The 15 Safest Neighborhoods In Boston: 2022's Ultimate List

Despite the challenges related to affordable housing, moving to Boston is still a popular and viable option for those that can afford the high cost of living. When it comes to selecting the perfect Boston community to move to, most will pick based on their finances or particular income bracket. However, regardless of where you are relocating, one factor remains finding the safest neighborhoods in Boston.

According to data, MIT, Mission Hill, Allston-Brighton, Roslindale, and Fenway-Kenmore are the safest areas in Boston. These areas are the safest and most livable in Boston because they have 76 – 98% greater safety ratings than the rest of the city. East Boston, West End, and Longwood Medical Area are all safe neighborhoods in Boston as well.

Boston is New England’s leading city in virtually every respect: sports teams, jobs, population, universities, and historical significance. Homes to the Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox, Boston is undoubtedly a sports dynamo. On the other hand, many first associate Boston as a city of intellectuals due to MIT and Harvard being located just over the river. While there is a City of Boston, many people use the name to refer to the Greater Boston area, extending Weymouth in the south to Saugus in the north.

Including the harbor, Boston consists of nearly 90 square miles and is home to roughly 695,000 residents. When you consider the wider Boston region, there are dozens upon dozens of individual towns and communities. In fact, the Greater Boston area may contain upwards of five million people. If you’re planning on relocating to Boston, you’ll have your work cut out for you when choosing a neighborhood to settle in.

The City of Boston, often called Boston proper, has 23 official neighborhoods. Within each of these communities are unique micro-neighborhoods or enclaves. Boston can be the ideal place to raise a family, work, and study with its diverse restaurants, shopping opportunities, arts and culture, historical sites, and outdoor adventures. Although, Boston is considered one of the top five most expensive cities to live in the United States.

As in any major city in the nation, crime can be an issue in Boston, which applies to both property and violent crime. Given that the city attracts many tourists yearly with all the museums, monuments, and other attractions, pickpockets are unfortunately commonplace.

As a general note, Boston can be a dangerous place after dark. This is when most drug-related and other violent crimes are more likely to occur.

However, Boston is relatively safe during the daytime, and as long as both tourists and residents know which areas to avoid and which to stick to, they can stay safe during their stay in the city. The areas to avoid are typically the impoverished areas where gang activity is more prevalent. Just like any other populous city, you should always take the necessary safety precautions in Boston.

This Boston neighborhood is near to MIT. As a result, it’s packed with students and young professionals, including professors and school employees.

There aren’t many families or grownups who don’t work nearby. This neighborhood has a lot of nightlife as well as fantastic food. Because of its position, traffic can be somewhat congested. This is the greatest spot for you if you’re a young single adult or student!

In terms of livability, MIT outperforms the rest of the city of Boston at 86 percent. This area is 98 percent safer than other neighborhoods in Boston. The median purchase price of a property in the area is $216,500, and the average rent is $1,047, according to data.

Lexington is a Boston suburb with a population of 33,340 people. Lexington, Massachusetts is located in Middlesex County and is one of the nicest areas to reside in the state.

Residents in Lexington enjoy a dense suburban feel, and the majority of residents own their homes. There are numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Lexington. Lexington is home to a large number of retirees, and its citizens are liberal. Lexington’s public schools are highly regarded.

In terms of livability, Lexington outperforms neighboring Boston neighborhoods by 96 percent. This area of Boston is 91 percent safer than the rest of the city. According to research, the average rent in the neighborhood is $1,799 and the median purchase price is $769,400.

Fenway/Kenmore, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and Brookline surround Mission Hill, a varied area with a recent boom in new condos and brick row houses. Mission Hill is inexpensive and caters to a wide range of preferences.

Furthermore, this is one of many areas where the Boston Police Department is devoting a significant amount of resources. With a population of 64,759 people, just 1,950 criminal crimes were reported in 2016.

Mission Hill outperforms other Boston neighborhoods by 98 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 89 percent safer than other Boston neighborhoods. Statistics show that the median price of a home in the area is $796,500, with an average rent of $1,571.

The Allston-Brighton area is a set of two interlocking Boston neighborhoods with a combined population of roughly 68,000 residents. Though it is often perceived as separate from the city since much of the Greater Boston area is independently governed, Allston-Brighton is in fact part of Boston.

Nowadays, Allston-Brighton is a middle-class area consisting of a mix of small businesses and dense residential neighborhoods. On the commercial side, it is home to the New Balance Headquarters and the WBGH Educational Foundation.

Allston-Brighton exceeds other Boston neighborhoods by 34 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 84 percent safer than comparable nearby neighborhoods. The median purchase price of a home in the area is $306,048, and the average rent is $1,546, according to statistics.

Roslindale is a primarily residential Boston neighborhood that is a nice mix of cultural diversity and idyllic beauty that isn’t present in many other areas of Boston. In fact, the community was named for the dales and hills in the region.

The residents of Roslindale are a blend of young professionals, hipsters, families with deep roots in the area, and older retirees. It is a relatively affordable neighborhood but real estate prices are steadily rising as Bostonians seek out more budget-friendly communities across the city.

Roslindale is 83 percent more livable than neighboring San Antonio neighborhoods. In addition, this neighborhood is 83 percent safer than the rest of San Antonio. The median purchase price of a property in the area is $594,900, with an average rent of $2,224, according to figures.

While it is a recognized singular neighborhood for administration purposes, Fenway-Kenmore actually consists of multiple sections: East Fenway, West Fenway, Kenmore Square, and Audubon Circle. In casual conversation among locals, the area is generally referred to as simply “Fenway,” “The Fenway,” “Kenmore,” or “Kenmore Square.”

This community is best known for being the home of the Red Sox and the famous Fenway Park. However, it is also one of the city’s cultural and academic centers. Boston Latin School, America’s first public school, put Fenway-Kenmore on the map in regards to strong academics.

Fenway-Kenmore outperforms other Boston communities by 55 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 76 percent safer than the rest of Boston. According to statistics, the average property in the area costs $241,970 to buy, and the average rent is $1,489.

Annexed to the city back in 1836, East Boston, or Eastie, is home to around 43,436 residents. The area is considered an immigrant stronghold, as it has long provided homes for Irish, Russian Jews, Italians, and, more recently, Latinos. In the last few years, the community has become especially popular among young professionals because of its (relatively) reasonable cost of living and the vicinity to downtown.

While there are some downsides to living in Eastie, such as parking, traffic, and airplane noise from the nearby Logan International airport, the area offers some spectacular green spaces. Piers Park, just one example, will give you serious Sesame Street vibes. Residents can also enjoy the wildlife at Belle Isle Marsh, or soak up the sun on Constitution Beach.

East Boston has a livability rating of 42 percent higher than the surrounding Boston communities. Furthermore, compared to the rest of Boston, this neighborhood is 71 percent safer. The median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $276,989, with an average rent of $1,107, according to statistics.

With a population of 4,466 people, West End is a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts. West End is located in Suffolk County and is one of Massachusetts’ most desirable neighborhoods.

The majority of residents in West End rent their homes, giving them a dense urban feel. There are numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in West End. West End is home to many young professionals, and residents are liberal. West End’s public schools are above average.

West End outperforms other Boston neighborhoods by 89 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 71 percent safer than other nearby neighborhoods. The median price of a home in the area is $214,554, with an average rent of $1,121, according to statistics.

North End is a Boston neighborhood with a population of 12,037 people. North End is one of the best areas to live in Massachusetts, and it is located in Suffolk County.

Residents in North End enjoy a dense urban vibe, and the majority of residents rent their homes. There are numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in North End. North End is home to a large number of young professionals, and its citizens are liberal. North End’s public schools are above average.

North End outperforms other Boston communities by 82 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 69 percent safer than the rest of Boston. According to statistics, the average property in the area costs $227,890 to buy, and the average rent is $1,538.

Brookline is a Boston suburb with a population of 59,180 people. Brookline is located in Norfolk County and is considered one of Massachusetts’ best locations to live.

The majority of Brookline inhabitants rent their homes, giving them an urban vibe. There are numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Brookline. Brookline is home to a large number of young professionals, and its citizens are liberal. Brookline’s public schools are highly regarded.

Brookline has a livability rating of 96 percent higher than the surrounding Boston communities. Furthermore, compared to the rest of Boston, this neighborhood is 69 percent safer. The median purchase price of a home in the neighborhood is $758,400, with an average rent of $2,005, according to statistics.

Charlestown is considered the oldest neighborhood in Boston and has always been a very sought-after place to live. It is steeped in history, especially with regard to the Revolutionary War.

The area served as both a battleground and a meeting place for historical figures. As a result, there is an abundance of plaques and landmarks in Charlestown, including the beloved Freedom Trail.

With young professionals and families making up the majority of Charlestown’s population, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of dozens of new moms pushing top-of-the-line strollers. The area also offers peaks at its Irish working-class roots.

In terms of livability, Charlestown outperforms neighboring Boston neighborhoods by 66 percent. This area of this neighborhood is 64 percent safer than the rest of the city. According to research, the average rent in the neighborhood is $1,426 and the median purchase price is $426,124.

With a population of 7,394, South Boston Waterfront is a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts. The South Boston Waterfront is located in Suffolk County and is one of Massachusetts’ top places to reside. The majority of inhabitants in South Boston Waterfront rent their homes, giving them an urban vibe.

There are numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks along the South Boston Waterfront. South Boston Waterfront is a liberal neighborhood with a lot of young professionals. South Boston Waterfront has above-average public schools.

South Boston Waterfront exceeds other Boston neighborhoods by 15 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 53 percent safer than comparable Boston neighborhoods. The median purchase price of a home in the area is $367,531, and the average rent is $1,464, according to statistics.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a city with a population of 116,632. Cambridge, Massachusetts is located in Middlesex County and is considered one of the best places to live in the state. The majority of Cambridge people rent their homes, giving them an urban vibe.

There are numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Cambridge. Cambridge is home to a large number of young professionals, and its citizens are liberal. Cambridge’s public schools are highly regarded.

Cambridge outperforms other Boston neighborhoods by 88 percent in terms of livability. This neighborhood is 40 percent safer than other Boston neighborhoods. Statistics show that the median price of a home in the area is $629,700, with an average rent of $1,754.