Is Charlestown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Charlestown

Is it Safe to Live in Charlestown?

Charlestown, MA presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are generally lower than the national average but vary by neighborhood. The overall crime rate in Charlestown is 11% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Charlestown are 2% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 13% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, a deeper look reveals that the crime rate can be as high as 28.79 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to BostonCriminalLaw.org).

Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Charlestown depends heavily on the specific area you are in. While the western parts of the city are considered the safest, the northeast neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of crime victimization ranging from 1 in 18 to 1 in 52 depending on the neighborhood (according to BostonCriminalLaw.org). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $442 annually, which is slightly less than the national average (according to BostonCriminalLaw.org).

Pros and Cons of Living in Charlestown

Charlestown offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, but like any urban neighborhood, it has its advantages and disadvantages. The cost of living in Charlestown, MA is significantly higher than the national average, particularly when it comes to housing. The average rent for an apartment in Charlestown is $3,016 per month, which is 84% higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Median home prices are also steep, with homes selling for a median price of $1.2 million as of March 2026 (according to Redfin).

On the other hand, Charlestown boasts a rich history and a strong sense of community. Its proximity to downtown Boston and excellent public transportation options make it a desirable location for many. The median age of residents is 36, suggesting a mix of young professionals and established families (according to BARKA real estate). However, the high cost of living can be a significant barrier for some.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Charlestown is highly competitive and characterized by high prices. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Charlestown was $1.2 million, with prices increasing by 28.3% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). Homes tend to sell quickly, with an average of 28 days on the market (according to Redfin). Rental prices are also substantial, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $3,016 per month (according to Apartments.com).

The overall cost of living in Charlestown, MA is considerably higher than the national average, driven primarily by housing expenses. While specific cost of living data for Charlestown, Indiana shows it to be 7% lower than the national average (according to Payscale), Charlestown, MA’s expenses are considerably higher. For example, utility prices in Charlestown, Indiana are 1% lower than the national average (according to Payscale), but this does not reflect the MA location.

Job Market and Major Employers

Charlestown’s job market is influenced by its proximity to Boston and the diverse industries present in the region. While specific unemployment rate data for Charlestown, MA is not readily available, the broader Boston area generally has a robust job market. Major employers in the greater Charlestown, MA area include CVS Health, Allied Universal, and YMCA (according to Indeed.com). Other significant companies by revenue in the area include TREVIICOS Corporation (according to Lensa).

The average individual income in Charlestown is $89,475 (according to BARKA real estate). For those looking at Charlestown, Indiana, the average salary is around $45,000 per year (according to Zippia). In comparison, the average annual salary for employees at Town Of Charlestown, Rhode Island is approximately $73,617 (according to salary.com).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Charlestown, Massachusetts experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July around the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures in January dipping into the 20s Fahrenheit. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with an average of about 40-50 inches annually.

Charlestown, Indiana, however, has a climate that ranges from 27°F to 87°F annually, with 42 inches of precipitation and 23 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather). Charlestown, Rhode Island, experiences a climate where temperatures range from 24°F to 80°F, with about 3.7 inches of rain in April and 2.4 inches in January (according to WorldWeatherOnline and WeatherSpark). Charlestown, Maryland experiences warm, muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters, with temperatures ranging from 26°F to 85°F annually (according to WeatherSpark).

Education and School Ratings

Charlestown, MA, is part of the Suffolk County R-1 School District, which includes one elementary school, no middle schools, and no high schools (according to Movoto). However, many residents rely on the broader Boston Public Schools system or private educational institutions. Information on specific school ratings within Charlestown, MA, is not comprehensively detailed in the provided search results.

In contrast, Charles Town, West Virginia, has public schools with an average math proficiency score of 36% and a reading proficiency score of 45% (according to Niche). The top-ranked public schools in Charles Town, WV, include Wright Denny Intermediate School and South Jefferson Elementary School (according to Niche). Charlestown Elementary School in Malvern, PA, is highly rated, with 67% of students proficient in math and 75% in reading (according to Niche).

Demographics and Population

Charlestown, Boston, is a diverse neighborhood with a population of approximately 19,967 residents (according to BARKA real estate). The median age is 36 years (according to BARKA real estate). The racial makeup is predominantly White, at around 72.1%, followed by African American at 6.2%, and Asian at 8.4% (according to Point2Homes).

Charlestown, Indiana, has a population of 6,373 (according to myPerfectWeather). In Charlestown, Rhode Island, the median rent is $2,100, with 84.8% of the population being White and 6% Hispanic (according to Zumper and Niche). Demographics for Charlestown, MD, show 63.9% White and 15.2% African American students in its elementary school (according to Niche).