewhere more questionable in a rush.
Do a quick walk around the lot before checking in: make sure there are other cars, lights, etc. Just a small safety check can go a long way.

Bottom Line / My Recommendation

If I were in your shoes with a car full of stuff: I’d aim for the Sheraton Sundial Bridge — it’s close enough to I-5 for convenience, but in a nicer, more walkable / safer area according to locals. If that’s too pricey, Oxford Suites is a solid next choice, or even the Motel 6 if you’re okay with a more basic stop — but then be very careful about hiding valuables and locking up. If you’re willing to push north a little further for more peace and safety, Dunsmuir or Mt. Shasta are good bets.

Safe places to stay in NorCal, somewhat close to I-5?

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