6 Safest Places To Live in the US That Are Just Too Expensive for Most
If you’re looking to escape large cities and move somewhere safe and peaceful, there are many smaller communities in the U.S. with low rates of crime. However, safe and peaceful areas can also be expensive and hard on one’s personal finances, if you’re not financially prepared.
We compared rent price and home value data from the U.S. Census with crime rates researched by NeighborhoodScout to find the most expensive safe small towns in the U.S. The median home prices in all of these towns are in the top 5% of U.S. median home values, which means they are out of reach for many.
Here are six of the safest, but also most expensive, places to live in the U.S.
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Ridgefield, Connecticut
Population: 25,011
Median Rent: $1,929
Median Home Value: $624,700
Cost of Living Compared to National Average: +42%
Total Crime Rate: 1.9 per 1,000 residents
Chance of Being a Victim of Crime: 1 in 510
Nearby Major City: Bridgeport
Ridgefield combines colonial charm with history and culture. Notable local landmarks include the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum and the Keeler Tavern Museum, which showcases hundreds of years of U.S. history. Ridgefield also hosts the Ridgefield Playhouse, offering live music and performances.
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Arlington, Massachusetts
Population: 45,617
Median Rent: $1,997
Median Home Value: $690,800
Cost of Living Compared to National Average: +53%
Total Crime Rate: 3.4 per 1,000 residents
Chance of Being a Victim of Crime: 1 in 292
Nearby Major City: Boston
Arlington is home to the Jason Russell House, where the British and Americans fought on the first day of the Revolutionary War. The town also features Robbins Library, built in 1892, and the Old Schwamb Mill, the oldest operating mill in the country.
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Lexington, Massachusetts
Population: 34,071
Median Rent: $1,997
Median Home Value: $690,800
Cost of Living Compared to National Average: +76%
Total Crime Rate: 3.7 per 1,000 residents
Chance of Being a Victim of Crime: 1 in 270
Nearby Major City: Boston
Lexington is steeped in American history, famous for its Revolutionary War sites. Visitors and residents enjoy Lexington Green, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired, and the historic Hancock-Clarke House.
Milton, Massachusetts
Population: 28,388
Median Rent: $1,957
Median Home Value: $651,000
Cost of Living Compared to National Average: +51%
Total Crime Rate: 4.2 per 1,000 residents
Chance of Being a Victim of Crime: 1 in 233
Nearby Major City: Boston
Milton is a small town with easy access to Boston’s job market and urban amenities. The Blue Hills Reservation is nearby, providing outdoor enthusiasts with over 125 miles of trails and spectacular skyline views of the metropolitan area. The Forbes House Museum has exhibitions of various items collected by the Forbes family, including art, export porcelain and furniture from China, Victorian Era items and accessories and Lincoln and Civil War artifacts. Milton was the birthplace of former president George H. W. Bush.
Colleyville, Texas
Population: 25,986
Median Rent: $1,389
Median Home Value: $311,900
Cost of Living Compared to National Average: +36%
Total Crime Rate: 4.8 per 1,000 residents
Chance of Being a Victim of Crime: 1 in 206
Nearby Major City: Dallas
Local amenities include the Colleyville Nature Center, which spans 46 acres and includes walking trails, ponds and a playground. The Town Center Colleyville Mall provides local shopping and dining options. The proximity to major urban centers like Dallas and Fort Worth gives residents access to broader metropolitan services while maintaining a suburban feel.
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Oswego, Illinois
Population: 35,316
Median Rent: $1,502
Median Home Value: $311,500
Cost of Living Compared to National Average: +32%
Total Crime Rate: 4.1 per 1,000 residents
Chance of Being a Victim of Crime: 1 in 238
Nearby Major City: Chicago
Oswego maintains a blend of suburban peace and community charm. The village features extensive parklands and aquatic facilities like the Civic Center Aquatic Park, offering summer leisure and sports opportunities. The Oswegoland Park District has a range of public programs and events to enrich the community.
Final Take
These seven small towns have some of the lowest crime rates in the U.S., and many of them are surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. However, they are also some of the most expensive places to buy and rent a home in the U.S. The cost of living in these towns is 30% to 75% more expensive than the national average.
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