Boston Safety

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Crime and other hazards in Boston are low for a major American city.

Some neighborhoods (Roxbury, Mattapan, and some parts of Dorchester and Jamaica Plain) are more dangerous than average, and extra care should be taken. Avoid walking in these areas at night if possible. Also avoid public parks after dark (unless there's a special event), especially the Fens (known as an extremely popular "cruising" spot for homosexual men who often engage in sexual acts in the park itself).

Dangers related to alcohol consumption are not uncommon, such as fights and drunk driving. Be especially careful when there is a Red Sox vs NY Yankees baseball game in progress. Don't wear Yankees gear in the Kenmore Square/Fenway districts.

Care should be taken as well if you decide to go clubbing on Landsdowne St., the Theatre District, Chinatown, or Faneuil Hall. As mentioned above, the more dangerous parts of Boston are generally not visited or even seen by tourists, but there are a few mildly dangerous locales that you should be aware of if you plan on enjoying Boston's nightlife. In Kenmore Square, be especially careful on Landsdowne St. as muggers and pickpockets are becoming more common, waiting in the darker areas near Ipswitch St. at the end of the strip. Don't wear any kind of flashy jewelry that would attract attention and keep designer labels out of sight as much as possible, as assailants usually determine who to target based on the way they are dressed. In Chinatown, be very careful if you wander off of Kneeland St. There are a plethora of little alleyways and inlets where muggers operate. Faneuil Hall is generally safe, but not without its share of fights and petty robberies. Keep an eye on your stuff and don't get involved with strangers, especially if they've been drinking. The safest place to have a night on the town in Boston is definitely Boylston St. in the Back Bay, around the Prudential Center area. There are plenty of bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants that cater to the college, professional, and upscale crowd, greatly reducing the likelihood of crime. Also this area is within short walking distance from most of the major hotels in the city. All this being said Boston is a reasonably safe city known more for its schools and history than crime; petty or otherwise.

As mentioned above, Boston area drivers are not known for their courtesy or consideration for others around them. Pedestrians should use crosswalks and exercise considerable caution when crossing streets. Assume the drivers are *trying* to hit you.

Boston's subway system, the MBTA, is generally safe compared to other major cities. Green Line trains and the northern half of the Red Line are mostly used by college students and young professionals moving to and from the immediate suburbs. Caution is still advisable late at night, moreso when leaving the station than on the trains.

For emergency dial 911 from any telephone for police, medical, and fire services.