Is Boston Safe?
Compared to other large cities, Boston is extremely safe. The local crime index is far lower than that of New York City or Los Angeles and you can explore Boston on foot knowing you'll feel safe. The crime rate in Boston is 2,421 per 100,000 residents, which is only 4% higher than the national average. The city's low crime rate makes Boston the 10th safest large city in the US (with a population of over 300,000 people).
12 Safest Neighborhoods in Boston
- West Roxbury
- Newton Upper Falls
- Brookline
- Roslindale
- Allston-Brighton
- Hyde Park
- East Boston
- Fenway-Kenmore
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
- Charlestown
- Dorchester
1. West Roxbury
The safest neighborhood in Boston is West Roxbury. This neighborhood has a population of 30,446 and an extremely low crime rate of 785 per 100,000 people. Overall, West Roxbury is 67% safer than the US average and 46% safer than the Massachusetts average. Residents have a 1 in 115 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. West Roxbury is often described as a quiet residential community.
2. Newton Upper Falls
Newton Upper Falls is another one of the safest places to live in the Boston area. Newton Upper Falls borders Needham and West Roxbury and has a crime rate of 1,105 per 100,000 people. Crime in Newtown is 56% lower than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 96 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. The neighborhood is home to the Hemlock Gorge and Echo Bridge, a large aqueduct-turned-pedestrian walkway over the Charles River. The median home price in Newton Upper Falls is $788,500, which is 227% higher than the national average.
3. Brookline
Brookline is also one of the safest suburbs of Boston. The peaceful neighborhood is in the southwestern part of the Boston metropolitan area. It is surrounded by upscale neighborhoods like Brighton-Allston, Fenway-Kenmore, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury. It's an affluent suburban community with gorgeous tree-lined streets that's famous for being the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy. It's also very safe, with a crime rate 57% lower than the national average and a violent crime rate 72% lower than the rest of the country. You have a 1 in 100 chance of being the victim of a crime in Brookline.
4. Roslindale
Roslindale has a population of 37,610 residents and a crime rate of 1,341 per 100,000 people. Total crime in this neighborhood is 43% lower than the US average. Roslindale is primarily a residential neighborhood with a suburban feel. 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.
5. Allston-Brighton
Another one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston is Allston-Brighton. One of the largest neighborhoods in Boston, Allston has a population of 70,469 and a very low crime rate. In 2023, the crime rate in the neighborhood was 1,381 per 100,000 residents, making it 42% safer than the national average. This neighborhood is middle class, with a mixture of residential and commercial areas. Some notable businesses in this neighborhood include WBGH Education Foundation and New Balance.
6. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a safe Boston neighborhood with a population of 35,000 and a distinctively suburban feel. Hyde Park's motto is "A small town in the city," and residents take pride in having a small, tightly-knit community. Hyde Park has a crime rate of only one violent crime and 11 property crimes per 1,000 residents making the neighborhood much safer than the state average. Hyde Park is known for having many locally owned shops and stores and for having one of the most highly-rated dog parks in Boston.
7. East Boston
Easton Boston has a population of 40,508 and a very low violent crime rate of 1,542 per 100,000 people. East Boston has historically been home to numerous immigrant groups, making it one of Boston's most diverse neighborhoods. Crime rates in East Boston have steadily decreased in recent years, making the neighborhood much safer. As of 2023, crime in East Boston is 34% lower than the national average.
8. Fenway-Kenmore
Fenway-Kenmore is another one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston. Home to the iconic Fenway Park, Fenway-Kenmore is a bustling neighborhood in southwest Boston that offers easy access to bars, restaurants, and attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Back Bay Fens. It's also a safe, family-friendly neighborhood home to about 38,000 residents. The crime rate in Fenway-Kenmore is 1,597 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% lower than the rest of the city. It's also 31% lower than the national average and property crime is 36% lower as well. You have a 1 in 63 chance of being the victim of a crime in the neighborhood.
9. Jamaica Plain
Jamaica Plain has a population of 45,158 people and is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston. Jamaica Plain is culturally diverse, with large Latin, Asian, and Black communities. The crime rate in Jamaica Plain is 1,852 per 100,000 people, making the neighborhood 21% safer than the US average. In total, residents have a 1 in 54 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. The cost of living in this neighborhood is only 6% higher than the state average.
10. South Boston
South Boston has a population of 38,206 and a crime rate of 1,917 per 100,000 people, making the neighborhood 18% safer than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 53 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. South Boston is one of the city's most expensive areas, with a median rent of $2,850 per month. South Boston is best known for hosting some of the best bars and events during St. Patrick's Day.
11. Charlestown
Charlestown has a population of 20,504 and a crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 people making the neighborhood 17% safer than the US average. While the crime rate is lower than the national average, Charlestown's crime rate is still higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 52 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Charlestown is a largely residential neighborhood with much of the housing near the waterfront overlooking the Boston skyline.
12. Dorchester
Besides being a safe place to live, Dorchester is one of Boston's largest neighborhoods, with a population of 134,000 people. The chance of becoming the victim of a property crime is 1 in 34, with the chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime being 1 in 121. The safest parts of Dorchester include Savin Hill, Clam Point, and Ashmont Hill. Many of Boston's labor unions are headquartered in Dorchester.
Safest Places to Live in Boston Bottom Line
Boston's access to employment, higher education, and numerous cultural attractions make it an amazing place to visit or live. However, safety is important, and it comes at a cost, as most of the safest areas in Boston are very expensive. However, some pockets of Boston offer safety and affordability. So while many of the safest Boston neighborhoods on this list are quite expensive, others, like Jamaica Plains, offer more affordable options for housing.