Boston, a city with a rich history in the Northeast New England region, has a strong tie to the founding of the United States. As the state capital of Massachusetts, Boston is home to several renowned universities, including Harvard and MIT, and has a population of 675,649. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top ten safest neighborhoods in Boston for 2023, offering more reasons why moving to this city could be a great choice.
10 Safest Neighborhoods in Boston
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- Allston-Brighton
- Hyde Park
- Newton Upper Falls
- West Roxbury
- Roslindale
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
- Charlestown
- Dorchester
1. Allston-Brighton
Allston-Brighton, one of the biggest neighborhoods in Boston, is considered to be the safest neighborhood in the city. With a population of 70,469 and a remarkably low crime rate, it has become a preferred residential area for many. In 2022, the violent crime rate in the locality was only 315 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, indicating that it is safer than 82% of the other cities in Massachusetts. This middle-class neighborhood boasts a blend of residential and commercial areas, including some noteworthy businesses such as WBGH Education Foundation and New Balance.
Located in Boston, Hyde Park is a neighborhood that boasts a population of 35,000 and offers a unique suburban vibe. The community takes pride in its motto, “A small town in the city,” and maintains a strong sense of togetherness. Hyde Park stands out for its low crime rate, with only one violent crime and 11 property crimes per 1,000 residents, making it 78% safer than the state average. The neighborhood is renowned for having numerous locally-owned shops and stores, along with one of the best dog parks in Boston.
3. Newton Upper Falls
If you are looking for a safe place to live in Boston, Newton Upper Falls should be on your list. This neighborhood is nestled between Needham and West Roxbury and boasts a low crime rate of 605 per 100,000 people. Newton has an impressive 56% lower crime rate than the national average, making it a great place to call home. Residents of Newton Upper Falls have only a 1 in 166 chance of falling victim to any type of crime.
Aside from being a safe neighborhood, Newton Upper Falls is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The neighborhood is home to the Hemlock Gorge and Echo Bridge, a former aqueduct-turned-pedestrian walkway over the Charles River. Additionally, the median home price in Newton Upper Falls is $788,500, which is 327% higher than the national average. With all of these advantages, it’s no wonder that Newton Upper Falls is a highly sought-after place to live in Boston.
4. West Roxbury
West Roxbury is considered as one of the safest neighborhoods to reside in Boston. It is located between Roslindale and Jamaica Plain and has a population of 30,446. With a crime rate of 870 per 100,000 individuals, West Roxbury is 63% safer than the US average and 36% safer than the Massachusetts average. The likelihood of residents becoming victims of any form of crime is 1 in 115. Often referred to as a peaceful residential area, West Roxbury is an ideal place to call home.
5. Roslindale
The population of Roslindale stands at 37,610 residents, with a crime rate of 1,341 per 100,000 people. Notably, the total crime rate in this neighborhood is 43% lower than the US average and 2% lower than the state average. Roslindale has a suburban feel and is primarily a residential neighborhood. Interestingly, part of the Arnold Arboretum is located within the neighborhood. The median home price in Roslindale is $293,614, which is 14% lower than the Massachusetts average.
6. East Boston
East Boston, a neighborhood in Boston, boasts a population of 40,508 and enjoys a remarkably low violent crime rate of 1,542 per 100,000 individuals. The area has a rich history of being a melting pot for immigrants, making it one of Boston’s most diverse communities. Over the years, crime rates in East Boston have consistently declined, rendering the neighborhood a much safer place to live in. At present, the crime rate in East Boston is 34% lower than the national average, making it a highly desirable place to call home.
7. Jamaica Plain
With a population of 45,158 people, Jamaica Plain is renowned for its safety among Boston neighborhoods. It is a culturally diverse locality with significant populations of Latin, Asian, and Black communities. The crime rate stands at 1,852 per 100,000 people, making it 21% safer than the US average. Residents have a 1 in 54 chance of falling prey to any type of crime. Moreover, the cost of living in this neighborhood is only 6% higher than the state average.
8. South Boston
With a population of 38,206, South Boston boasts a crime rate of 1,917 per 100,000 people, making it 18% safer than the national average. The neighborhood has a relatively low crime rate, with residents having only a 1 in 53 chance of being victimized by any type of crime. Despite being one of the more expensive areas in the city, with a median rent of $2,850 per month, South Boston is renowned for hosting some of the most outstanding bars and events during St. Patrick’s Day.
9. Charlestown
With a population of 20,504, Charlestown boasts a crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 people, making it 17% safer than the US average. However, the crime rate is still higher than the national average. Residents face a 1 in 52 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. Charlestown is predominantly residential, featuring numerous waterfront properties that offer stunning views of the Boston skyline.
10. Dorchester
With a population of 134,000 people, Dorchester is one of the largest neighborhoods in Boston. It is also a safe place to live, with a 1 in 34 chance of becoming a victim of property crime and a 1 in 121 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. The safest areas in Dorchester are Savin Hill, Clam Point, and Ashmont Hill. Additionally, many of Boston’s labor unions have their headquarters located in Dorchester.
