25 of the safest Boston and Greater Boston communities for Christian families

Boston and Greater Boston have some of the nation’s safest communities that are perfect for Christian families. Image: Nathan Dumlao|Unsplash

The Boston and Greater Boston areas in Massachusetts have some of the nation’s safest neighborhoods that Christian families or couples eyeing their dream homes should consider.

According to a NeighborhoodScout list (entries #6 to #25) dated Jan. 12, 2023, seven of the top 20 safest communities in the United States are within Greater Boston. These neighborhoods are Franklin (ranked 2nd), Marshfield (ranked 4th), Arlington (ranked 5th), Lexington (ranked 8th), Milton (ranked 13th), Needham (ranked 14th), and Wakefield (ranked 18th).

The city of Boston itself also has some highly desirable communities because of their low crime rates and proximity to family-friendly attractions and educational institutions such as MIT.

Now, if you happen to be searching for the perfect place to transplant or start your family life, here are 25 of the safest Boston and Greater Boston communities Christian families should consider:

Allston-Brighton

Image: DoorFrame|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 68,000+
  • Crime Rate: 84% (compared with other cities in Massachusetts)
  • Livability ranking: 34%

These twin neighborhoods rank high on most lists of safest Boston communities. People mistake it as separate from the city, but it is pretty much a part of Boston. It’s 84% safer than other cities in the state, so it should be a perfect candidate for your permanent family home.

Roslindale

Image: Biruitorul|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 30,000+
  • Crime Rate: 82% (compared with other cities in Massachusetts)
  • Livability ranking: 71%

This residential community in Boston boasts of rolling dales and an interesting mix of yuppies and families that have lived there for generations. It’s ideal for Christian families seeking a safe and picturesque neighborhood.

Fenway-Kenmore

Image: Aidan Siegel|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 23,900+
  • Crime Rate: 76% (compared with other cities in Massachusetts)
  • Livability ranking: 55%

Fenway-Kenmore is not just the home of the Boston Red Sox, but it’s also the home of many families who want a peaceful community. It’s hard to beat a neighborhood that is 76% safer than other Massachusetts cities.

East Boston

Image: Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 43,000+
  • Crime Rate: 71% (compared with other cities in Massachusetts)
  • Livability ranking: 42%

East Boston is a welcoming community, which is evident in the presence of many Irish, Jewish, Latino, and Italian families. It’s close to Logan Airport and has family-friendly spots such as Piers Park and Belle Island Marsh.

West End

Image: Sbacle|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 4,400+
  • Crime Rate: 71% (compared with other cities in Massachusetts)
  • Livability ranking: 89%

West End belongs to Suffolk County, which is among Boston’s most coveted communities. It’s no wonder why people want to live there: its livability ranking is at a staggering 89%, and it has plenty of coffee shops, parks, and other establishments that any Christian family would enjoy visiting.

Franklin (2nd)

Image: John Phelan|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 33,036
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 2.9
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 344

With 100 being the safest, Franklin has an 88% crime index rating and just four crimes for every square mile. It only has a 2.91% crime rate for every 1,000 residents, thus making it the country’s second safest community.

Marshfield (4th)

Image: ToddC4176|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 25,869
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 3.3
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 300

Marshfield has a measly 3.3% crime rate per 1,000 residents and an 86% crime index as of January 2023. Its three crimes per square mile make it among the nation’s best places to raise a Christian family.

Arlington (5th)

Image: Arlington MA Community Forum Facebook page

  • Population: 45,617
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 3.4
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 292

There’s hardly anything to worry about when you live in Arlington, which has just a 3.4% total crime rate per 1,000 individuals. It is 85% safer than most U.S. cities, so it should be a top option for Christian families to live.

Lexington (8th)

Image: LexingtonHistory.org website

  • Population: 34,071
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 3.7
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 270

Lexington’s 3.7 crime rate and 1 in 270 chance of being a victim of a crime should land it in the top 10 list of any Christian family looking for a place to live and worship.

Milton (13th)

Image: James L. Woodward|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 28,388
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 4.2
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 233

When you have a home in a neighborhood with only a 4.2% crime rate and an 81% crime index, you should have plenty of good night's sleep with your loved ones. Such is the promise waiting for you at Milton.

Needham (14th)

Image: Needham, MA official website

  • Population: 32,048
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 4.2
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 233

At a 4.3% crime rate and 1 in 233 chance of being a crime victim, Needham is surely a great pick for your dream family residence.

Wakefield (18th)

Image: Town of Wakefield, MA - Government Facebook page

  • Population: 27,104
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 4.5
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 218

Wakefield’s 79% crime index and 4.5% crime rate land it within the top 10 of America’s safest communities.

Billerica (24th)

Image: John Phelan|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 41,453
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 5.1
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 195

A 5.11% crime rate and 75% crime index should be enough for most Christian families to be at peace with their choice of forever home.

Reading (26th)

Image: Terageorge|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 25,223
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 5.1
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 192

It’s hard to complain about living in a community with a 1 in 192 possibility of being victimized and a total crime rate of just 5.1%.

North Andover (27th)

Image: Fletcher6|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 30,711
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 5.2
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 190

North Andover has over 30,000 residents but only has a 5.2% total crime rate for every 1,000 residents. Couple that with a 1 in 190 chance of falling victim to a crime, and you have an ideal neighborhood to raise a Christian family.

Wellesley (28th)

Image: Joshdboz|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 30,191
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 5.2
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 189

Wellesley only has 16 crimes per square mile and just a 5.2% crime rate, thus making it a great pick if you want a safe place for your family.

Andover (32nd)

Image: John Phelan|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 36,517
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 5.4
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 182

This Greater Boston location boasts of only a 5.4% total crime rate and a 1 in 182 possibility of getting victimized. Andover should definitely be in your list of considerations.

Waltham (36th)

Image: Kenneth C. Zirkel|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 64,015
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 5.8
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 169

It’s hard to resist the idea of raising a family in a community with close to 65,000 individuals and only a 5.8% crime rate under its name. Waltham is 71 safer than most U.S. cities, so it should be a strong candidate for your family home.

Melrose (40th)

Image: Grk1011|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 29,312
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 6.0
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 164

Melrose’s 6.0% total crime rate and 70% crime index make it among the 20 safest communities in America.

Beverly (43rd)

Image: NorthofBoston.org website

  • Population: 42,446
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 6.2
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 161

Despite having over 42,000 residents, Beverly only has 17 crimes for each square mile, which make it 69% safer compared to other cities in the U.S.

Dracut (47th)

Image: John Phelan|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 32,159
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 6.4
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 155

If a 1 in 155 chance of being a crime victim in a community with just a 6.4% crime rate is tempting enough for you, then consider buying a property in Dracut.

Newton (49th)

Image: Kenneth C. Zirkel|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 87,453
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 6.5
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 152

Newton is blessed to have a 6.5% total crime rate and a 67% crime index. There is also a 1 in 152 chance of getting victimized there, so it should be a strong contender for your permanent family address.

Bellmont (55th)

Image: John Phelan|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 26,838
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 6.9
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 144

Bellmont is 65% safer than most American cities and has a decent 6.9% crime rate for every 1,000 individuals.

Chelmsford (75th)

Image: John Phelan|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 35,933
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 7.6
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 130

While Chelmsford is second to last on the list, it doesn’t mean you should discount it outright: it has a respectable 7.6% total crime rate and is 61% safer compared with other U.S. neighborhoods.

Gloucester (78th)

Image: Paul Keleher|Wikimedia Commons

  • Population: 29,952
  • Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 7.7
  • Chance of being a victim:  1 in 129

Just because it’s the last entry doesn’t mean it’s a shabby choice for a family home since Gloucester boasts a 7.7% crime rate and only eight crimes for every square mile.

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