10 Safest Big Cities to Live on The East Coast

Looking for a safe city on the East Coast? We’ve got the scoop from MoneyGeek’s latest study on the safest U.S. cities. This isn’t just about counting crimes.

The study looked at crime stats from the FBI for cities with over 100,000 people and then worked out what those crimes actually cost the community. It’s a smart way to see not just how many crimes happen, but how much they really impact a city.

And guess what? The top three safest cities are all in Virginia.

1. Arlington, Virginia (Rank 27)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $405
• Violent Crime Rate: 238
• Property Crime Rate: 1,429
• Cost of Crime: $94,450

Arlington is the safest large city on the east coast city, ranked 27th on the list of 260 cities in the US. It’s right next to D.C., so you get the perks of the city without actually living in it. The crime cost per person is $405. It’s got some history, a lot of government buildings, and a good mix of places to eat and shop. It’s a convenient spot if you work in D.C. but want a quieter place to live.

2. Alexandria, Virginia (Rank 28)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $410
• Violent Crime Rate: 207
• Property Crime Rate: 1,671
• Cost of Crime: $65,835

Alexandria, just one rank below Arlington at 28, is kind of a historical town. It has a crime cost per capita of $410. The streets are pretty with old buildings and cobblestone paths. The crime rates are low, and it’s got a hometown feel with lots of small shops and restaurants. It’s a nice escape from the hustle of the city.

3. Virginia Beach, Virginia (Rank 46)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $550
• Violent Crime Rate: 112
• Property Crime Rate: 1,570
• Cost of Crime: $248,493

Virginia Beach is ranked 46th. It’s more than just a beach town; it’s a full city with a crime cost per capita of $550. The violent crime rate is really low at 112. It’s a great place if you love the ocean and want to live somewhere that feels like a vacation spot but still has all the amenities of a city. Plus, there’s always something to do on the boardwalk.

4. Raleigh, North Carolina (Rank 119)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $1,149
• Violent Crime Rate: 464
• Property Crime Rate: 2,137
• Cost of Crime: $553,788

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina has a lot of safe neighbourhoods, is ranked 119th for safety. It’s a city that feels more like a big town. The crime cost per person is a bit high at $1,149, but it’s still a place where people are friendly, and there’s a good mix of nature and city life. It’s got some cool museums and is really into its college sports.

Don’t miss: 13 Pros & Cons Of Living In Raleigh, NC in 2023

5. Charlotte, North Carolina (Rank 109)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $1,073
• Violent Crime Rate: 18
• Property Crime Rate: 0
• Cost of Crime: $943,868

Charlotte, positioned at rank 109, is a good place to live, major financial hub and the largest city in North Carolina. The crime cost per capita is $1,073, but the violent crime rate is surprisingly low at 18. It’s got a modern city center, but it still keeps a bit of that Southern charm. Good for anyone who likes a city that’s not too overwhelming. 

6. Boston, Massachusetts (Rank 115)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $1,119
• Violent Crime Rate: 551
• Property Crime Rate: 1,648
• Cost of Crime: $788,361

Boston is ranked 115th. It’s an old city with a lot of history. The crime cost per capita is $1,119. It’s packed with colleges, has a die-hard sports culture, and you can walk pretty much everywhere. Boston’s got this unique mix of historical sites and a young, energetic vibe thanks to all the students.

Check out: 8 Safest Neighborhoods In Boston

7. New York, New York (Rank 82)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $863
• Violent Crime Rate: 310
• Property Crime Rate: 241
• Cost of Crime: $7,308,102

New York City is more than just a big city; it’s a place where there’s always something happening. It’s ranked 82nd in safety, with a crime cost per capita of $863. While the violent crime rate is 310 and property crime rate is 241, the city still pulls in people with its endless activities and famous landmarks. It’s a city that never sleeps, and there’s always a new restaurant to try or a new show to see.

8. Stamford, Connecticut (Rank 70)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $783
• Violent Crime Rate: 200
• Property Crime Rate: 1,327
• Cost of Crime: $103,608

Stamford, at rank 70, is like a smaller, quieter neighbor to the big cities. With a lower crime cost per capita of $783, it’s a bit more laid back. The violent crime rate here is 200 and property crime rate is 1,327. It’s a place where you can enjoy a slower pace but still have access to good food, parks, and a short train ride to the hustle of New York.

9. Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rank 36)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $480
• Violent Crime Rate: 306
• Property Crime Rate: 1,942
• Cost of Crime: $58,381

Cambridge is really a college town at heart, coming in at 36th in safety. The crime cost per person is around $480. It’s got a higher violent crime rate of 306, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a place buzzing with students and cafes, bookshops, and a real sense of community. Plus, with Harvard and MIT, you’re never far from some really smart conversations.

10. Jersey City, New Jersey (Rank 87)

• Crime Cost per Capita: $891
• Violent Crime Rate: 104
• Property Crime Rate: 822
• Cost of Crime: $252,895

Jersey City, sitting at rank 87, is kind of like New York City’s less flashy cousin. It’s got a crime cost per capita of $891, which isn’t too bad considering how close it is to the big city. The violent crime rate is pretty low at 104, and the property crime rate is 822. It’s a great spot if you want to be near NYC but prefer a place that’s a bit more chilled out. You’ve got nice views of the Manhattan skyline, a bunch of cool little eateries, and plenty of parks where you can just relax.