Is it safe to walk around Back Bay and Becaon Hill at 4AM? (Boston: crime, safe neighborhoods)

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by porterhouse

It's generally fine. I lived in Back Bay for 15 years and never had any safety issues, though I didn't like my wife walking the dog before sunrise even in these neighborhoods. Even though these areas are relatively safe, you are still in a city; use common sense, stay alert, do not use headphones, and stick to well lit areas. I would however avoid areas like the Esplanade, Boston Common and Public garden in the wee hours.

This. It's generally fine, but you just need to use a bit of common sense.

When I was in college in the area for 4 years, I went to a lot of parties in that area and would walk or taxi home to the Fenway. 2AM, 3AM, 4AM...never had an issue really. Once in a while you get a homeless guy asking you for money or booze but that was it.


However, I will add that I am a 6'1" 225lb guy and probably wouldn't like it if my wife was doing what I did.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by timberline742

People always are where they are, by definition. If you didn't pick up on that. Functional and non-functional adults live 24 hours a day.

Now you're just being petty, it's a widely accepted expression.

Originally Posted by timberline742

I was on the road both Sat and Sun before 5am to go hiking and birding.

Getting up and on the road before the crack of dawn is not the same as wandering aimlessly around the Back Bay.

Originally Posted by timberline742

You should try living sometime. Put some function in your attempts at adulting.

Don't you worry...

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

However, I will add that I am a 6'1" 225lb guy and probably wouldn't like it if my wife was doing what I did.

Yeah that or somebody with headphones, visibly drunk, naïve looking, you get the picture. I have been in many areas without incident, only to hear about some unsuspecting tourist or college kid getting jumped the following weekend. And it's always the people who "feel the safest" that make the best targets.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Getting up and on the road before the crack of dawn is not the same as wandering aimlessly around the Back Bay. ..

Who said anything about wandering around aimlessly? I never read that anywhere. But if someone wants to walk their dog at 4am, or go running, just wear lights and have a great time.

Getting home at 4am or leaving home at 4am. Both are don't by functioning adults doing different things at different times. One is not better than the other, except to people that are judgmental.

[sawyer2]

Originally Posted by floridaguy04

I may be living in one of those neighborhoods soon and was wondering if its safe to walk around 3-5 AM.

I lived there for many years and still have a rental property there. Probably the safest part of the city to walk around in and I never had any issues, even late night - although the latest I was walking about was 2-330 rather than 3-5.

However, it is still a city and like all cities you need to be alert and not do stupid things, for example walking through the common or the public garden at 4 am would be a bad idea.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Getting home at 4am or leaving home at 4am. Both are don't by functioning adults doing different things at different times. One is not better than the other, except to people that are judgmental.

Do we want to brainstorm every possible exception or unique circumstance, or should we answer the OP's original question with the broad reality that the ratio of illicit to legitimate intentions are much higher at 4AM than during normal human hours?

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Do we want to brainstorm every possible exception or unique circumstance, or should we answer the OP's original question with the broad reality that the ratio of illicit to legitimate intentions are much higher at 4AM than during normal human hours?

If we wanted to answer their question with helpful information, we would know that ratios aren't at all helpful in this context.

[bgrasser]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Pretty much everything fun happens after midnight!

Back when I was in my 20s and 30s I could share your feelings...invincible!....until...?

At any rate, we need additional info to go forward, it appears the OP has a change of plans.

[redplum33]

Years ago I walked the streets of Back Bay many, many times very late at night without a problem.

A lot of junkies are in and around the Common during the night. It's their playground. Stay away from there during those hours.

I've heard of women joggers getting attacked at the Esplanade early in the morning.


Edited to add: Just because I never had a problem doesn't mean I'd recommend doing it.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by timberline742

I was on the road both Sat and Sun before 5am to go hiking and birding. You should try living sometime.

Yeah, that's living. Did your mom tuck you in bed by 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday night so you could get up early to go look at birds?