Safest Places to Live in Massachusetts

Massachusetts ranks among the most educated and affluent states, but it still faces crime concerns. The property crime rate sits at about 10.5 incidents per 1,000 people, and nearly 46% of residents say they worry about safety. From a Boston brownstone to a Worcester suburb, buyers value security more than ever. For safe and peaceful living, explore Houzeo's list of the safest places in the Bay State.

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Rankings: 10 Safest Places in Massachusetts

Clinton, MA

How do you rate Clinton?

Clinton is a small Worcester County town that punches above its weight when it comes to community safety. The Clinton Police Department keeps active coverage across its compact layout, and the town's size means response times are ...

100/100

Safety Score

Why is Clinton safe?

Personal Safety : 100

Personal Safety: 100/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

100%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 100

Property Safety: 100/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

100%

Larceny

100%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 100

Community Safety: 100/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

100%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

100%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

100%

Home Prices in Clinton

$415,000

Median Home Rent

$1,944

Homes for Sale in Clinton Link

(View 133 homes)

Brookline, MA

How do you rate Brookline?

Brookline is an inner suburb that borders Boston on three sides yet maintains a safety profile that stands apart from its larger urban neighbor. The Brookline Police Department is well-funded and runs strong community engagement p...

96/100

Safety Score

Why is Brookline safe?

Personal Safety : 97

Personal Safety: 97/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

33.33%

Robbery

90.91%

Aggravated Assault

76.92%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 92

Property Safety: 92/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

94.55%

Larceny

87.23%

Motor Vehicle Theft

100%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

84.66%

Community Safety : 98

Community Safety: 98/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

80.39%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

93.6%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

100%

Home Prices in Brookline

$1,515,000

Median Home Rent

$4,350

Homes for Sale in Brookline Link

(View 388 homes)

Arlington, MA

How do you rate Arlington?

Arlington sits between Cambridge and Lexington and manages to hold a notably better safety record than its more urban neighbors. The Arlington Police Department has invested consistently in community policing, and crime figures ha...

94/100

Safety Score

Why is Arlington safe?

Personal Safety : 96

Personal Safety: 96/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

80%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

28.57%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 89

Property Safety: 89/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

50%

Larceny

136

14.47%

Motor Vehicle Theft

41.18%

Arson

Theft From Building

62.5%

Community Safety : 95

Community Safety: 95/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

37.7%

Stolen Property Offenses

100%

Vandalism

39.29%

Weapon Law Violations

40%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

66.67%

Home Prices in Arlington

$1,015,000

Median Home Rent

$2,500

Homes for Sale in Arlington Link

(View 204 homes)

Newton, MA

How do you rate Newton?

Newton is one of the safest cities in Massachusetts, built upon decades of stable, community-focused investment. The Newton Police Department runs well-organized community programs across the city's thirteen distinct villages, eac...

93/100

Safety Score

Why is Newton safe?

Personal Safety : 95

Personal Safety: 95/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

33.33%

Robbery

200%

Aggravated Assault

20.59%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 91

Property Safety: 91/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

57.89%

Larceny

201

55.63%

Motor Vehicle Theft

74.19%

Arson

Theft From Building

48.94%

Community Safety : 93

Community Safety: 93/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

36.21%

Stolen Property Offenses

82.35%

Vandalism

51.16%

Weapon Law Violations

44.44%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

50%

Home Prices in Newton

$1,450,000

Median Home Rent

$3,600

Homes for Sale in Newton Link

(View 489 homes)

Franklin, MA

How do you rate Franklin?

Franklin is a Norfolk County town that manages a strong safety record despite being one of the larger communities on this list. The Franklin Police Department is well-staffed and runs consistent neighborhood patrols that residents...

92/100

Safety Score

Why is Franklin safe?

Personal Safety : 93

Personal Safety: 93/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

50%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

30%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 94

Property Safety: 94/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

50%

Larceny

20.55%

Motor Vehicle Theft

81.82%

Arson

Theft From Building

42.86%

Community Safety : 83

Community Safety: 83/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

2.78%

Stolen Property Offenses

57.14%

Vandalism

41.46%

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

14.29%

Home Prices in Franklin

$690,000

Median Home Rent

$2,400

Homes for Sale in Franklin Link

(View 469 homes)

Westford, MA

How do you rate Westford?

Westford is a Middlesex County town that has kept crime low while growing into a sought-after suburban destination. The Westford Police Department runs proactive community programs that keep residents informed and involved in loca...

91/100

Safety Score

Why is Westford safe?

Personal Safety : 94

Personal Safety: 94/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

66.67%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

50%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 83

Property Safety: 83/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

66.67%

Larceny

25.76%

Motor Vehicle Theft

75%

Arson

Theft From Building

25%

Community Safety : 89

Community Safety: 89/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

58.33%

Stolen Property Offenses

60%

Vandalism

25%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

27.27%

Home Prices in Westford

$984,900

Median Home Rent

$2,966

Homes for Sale in Westford Link

(View 160 homes)

Wellesley, MA

How do you rate Wellesley?

Wellesley is an affluent Norfolk County town with one of the stronger safety profiles in the greater Boston area. The Wellesley Police Department is well-resourced and maintains a visible, community-oriented presence across the to...

90/100

Safety Score

Why is Wellesley safe?

Personal Safety : 89

Personal Safety: 89/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

166.67%

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

12.5%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 95

Property Safety: 95/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

66.67%

Larceny

49.59%

Motor Vehicle Theft

92.31%

Arson

Theft From Building

83.33%

Community Safety : 81

Community Safety: 81/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

8.7%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

14.81%

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

100%

Home Prices in Wellesley

$1,825,000

Median Home Rent

$4,250

Homes for Sale in Wellesley Link

(View 214 homes)

Wayland, MA

How do you rate Wayland?

Wayland is one of the safest Massachusetts towns with a record that reflects its quiet, residential character. Violent crime here is rare, and the Wayland Police Department keeps consistent coverage across its largely suburban and...

87/100

Safety Score

Why is Wayland safe?

Personal Safety : 90

Personal Safety: 90/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

36.36%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 76

Property Safety: 76/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

20%

Larceny

50.91%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 84

Community Safety: 84/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

20%

Stolen Property Offenses

400%

Vandalism

33.33%

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

Home Prices in Wayland

$1,095,000

Median Home Rent

$5,000

Homes for Sale in Wayland Link

(View 129 homes)

Northborough, MA

How do you rate Northborough?

Northborough is a small Worcester County town that has built a quiet reputation for safety over the years. The Northborough Police Department runs consistent patrols across its suburban neighborhoods, and residents tend to be long...

86/100

Safety Score

Why is Northborough safe?

Personal Safety : 96

Personal Safety: 96/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 66

Property Safety: 66/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

200%

Larceny

2.5%

Motor Vehicle Theft

100%

Arson

Theft From Building

500%

Community Safety : 69

Community Safety: 69/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

333.33%

Stolen Property Offenses

400%

Vandalism

50%

Weapon Law Violations

83.33%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

66.67%

Home Prices in Northborough

$681,000

Median Home Rent

$2,400

Homes for Sale in Northborough Link

(View 152 homes)

#10

Wakefield, MA

How do you rate Wakefield?

Wakefield sits just north of Boston in Middlesex County and holds a safety record that outperforms many of its neighbors closer to the city. The Wakefield Police Department keeps active coverage across the town's compact layout, a...

85/100

Safety Score

Why is Wakefield safe?

Personal Safety : 83

Personal Safety: 83/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

56.25%

Robbery

50%

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 84

Property Safety: 84/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

30.77%

Larceny

13.1%

Motor Vehicle Theft

15%

Arson

100%

Theft From Building

20%

Community Safety : 84

Community Safety: 84/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

23.08%

Stolen Property Offenses

66.67%

Vandalism

18.18%

Weapon Law Violations

200%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

500%

Home Prices in Wakefield

$810,500

Median Home Rent

$2,500

Homes for Sale in Wakefield Link

(View 147 homes)

Find the Safest Places to Live Anywhere in the US

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Massachusetts

Top 3 Safest Places to Live for Retirees in Massachusetts

Northborough: A Calm Worcester County Town with the Quiet and Safety Retirees Look For - Northborough ranks among the safest places to live for retirees in Massachusetts. The town reports low crime rates compared to state averages. The Northborough Police Department maintains regular patrols across all neighborhoods and responds quickly to calls. Quiet areas such as Assabet Hill and Brigham Woods offer safe and well-kept homes. Residents trust local safety programs and community alerts that keep them informed. Marlborough Hospital in nearby Framingham provides reliable healthcare access. Solomon Pond Mall meets daily needs within a short drive. Local parks and conservation areas offer safe and open spaces for walks and fresh air. Northborough provides a stable, secure setting where retirees can feel at ease every day.
Clinton: A Small, Tight-Knit Town Where Retirees Feel Known and Looked After - Clinton ranks among the safest places to live for retirees in Massachusetts. The town reports about 1.2 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, which is well below national levels. The Clinton Police Department patrols the town with strong local coverage and quick response times. Officers stay active in neighborhoods such as Burditt Hill and Downtown Clinton. The Wachusett Reservoir limits dense development and supports a calm, controlled setting. This helps maintain low traffic and stable streets. HealthAlliance Hospital provides nearby emergency care and routine services. Local safety programs and close community ties add another layer of comfort. Retirees find a secure and well-managed place to call home.
Wayland: A Wooded, Peaceful Town Where Retirees Can Settle In and Stay Comfortably - Wayland suits retirees who want a quiet, safe town with natural surroundings and a strong sense of community. The town reports about 0.6 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, which is far below national levels. The Wayland Police Department maintains steady patrols and fast response times across neighborhoods such as Claypit Hill and Cochituate. The Sudbury River and local trail network give residents safe, nearby space for daily walks and cycling. These managed outdoor areas support routine activity in a secure setting. MetroWest Medical Center in nearby Framingham provides reliable emergency and specialty care. Strong community ties and active neighborhood awareness help keep Wayland safe and well-managed for retirees.

Top 3 Safest Places to Live in Massachusetts for Families

Westford: Strong Schools, Low Crime, and a Community Built Around Family Life - The town reports low crime rates each year, well below national averages. The Westford Police Department runs active patrols and community safety programs. Officers build strong ties with residents through outreach and school visits. Families trust the local schools. Westford Academy ranks among the top public high schools in the state. The school district supports safe campuses and clear safety policies. Neighborhoods such as Nabnasset and Graniteville offer quiet streets and strong community watch efforts. Public parks like Edwards Beach and Forge Pond Park provide safe, open spaces for children and families. The town maintains these areas and enforces safety rules. Westford offers a secure environment, strong schools, and a reliable police presence. Families benefit from a stable and well-protected community.
Newton – Thirteen Villages, Top Schools, and a Safety Record Families Can Count On: Newton is a well-rounded city for families who want safety, excellent schools, and a community with real depth to it. The Newton Police Department maintains steady patrols across all thirteen villages. Officers run neighborhood safety programs and community outreach that keep residents informed and connected. Families rely on strong public schools. Newton North High School and Newton South High School both rank among the top public high schools in the state. The district enforces clear safety policies and secure campuses. Access to healthcare adds another layer of security. Newton-Wellesley Hospital provides trusted medical care close to home. Neighborhoods such as Newton Centre and West Newton feature well-kept streets and active community involvement. Parks, youth sports programs, and the Newton Free Library offer safe spaces for families throughout the year. Newton delivers a safe environment, strong schools, and dependable city services for family life.
Wellesley: An Exceptional Town Where Safety, Schools, and Family Life Come Together - Wellesley is a compelling choice for families who want one of the safest towns in Massachusetts with a school system to match. The Wellesley Police Department maintains steady patrols across residential areas. Officers run community safety programs and keep strong contact with residents. Families rely on top public schools. Wellesley High School ranks among the best in the state. The school system enforces clear safety rules and secure campuses. Access to healthcare adds peace of mind. Newton-Wellesley Hospital provides trusted care close to home. Neighborhoods across Wellesley offer quiet streets and active community watch efforts. Parks and town recreation programs give families safe places for daily activities. A strong parent network supports a secure and stable environment for children.

Top 3 Safest Places to Live in Massachusetts for Young Adults

Arlington: Safe, Affordable, and Well-Connected for Young Adults Entering the Boston Market - Arlington is a smart base for young adults who want safety, community, and easy access to Boston without paying Cambridge prices. The Arlington Police Department maintains steady patrols across neighborhoods such as East Arlington and Arlington Center. Officers use community policing programs to stay visible and responsive. Residents use the Minuteman Bikeway for safe daily travel. The path has clear markings, lighting, and regular patrol checks. Massachusetts Avenue serves as a main hub with well-lit streets and active local businesses. This steady activity supports a secure public environment. Young adults benefit from quick access to Boston through MBTA bus routes. Arlington's strong public safety system, low crime rate, and active community make it a reliable and secure place to live.
Brookline: Urban Energy with a Safety Record That Makes It Worth the Rent - Brookline works well for young adults who want an urban feel with a safety record that holds up under scrutiny. The Brookline Police Department runs active patrols and community outreach programs across neighborhoods such as Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Coolidge Corner offers a safe and lively setting with popular spots like Zaftigs Delicatessen, local bookshops, and cafes. Streets stay well-lit and busy, which supports a secure environment. The MBTA Green Line provides reliable transit with frequent service and monitored stations. Brookline invests in public safety through programs such as neighborhood watch and regular officer engagement. The town's low crime rate, strong police presence, and connected transit system make it a secure and dependable place for young adults.
Wakefield: An Affordable Commuter Town with Low Crime and Enough Going On to Stay Interesting - Wakefield suits young adults who want an affordable, safe town within commuting distance of Boston. The Wakefield Police Department runs steady patrols across neighborhoods such as Greenwood and the West Side. Officers use community policing programs and keep strong response times. Lake Quannapowitt adds a safe public space with a 3.5-mile path, clear lighting, and regular patrol checks. Residents use this area for daily exercise and social time. Main Street has well-lit sidewalks, active shops, and local spots that support a secure setting. The MBTA Commuter Rail connects Wakefield to North Station in Boston with reliable service. Stations have cameras and regular staff presence. Wakefield's low crime rate, strong police presence, and active public spaces make it a safe and dependable choice for young adults.

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the safest places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified crime and public safety datasets. Our analysis incorporates violent crime rates and property crime rates (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program), local law enforcement staffing levels, community safety investment scores, and resident-reported safety data. Each factor was normalized against the Massachusetts state average to control for population size and regional differences. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final Safety Score out of 100, highlighting cities where crime rates are significantly below the state baseline and community safety infrastructure is strongest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Massachusetts a safe state?

Massachusetts has pockets of elevated crime in certain cities, but many of its smaller towns and suburbs maintain low figures year after year. Places like Wayland, Westford, and Newton consistently sit well below state averages. They also offer the kind of community infrastructure that makes safe living feel like a given rather than a goal.

What is the safest city in Massachusetts?

Towns like Wayland, Westford, and Northborough regularly appear at the top of Massachusetts safety rankings, backed by low violent crime rates and police departments that stay genuinely connected to their communities.

Is Massachusetts a good place to retire?

For retirees who pick their location carefully, Massachusetts offers a strong combination of safety, accessible healthcare, and walkable town centers that make daily life comfortable. Towns like Northborough, Clinton, and Wayland are particularly well-suited, with low crime, quiet residential character, and enough nearby amenities to cover everyday needs without a long drive.

How to buy a house in Massachusetts in a safe area?

To learn how to buy a house in Massachusetts, check total crime rate per 1,000 residents, median home price, and school ratings in cities like Wayland and Westford. Get pre-approved, choose a safe neighborhood, review disclosures, and complete inspection before closing.

Which cities are considered the cheapest in Massachusetts?

Popular affordable options often include Adams, Pittsfield, and Springfield, which offer a balance of budget-friendly living, local amenities, and community appeal. You can explore a full list of cheapest places to live in Massachusetts to find the best options that fit your lifestyle and budget.

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The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

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