9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In The Northern United States
Living in the northern United States has long been revered for the stunning and seemingly endless nature; the beauty of the American landscapes was so influential that it even helped inspire the American Romanticism art movement. Despite the beauty, however, there are endless factors to consider when looking for the next town to call home. Living in a safe area with low crime rates eases many of the concerns that may arise during research. Because of this, below are 9 of the safest communities to settle in the northern United States.
Silverton, Oregon
About an hour south of Portland is the small town of Silverton, Oregon. This cozy and welcoming environment has generally remained equal to or below the national crime rates for aggravated assault and homicide, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. This low crime rate has won the town of Silverton a high safety ranking amongst the cities of Oregon. Other than the safety and the convenience of living near both Seattle and Portland, it is truly what is inside the town itself that makes living here so spectacular. Spending time in this town reveals the local commitment to preserving the art, community, and culture that make Silverton sparkle.
Although it is by no means alone, the Silverton Mural Society is one of the most noticeable aspects of the art community. With about thirty murals telling the intricate and heartfelt stories capturing the history of Silverton, residents can build a deep appreciation of their town. The Silverton Mural Society offers guided walking tours and free walking maps to those who would prefer to enjoy the murals at their own pace. Similarly, the Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright allows patrons to see the potential in mid-century organic architecture. Since the Gordon House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house built in Oregon, visiting these walkable masterpieces is a rare and special experience of architectural genius combined with Oregon’s natural beauty. To relish in the botanical diversity of the northern United States, be sure to stop by the pet-friendly Oregon Garden. This expansive 130-acre property celebrates the ethereal beauty that nature provides.
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
The gorgeous town of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, is just two hours southeast of Vancouver. Residents of Sedro-Woolley can enjoy the central location without the metropolitan hassle. Sedro-Woolley is near the Canadian border and two hours north of Seattle; this town offers the perfect middle ground for those seeking a safe yet central lifestyle. While staying close to the U.S. national averages for homicides and aggravated assaults, Washington as a state was able to maintain consistency when national averages spiked, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer’s 2020-2025 data. This stable area has a relatively small population, around 12,600 residents as of the 2023 5-year ACS census, which allows for Sedro-Woolley to avoid the unpredictable crime fluctuations often seen in major cities.
While in Sedro-Woolley, locals dine at a variety of restaurants featuring a plethora of international cuisine options to choose from. Lorenzo’s Mexican Restaurant allows for residents’ palettes to visit the opposite border without leaving the table. The captivating flavors of authentic street tacos, quesadillas, and seasoned carne asada can transport even the most novice of travelers to the sunny southwest deserts. If seeking an experience traditional to the area, consider visiting the Eagle Haven Winery. This winery started in the late 1960s and proudly boasts an inviting atmosphere curated around a community where patrons can easily sip on fruity wines with friends and family. For an even deeper dive into local culture, residents can learn about the town’s history at the Sedro-Woolley Museum. The Sedro-Woolley Museum proudly states that they are “honoring the past, the people, and their stories in every inch of the museum,” which creates a space where people can find reflections of themselves throughout the town’s history.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
For anyone who desires a safe, friendly, and waterfront lifestyle, the coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, checks all the marks. In the northeastern coast of the United States, locals can regularly indulge in the beautiful views and chef-curated dishes at Sea Glass. With cuisine specifically created by Chef Jasic to tell a flavorful story, guests can get lost in the lapping waves and mouth-watering meals. To enjoy the shore firsthand, residents can visit the Two Lights State Park. With stunning views, picnic tables, and a pair of lighthouses, this state park is an example of the abundant natural beauty the northern United States has to offer. To be hands-on with the farming culture in Maine, residents can purchase produce at the William H. Jordan Farm’s Farmers Market from over a dozen local farmers.
Located comfortably in the Gulf of Maine, Cape Elizabeth is a very desirable town when searching for a safe, but lively, community to be a part of. When it comes to the national crime rates over the past five years, Maine reports far lower numbers than the national averages for aggravated assaults and homicides by the FBI’s crime data. Maine has proven itself to be a reliable and safe state to live in. Being located in southern Maine allows residents the option for day or weekend trips to some of New England’s most iconic cities, such as Portsmouth, and many other darling towns tucked away from the mainstream.
Clarendon Hills, Illinois
Avoiding toll routes, Clarendon Hills, Illinois, is an hour drive west of the famous Chicago. According to FBI and Illinois State Police data, the state’s violent-crime and homicide rates have remained above national averages in recent years. Even so, Clarendon Hills consistently reports very low violent-crime figures, with few or no aggravated assaults or homicides recorded, reflecting the town’s continued focus on safety and community. Beyond the easy travel to nearby iconic cities, Clarendon Hills hosts a vivacious and inclusive culture that allows for community building in unconventional ways.
To learn a deeper understanding of Clarendon Hills, residents can explore the five different tours offered at Clarendon Hills Historical Society & Heritage Hall. Due to the historical preservation of the historical society, people today can appreciate how Clarendon Hills was built from the ground up by studying the village’s original water distribution system. Another aspect that illuminates Clarendon Hills’ sociable atmosphere is the yearly Dancin’ in the Street! concert. Debuted in the year 2000, this concert has fostered a space for families, friends, and neighbors alike to step away from the weight of the world to reconnect with their community. Featuring small businesses, local and traveling artists, and other local gems, the Dancin’ in the Street! concert is an exciting way to become familiar with this friendly town. Other ways to mingle with locals include visiting the Tierra Distilling Co. & Cafe. This experimental shop combines cafe ambiance with the limitless creativity of cocktail mixology, which is sure to strike up an interesting conversation while there.
Worthington, Minnesota
Minnesota is often characterized by friendly faces, helping hands, and sometimes harsh winters. For those who enjoy the abundance of kindness and the intensity of the seasons, the sweet town of Worthington, Minnesota, may be the place for you. Only three hours south of Minneapolis, Worthington offers a calm and safe small-town experience with all the big-city concerts and events a day trip away. As a whole, Minnesota’s crime rates were generally far less than the national average of the FBI Crime Data Explorer. With a comfortable population of around 13,800 people according to the 2023 ACS census, Worthington is a wonderful place to settle into.
Other than the impressively low crime rates, Worthington is an exciting place to explore all year round. Despite the midwestern winters, Worthington rallies together every year to put on Winterfest. Each January, there are competitions for ice fishing, freeze dips, chili cook-offs, and many other incredible winter festivities. The excitement doesn’t stop with Winterfest; this charming town also has community-focused cafes such as Phileo’s Coffee & Eatery. Patrons can enjoy classic coffees, exciting lemonades, and sourdough specials in a compassionate environment. Coupled with the astounding Spomer Classics Museum of Automobile Memorabilia for vintage and collectable car lovers. In total, Worthington, Minnesota, is an inviting, safe, and high-energy town just waiting to be called home.
Rye, New York
About an hour away from New York City is the small town of Rye, New York. Compared to its heavily populated counterpart cities, Rye has a comfortable population of around 16,400 people according to the 2023 ACS 5-year census. Throughout the FBI crime data from the 2020-2025 period, New York saw significantly fewer homicides than the national average. The state also tends to remain near or below the national average for aggravated assaults. With the comparatively low crime rates and the distance from busy cities, Rye provides a safe and small-town ambiance that is delightful to settle in.
At the Rye Nature Center, the local community and visitors come together and explore the fascinating processes of the natural world. Including leaf hunting expositions and pumpkin smashing events, this nature center allows guests to experience nature with a deeper level of understanding. Similarly, residents can combine nature and history by wandering through the Rye Town Park. This park was designed in 1909 and has been providing a scenic escape for over a century. In addition to the deep history of Rye, this city hosts many creative businesses as well. At the lively Aurora, an Italian cuisine restaurant, patrons can enjoy classic Italian dishes with a modern spin on them.
Ridgewood, New Jersey
Maintaining an average below the FBI’s national crime data for aggravated assault and homicide is the dreamy town of Ridgewood, New Jersey. With its inland location, Ridgewood still offers easy mobility to other fascinating cities, such as Manhattan. New Jersey tends to stay far below the FBI Crime Data’s reported national averages. With such low rates of aggravated assault and homicide, residents can feel comfortable both living and traveling around. Local shops such as Deeply Rooted, a heartwarming plant boutique, allow residents to experience the homey ambiance Ridgewood has to offer.
To see the fullest potential of Ridgdewood’s architecture and landscaping, locals can visit the James Rose Center. This intricately designed property was originally home to the talented James Rose and his family. Built in 1953, this location celebrates the timeless elegance of architectural landscaping that combines interior and exterior design flawlessly. Another great place for refined palettes in Ridgewood is the Latour restaurant. Featuring genuine French cuisine like the Crispy Filet of Bronzini and French Cheese Ravioli, this local hotspot is perfect for trying something new on special occasions.
Lexington, Massachusetts
As one of the most populated cities on this list, Lexington is home to over 34,000 people according to the 2023 5-year ACS census data. Located about 30 minutes outside of the beloved city of Boston, Lexington offers all the metropolitan amenities while maintaining a feeling of secluded safety. The homicide rates across Massachusetts are generally half of the national data, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. Similarly, aggravated assault tends to follow the national average trends, making the state one of the safer areas in the United States. With the unique and deep-seated history of Massachusetts, Lexington has plenty of fascinating historical sites and modern novelties.
One of the places that captures Lexington’s integral role in the history of America is the Munroe Tavern. This tavern was commandeered in 1775 by British troops. This unique historical tavern allows visitors to understand both perspectives from the British and the homeowners. This self-paced museum is perfect for seeing the intricacy of the creation of the United States firsthand. Alternatively, the New Legacy Cultural Center allows residents the ability to enjoy the cultural diversity in the area and offers the opportunity to learn new languages regardless of demographic. Lastly, residents can catch an impressive display of musical talent at the Lexington Symphony at Cary Hall.
Northfield, Vermont
Located near central Vermont is the adorable small town of Northfield. Considering the FBI Crime Explorer Data, Vermont’s homicide rates tend to stay below the national averages over the 2020-2025 period. The Northfield’s aggravated assault data aligns with the fluctuations seen across the state and country. The limited population of 4,000 people in the ACS 2023 5-year census reinforces the feeling of safety in this little town.
A well-recognized structure that has been garnering attention for decades is the Northfield Covered Bridges. These bridges create an interesting effect, allowing the portal of the second bridge to be seen when looking through the first. Northfield also serves as a college town for Norwich University. Housing a university brings residents of the town benefits such as access to the only Vermont Smithsonian Affiliate, the Sullivan Museum and History Center. With various artifacts and rotating exhibits of a national-level quality, this museum elevates the experience of living in Northfield. Another place that makes Northfield notable is O'Maddi's Deli and Restaurant. At this central deli, residents can bask in the small town ambiance while enjoying a diverse menu of savory dishes or locally made pastries.
Final Thoughts
From the North Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, there are dozens of lovely towns to consider. The northern United States is rich in biodiversity, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. As seen here, the benefits of these locations are highlighted by their safe and friendly communities. Understanding that life is too short to spend unnecessary time worrying about local crime opens the opportunity to explore towns across the country that provide a comfortable environment to settle in.
