The 5 safest neighborhoods in Boston (2024)

Learn about the 5 safest areas in Boston based on their low crime rates and safety, environment and quality of life.

Ivandzhelin

4 minute read

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Updated on 18 Sep 2024

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Living

When searching for homes for rent in Boston, prioritizing the safety of your neighborhood is crucial. Yet, focusing solely on this aspect might limit your options. That's why we've found the 5 safest neighborhoods in Boston, considering not only their level of safety but also their environment, quality of life and livability.

With a safety index of 58, Boston is safe to live in. The crime rate in Boston is 4% higher than the national average, but 57% of Boston’s residents feel safe walking home and have never experienced crime. Massachusett’s capital is safer than cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which have higher crime rates. Read on to find out the best and safest areas to live in Boston.

Boston is an overall safe city. Yet, some areas are safer as they experience less violent and property crimes. Below you can see the 5 safest neighborhoods in Boston which have lower crime rates than the city and country average:

1. West Roxbury
2. Brookline
3. Brighton
4. Hyde Park
5. Jamaica Plain

Let's dive into them and see what makes them stand out.

• Neighborhood vibe: Boston’s safest residential neighborhood
• Crime rate: 67% lower than the US average
• Average rent: $3,125
• Transportation: 25 minutes to Downtown with car via Centre Street or 38 minutes via the Commuter rail (Needham Line)

Neighboring Jamaica Plain is West Roxbury, one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for families. The area has high-ranked schools and excellent dining and entertainment options.

Another reason why the neighborhood is favored by families is its safety. With a 775 per 100,000 people crime rate, West Roxbury is at the top of our list for the safest neighborhoods in Boston. Residents rarely encounter violent or property crimes, and feel at ease walking at night.

Aside from safety, locals enjoy the peaceful surroundings of parks and green spaces and excellent public transport connections.

Renting in West Roxbury is more expensive than the other neighborhoods on our list. Private rooms range between $1,100 and $1,400, whereas studios cost $2,045. If you’re moving with your family look into 1-bedroom apartments at $2,664 monthly.

• Neighborhood vibe: Charming and green suburb
• Crime rate: 57% lower than the US average
• Average rent: $3,553
• Transportation: 16 minutes to Boston via Beacon Street

Brookline is a charming suburb popular with families and students because of its proximity to Boston and Cambridge. The area experiences low crime rates of 1,001 per 100,000 people. The area is one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston known for its gorgeous parks, leafy streets and plenty of entertainment.

Renting in Brookline is slightly more expensive with apartments ranging between $2,887 (1-bedroom) and $3,574 (2-bedroom). If you're moving by yourself you can opt for a private room which will cost around $1,100. For more space look into studios which are around $2,538 monthly.

• Neighborhood vibe: Affordable, eclectic, vibrant
• Crime rate: 41% lower than the US average
• Average rent: $1,934
• Transportation: 14 minutes to Downtown with car via I-90 E

With 1,318 crimes per 100,000 people , Brighton is one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston. The neighborhood ranks 3rd on our list as it scores less than the city or country's average of both violent and property crimes. Brighton is perfect for students and families because of its proximity to Boston University and Boston College and family-friendly amenities.

It’s the more affordable brother to its neighboring Brookline and Cambridge. With private rooms ranging from $950 to $1,200 monthly, Brighton is one of the cheapest neighborhoods for students. If you’re looking for more space, look into renting a studio for $2,216 on average or a 1-bedroom apartment costing $2,512 monthly.

• Neighborhood vibe: Suburban, diverse, community-orientated
• Crime rate: 33% lower than the US average
• Average rent: $1,687
• Transportation: 25 minutes to Downtown with car via I-93 N or 27 minutes via the Commuter Rail (Providence/Stoughton Line)

Hyde Park is a neighborhood in the southern part of Boston known for its suburban feel within an urban setting. The neighborhood has a low crime rate of 1,567 per 100,0000 people. Violent and property crime rates are lower than the city average.

Living in Hyde Park will definitely be good for your monthly living expenses in Boston. With private rooms ranging between $900 and $1,200, rental prices in Hyde Park are the most affordable of the neighborhoods on our list. If you want a studio, your monthly rent will be $1,904 on average, and a 1-bedroom apartment will cost $2,107.

• Neighborhood vibe: Artistic, youthful, surrounded by stunning landscapes
• Crime rate: 29% lower than the US average
• Average rent: $2,270
• Transportation: 17 minutes to Downtown by car via Jamaicaway or 33 minutes via the Orange line

Jamaica Plain (or JP) is considered one of the best places to live in Boston for people in their 20s because of its low crime rates, affordable rentals, and exciting nightlife.

With 29% lower than the national average crime rate, Jamaica Plain is one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston. The area has lower than the city average violent and property crime rates. JP has over 41,112 residents and low crime rate of 1,649 per 100,000 people.

Jamaica Plain has affordable prices for its excellent location. Those looking for more space should check out the available 1-bedroom apartments costing $2,859 monthly on average rather than opting for a studio, which is $2,691 monthly. You can have more space at a slightly higher price. But if you’re on a tight budget, finding a private room in shared accommodation is the best as it costs between $1,100 and $1,420 monthly.

As Boston is a safe place to live, most neighborhoods don’t have high crime rates. Yet, some neighborhoods are safer and better. Although all the neighborhoods we included are safe, West Roxbury is the safest area, followed by Brookline and Hyde Park. If you're looking for a suburb the safest area in Boston is Brighton. Jamaica Plain is the way to go for a safe neighborhood within Boston’s inner city but far enough to skip the bustle.