Chester Park area South End (Boston, Cambridge: safest area, college, live)

[Bosston]

Hey, I am considering a move to the Chester Park area of the South End. I'm wondering if this area is considered safe? It seems like it may be close to the areas that get sketchy real quick. Any opinions?

[Cliff Clavin]

People's definition of 'sketchy' varies as everyone has different comfort levels, but I think that area is fine. I had a couple friends who lived a block up (other side of Tremont) and I don't recall them ever having problems. And this was 15 plus years ago.

I'd say bring a friend and walk around the neighborhood some night. See how you feel.

[Gauss44]

I've lived in Boston for a long time and have had friends in that neighborhood. My sense is that it's borderline safe.

During the daytime or when there's a fair number of regular sober people around, I think the Chester Park area of Mass Ave is fine. At night, and especially later in the night, I would either walk with a friend, ride a bike, or take a cab, and stay on Mass Ave.

Get out a map: Many people consider the entire area that is both WEST of Mass Ave and SOUTH of the Orange Line train tracks to be dangerous.

North and South: Coming from Chester Park (and staying on Mass Ave), the farther north the safer. After (the cross street) Tremont, it's a tiny bit safer (especially if there are businesses open like New York Pizza). After Columbus, even a little better. After Huntington Avenue, a huge contrast and transformation into a pretty safe area where college students wander at all hours. (I still wouldn't go wandering into a dark alley alone, but if you stay in well lit areas, you'll be pretty safe north of Huntington any time.) Going south, the neighborhood becomes less safe until about where you get near Boston Medical Center on Mass Ave. (I don't have much experience south of Boston Medical Center.)

East and West: The area WEST of Chester Park has a bad reputation for being unsafe. (That unsafe reputation prevails all the way north until Huntington Avenue, and all the way south until at least until Harrison Avenue.) On the EAST side, in the daytime, I think the area NORTH of Tremont Street is fine. In the daytime, the further east you go the safer (in general) until you get to the harbor, and the further north you go the safer until you get to Cambridge. At night prior to 2:30am, I think that going west from Mass Ave on major streets like Tremont street or Columbus avenue is okay. Around 3am the city becomes silent and very different than in the early night time. That lasts until 4:45am or so. (During those hours, 3-4:45am, only go out if you are with a group, on a bike, in a cab, or know the area.) I really know Boston, except for the area directly east of Chester Park below Tremont street. Maybe someone else can comment on that.

[Bosston]

Excellent info Gauss44. Thank you.

[Gauss44]

Originally Posted by Bosston

Excellent info Gauss44. Thank you.

You're welcome. I forgot to add that you can also take the #1 bus up and down Mass Ave. MBTA > Schedules & Maps > Bus > 1 - Harvard/Holyoke Gate - Dudley Staton via Mass. Ave.

[LotysFleur]

Hello,

I am considering relocating to Boston next year. I am a single professional woman over 50. What would be the safest areas for someone like me?