Top 7 Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Boston with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Population: 22,827 (2022)
• Crime rate: 6.53 crimes per 1,000 people

Winchester is our top pick for the safest neighborhood to live in Boston due to its low crime rate of 6.53 crimes per 1,000 people. 

The Middlesex Fells Reservation, situated partly in Winchester, spans 2,200 acres for public recreation. It offers hiking, biking, fishing, and pet-friendly activities, as well as opportunities to rent boats, canoes, and kayaks for pond exploration. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Located right outside of Boston, Winchester is known as the “bedroom community” because many people who work in Boston live there. This area is also convenient in terms of getting around as it is near the Commuter Rail.

MA Crime Statistics (2022)

• Population: 59,057 (2022)
• Crime rate: 18.13 crimes per 1,000 people

Brookline is a good choice for residents seeking a mix of urban convenience and suburban charm. With a crime rate of 18.13 crimes per 1,000 people, it deserves its spot as the second-safest neighborhood to live in Boston.

Locals like the neighborhood’s proximity to Boston and the convenience of doing some errands without using a car, as it is extremely walkable with a Walk Score of 91.

Brookline’s pathways, picnic areas, and sporting fields, multiple parks, like Larz Anderson Park and Olmstead Park, create a welcoming environment for families. 

MA Crime Statistics (2022)

• Population: 81,552 (2022)
• Crime rate: 25.28 crimes per 1,000 people

Somerville has a crime rate of 25.28 crimes per 1,000 people, marking it as one of the safest places to live in Boston. 

With an accessible location near Boston, Somerville appeals to young professionals and families looking for a progressive environment and is culturally diverse. 

Locals mention that they like this neighborhood because of its emphasis on public art activities, and community events, which foster a dynamic and engaged local population.

MA Crime Statistics (2022)

• Population: 60,231 (2022)
• Crime rate: 27.84 crimes per 1,000 people

Malden is a thriving suburban community with a crime rate of 27.84 crimes per 1,000 people. It is located just outside of Boston, yet it is near enough that some people consider it part of Boston.

It is one of Massachusetts’s most diversified neighborhood and provide ample opportunities for everyone. Locals admire the city’s effort to engage its community in local activities.

MA Crime Statistics (2022)

• Population: 94,519 (2022)
• Crime rate: 38.33 crimes per 1,000 people

Quincy is a waterfront neighborhood with a crime rate of 38.33 per 1,000 people. It is located just outside of Boston, yet it is near enough that some people consider it part of Boston.

The city offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with a bustling downtown area and scenic coastal views.

Locals love Quincy’s local events, which make it an ideal place for families and individuals seeking a balanced urban-suburban lifestyle.

MA Crime Statistics (2022)

• Population: 52,930 (2022)
• Crime rate: 39.35 crimes per 1,000 people

Revere is a coastal neighborhood with a crime rate of 39.35 crimes per 1,000 people, making it as one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Boston.

It is home to Revere Beach, the oldest public beach and the first ocean beach purchased for public recreation in the United States. It is also one of the first properties added to Boston’s Metropolitan Park System.

Locals enjoy the variety of events, making it an exciting location for residents seeking an active lifestyle.

MA Crime Statistics (2022)

• Population: 119,938 (2022)
• Crime rate: 46.87 crimes per 1,000 people

Cambridge is renowned for its academic and cultural institutions and has a low crime rate of 46.87 crimes per 1,000 people.

It is home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which offer a vibrant intellectual environment and a mix of innovative startups.

Locals love the neighborhood because it has a Walk Score of 84, allowing them to accomplish their daily errands without needing to drive.

MA Crime Statistics 2022