Safest Places to Live in Massachusetts in 2025 | Low Crime & Family-Friendly Cities

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Rankings: 10 Most Safest Places in Massachusetts

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0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
1 New
6 No HOA
9 Price Drop
1 3D Tour
0 Hot
409 Investor Specials

Norfolk, MA

Norfolk has consistently low violent crime rates and proactive community policing. This rural town's strong neighborhood ties make it one of Massachusetts' safest and most peaceful communities.

$779,900

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 1,511 homes in Norfolk Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Rockwood RoadBoydes CrossingHighland Lake

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
0 No HOA
0 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
17 Investor Specials

Lexington, MA

Lexington combines rich Revolutionary War history with top-tier public safety. Its well-resourced police force and outstanding schools make it a secure, upscale community, ideal for families.

$2,498,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 65 homes in Lexington Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Munroe HillEast LexingtonTurning Mill

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
0 No HOA
1 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
17 Investor Specials

Melrose, MA

Melrose stands out for its exceptional safety score, driven by a responsive police force and engaged residents. Quiet, tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and top-rated schools make it a secure environment for families.

$799,900

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 51 homes in Melrose Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Wyoming HillEast SideDowntown Melrose

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
0 No HOA
0 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
6 Investor Specials

Belmont, MA

Belmont offers safe, quiet living with one of the lowest crime rates in the region. Its strong school district, active neighborhood watch, and high homeownership help maintain a peaceful community atmosphere.

$1,499,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 31 homes in Belmont Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Waverley SquareBelmont HillPleasant Street

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
1 No HOA
0 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
14 Investor Specials

Arlington, MA

Arlington offers a great blend of historic charm and safety. With low crime rates, highly rated schools, and active neighborhood watch programs, it's a secure, family-friendly suburb just minutes from Boston.

$1,057,625

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 74 homes in Arlington Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

North UnionTurkey HillEast Arlington

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
1 No HOA
1 Price Drop
1 3D Tour
0 Hot
33 Investor Specials

Brookline, MA

Brookline delivers urban sophistication without the metropolitan crime risks. Historic tree-lined streets, strict zoning enforcement, and strategic police visibility place it among Greater Boston's safest residential markets.

$1,972,500

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 166 homes in Brookline Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Chestnut HillWashington SquareSouth Brookline

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
2 No HOA
1 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
31 Investor Specials

Medford, MA

Medford offers safety alongside proximity to Boston, thanks to strategic policing and strong community ties. Regular patrols, walkable neighborhoods like Medford Square, and engaged residents help keep crime low in this well-established city.

$849,500

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 117 homes in Medford Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Central PointEast MedfordSouth Medford

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
1 No HOA
2 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
27 Investor Specials

Woburn, MA

Woburn provides dependable suburban safety, with crime rates well below national averages. Community-focused policing and active resident engagement foster a secure environment for families and commuters alike.

$760,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 74 homes in Woburn Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Central SquareWalnut HillHorn Pond Area

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
0 New
0 No HOA
1 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
22 Investor Specials

Waltham, MA

Waltham offers urban convenience without compromising safety. With a strategic police presence, well-monitored walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to healthcare, it's a secure residential environment for Boston commuters.

$849,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 81 homes in Waltham Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

North WalthamBank SquareSouth Side

#10

0 Open Houses
0 New Construction
1 New
2 No HOA
1 Price Drop
0 3D Tour
0 Hot
63 Investor Specials

Cambridge, MA

Home to Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is proof that the Bay State can balance innovation with security. Robust emergency services and proactive community policing keep crime in check, even in a bustling academic and tech-driven setting.

$1,497,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 204 homes in Cambridge Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

RiversideEast CambridgeNorth Cambridge

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Ranking Methodology

The safety scores and rankings on this page are based on crime data sourced directly from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI compiles national crime statistics through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). Program and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). These programs compile detailed crime incident and arrest data submitted voluntarily by law enforcement agencies across the U.S.

To create city-level safety scores:

We calculate crime rates based on reported incidents per 1,000 residents.
Rankings focus on key offenses, including violent crimes (homicide, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft).

By relying on standardized, FBI-sourced data, our rankings provide a clear, up-to-date snapshot of public safety. This information can help you make informed decisions about where to live in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the safest city to live in Massachusetts in 2025?

Norfolk ranks as the safest city in Massachusetts in 2025, with a safety score of 99. It has a low violent crime rate, high resident involvement, and effective community policing. The town's quiet, rural setting adds to its secure appeal.

Which safe Massachusetts city has the most affordable housing?

Waltham offers both safety and relative affordability. With a median home price of $792,000 and a safety score of 98, it's a secure choice for Boston commuters and families seeking peace of mind.

Is Cambridge safe for students and working professionals?

Yes. With a safety score of 77, Cambridge has strong emergency services, reliable transit access, and walkable neighborhoods. Community policing and secure campus zones protect students and working professionals in this academic and tech hub.

Why does high homeownership make suburbs like Belmont and Medford safer?

Stable homeownership encourages long-term investment in a neighborhood. Belmont's 70% ownership rate and safety score of 92 indicate how tight-knit oversight reduces crime. Medford mirrors this, with 57% ownership and a safety score of 87, proof that more rooted residents mean safer streets.

What public safety measures set towns like Melrose and Brookline apart?

Melrose prioritizes safety through neighborhood patrols, community partnerships, and active local governance. Brookline uses strict zoning laws, a visible police presence, and targeted traffic enforcement to keep streets safe for residents.