A common factor many people take into consideration when choosing a house to live in is security. The Bay State is filled with phenomenal cities and towns to live in, some of which are safer than others. let us share with you the 10 most secure cities in Massachusetts as of the recently published crime rate report.
1. Hopkinton
Located just less than 30 miles west of Boston, this suburban hamlet in Massachusetts is the safest city in the area. Hopkinton had a population of about 17,000 with just 57 violent offenses recorded in 2021. At 78 instances per 100,000 persons in the population, it also boasts a very low violent crime rate. Property crime numbers are also quite small in Hopkinton and these values also affect the overall crime rates significantly. The fact that Hopkinton retains the look and feel of a small town, is within commuting distance of many large employment hubs and boasts an above-average median income makes this an ideal haven.
2. Weston
This lush town with a population of over 10,000 inhabitants is only 15 miles away from Boston and is considered one of the safest towns to live in Massachusetts. Just 58 violent crimes happened here in 2021, translating to a mere 0.06 violent crime rate per person or 100,000. Many estates are large and built on spacious lots with nice wooded areas around, and thus the rate of thefts or robberies is negligible in Weston. The remaining one is that most of the homes have relatively high values, and therefore, most citizens do not have to turn to crime to make ends meet.
3. Winchester
It is a middle-aged middle-class town in Middlesex County with a population of less than 22,000 and near negligible criminal activity. Only 69 cases of violent crime occurred in 2021, which made the tiny violent crime rate of 107 per 100,000 population. Winchester enjoys a dedicated populace and robust funding in public schools and other public facilities since the taxes on the high property values are moderate.
4. Needham
Needham is part of the Boston Metro area and crime in this town is exceptionally low, even when one takes into account the fact that the population mark crosses the 30,000s. Here, there were only 83 violent crime incidents reported in 2021 with a violence rate of 78 per 100,000. High-performing schools and two MBTA commuter rail stations make it easy to commute to Boston, most households are well-off, there is an active downtown and Needham passes most of the safety and functionality criteria.
5. Dover
Dover is a town that is located in Suffolk County, New York, United States, and is 18 miles southwest of Boston and on the Charles River, and it is so secure. A total of only 10 violent crimes occurred in this area in the year 2021, which results in a negligible violent crime rate of only 28 per 100000. This nice neighborhood is a residential area with plenty of space and homes with spacious yards surrounded by thick forest, crime rate is almost non-existent here. The town has a rural feel and beautiful curves, roads, acreage, and good schools making it a secure and ideal place for raising children.
6. Hampden
Hampden is a quaint town with slightly more than 5000 people and thus, represents the New England towns. There were only 5 violent crimes that happened here last 2021 and this translates to 100 violent crime rate per 100000 population. They do have more of a quiet life, however, and community barbecues, pumpkin festivals, town fairs, and youth sports games are some of the best social events in the town of Hampden. Hampden is proved to be safe, secure, and isolated with a guarantee of a typically New England tranquil environment.
7. Lanesborough
Considered the safest town in the whole Berkshires, Lanesborough is located northwest of Massachusetts. This town recorded 6 violent crimes in 2021, with a rate of 165 per 100,000. Lanesborough lies close to the outdoors, next to the Mt. Greylock State Reservation with hiking paths. Low unemployment rates, high family income, and low poverty rates—all of which lower crime rates in the nation—also help to explain this.
8. Boxborough
With just 5,498 people, this may be one of Boston’s tiniest suburbs, but its crime numbers are something to boast about. The crime rate of violence here was 90 per 100,000 people, and in 2021, only five violent crimes occurred. Located in between the towns of Acton and Littleton, Boxborough is a laid-back town with lots of preserved open spaces mountain trails, and respected educational systems. The presence on the highway and closeness to Boston, as well as the availability of high-tech jobs within the town’s vicinity, ensures that Boxborough is a town of both country and city.
9. Lunenburg
It is a north Worcester County town with under 12,500 inhabitants, which boasts a high rate of civil participation and the active life of residents. There were 17 violent crimes in Lunenburg in the year 2021 meaning that the violent crime rate was very low at 136 per 100,000 people. Lunenburg is situated off the beaten track from most cities hence is less crowded and is friendly for families. Another factor is that the population of this area is also boosted by the families of the schoolchildren who go to the top-ranked schools.
10. Petersham
Last but not least, Petersham emerged as the winner of this list due to its recognition as one of the safest towns in central Massachusetts. Petersham, surrounded by the hills of Worcester County, reported only 2 violent crimes in 2021 and thus, the violent crime rate is as good as negligible, at 165 per 100,000 population. It has great regional schools, open space, and a plethora of historical landmarks that provide endless historical revert to the prosperity of this rural community. For those who wish to escape from high levels of crime that are characteristic of city life, Petersham presents a picture of safety, serenity, and the New England geography.
