New Hampshire is one of the most secure states in the US with minor incidents of crime being reported frequently. However, even in this state, certain towns are considered very safe for living with almost negligible cases of violent or property crimes recorded annually. If you’re looking to settle down in a safe New Hampshire community, here are some of the top small towns and suburbs that offer peace of mind:
1. Middleton
With a population of less than 2000 residents, Middleton has been acclaimed as the safest city not only in New Hampshire but in the northeastern United States. This is a rural farming area that has very low levels of crime, both violent and property crime are significantly lower than the state and the national average rates. There were only 3 violent crimes reported in total in Middleton between 2016 and 2018 as per FBI statistics. Affordable and spacious, with neighbors watching over each other’s homes, Middleton ensures a safe rural lifestyle only an hour and a half away from major cities such as Boston.
2. Windham
Windham is a suburban town of around 14,000 residents famous for being one of the best places to raise a family, safety and security is one of the factors. It has been experiencing a population boom in the recent past as many people realize its quality schools, parks as well as other family facilities. Fortunately, according to the latest FBI statistics, Windham had a violent crime rate of 91% lower than the national average and half the property crime rate. No matter where residing its more recent subdivisions or older-settled communities, people have security against threats.
3. Hampstead
Another reason people choose to live in Hampstead, New Hampshire, is the proximity of the greater Boston metro facilities and services. Still, the most important asset of this town with a population of just under 9,000 people is the sense of security that prevails in Hampstead. Hampstead’s violent and property crime rates are approximately 20% of the statewide average. Such functions as summer concerts or holiday tree lightings ensure neighbors learn each other and keep an eye on each other for any oddities. Hampstead also has a very active neighborhood watch program and emergency response unit which safeguard homes and families in the area.
4. Chester
Chester – a picturesque small town located in the area with the hilly landscape at the border of Rockingham County – is recognized not only as one of the safest towns in New Hampshire but also as one of the safest towns in the United States in terms of per capita rate. Currently, Chester’s violent crime rate stands at 97% below the national average while its property crime rate is 94% below the national average. This suburb with only 4,700 residents at the last census provides a rural quality of life with very minimal dangers to individual safety and theft. People love living in Chester based on elements such as; family family-oriented town, good schools, civic activities, and the absence of crime.
5. New Boston
Completing our list of the five safest towns is New Boston, a town located northwest of Manchester that features traditional New England architecture and modern facilities and utilities. The number of residents in New Boston has been gradually increasing to about 6,500 residents and the growth rate remains moderate. A strong police force is in place here and the violent and property crime rates are much lower than the state and national averages every year. New Boston also uses community policing where it sensitizes the members of the public on measures to observe in preventing incidents within the New Boston neighborhood as well as informing them on what to do in case of an incident. The outcome is the possibility to relax not stressing too much about dangers to oneself or one’s house.
In conclusion
New Hampshire has no shortage of safe small towns and suburbs in terms of the gift of safe living. From the rural areas to the outer fringes of major cities, citizens hold value for safety and asset protection through policing services, neighborhood involvement, and emergency response training. So just bear in mind that no town on the face of the earth is safe from criminal activities. So measures as simple as locking doors or reporting any suspicious activity can greatly help in ensuring your hometown remains among the safest places to live, work, or engage in other activities.
