Want safety? Buy a house in these cities

Safe and sound

If you’re looking for a crime-free place to buy a house, then it’s time to move Northeast. According to a new list from NeighborhoodScout, the region is home to many of the nation’s safest cities. The South, on the other hand, lays claim to the country’s most dangerous ones.

Safest spots in the U.S.

Ridgefield, Connecticut, landed the top spot on NeighborhoodScout’s 100 Safest Cities list, moving up two spots from 2017. The city only has about 74 crimes per year, with only two incidents of violence.

“Ridgefield, CT is a low-crime, high-opportunity haven,” NeighborhoodScout reported. “The community’s proximity to New York, Stamford, Danbury and other business and financial hubs, via car or public transit, make Ridgefield appealing to professionals. Families also appreciate Ridgefield’s combination of top public schools, low crime rates, and owner-occupied single-family homes.”

Want the small-town life? The Northeast has the best small cities

Bergenfield, New Jersey, came in at No. 2, while Franklin, Massachusetts, took No. 3. Massachusetts towns also claimed the remaining top five spots, with Lexington and Shrewsbury coming in at 4 and 5, respectively.

According to Andrew Schiller, CEO of NeighborhoodScout, it seems higher home values may be to thank for the areas’ low crime rates.

“We continue to see bedroom communities, which are within large metro areas and near major urban centers like Boston, Chicago, and New York, make the top of our list,” Schiller said. “These safe communities within the urban/suburban fabric of America’s largest metropolitan areas often combine access to high-paying jobs in the urban center, decent schools, and a high quality of life. This access to opportunity increases home values, with the result often being lower crime.”

The most dangerous places to buy a house

NeighborhoodScout also recently released its 100 most dangerous cities, with Monroe, Louisiana, claiming the top spot.

The city sees about 6,200 crimes per year, 1,500 of which are violent. Monroe residents have a one in 33 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Homebuying tips: How to choose your neighborhood

Other cities atop the most dangerous list included Bessemer, Alabama; East St. Louis, Illinois; Camden, New Jersey; and Detroit. Residents in Bessemer have a one in 35 chance of falling victim to violent crime.

Get today’s mortgage rates

Want to settle down in one of these safe havens? Then shop around and see what mortgage rates you qualify for today. Rates are at historical lows, so act now.