America's Safest Cities 2010

It's easier to relax in these low-risk places.

By Francesca Levy, Forbes.com

Oct 12, 2010

Big City Surprises

Fans of small-town living might be shocked to find that the biggest city on our list is also one of the least dangerous:

New York, with 8.4 million residents, is the sixth-safest city on our list.

Sure, the

Big Apple ranks high in part because it's so pedestrian-friendly, and fewer drivers on the road reduce the risk of traffic fatalities: In 2008 NYC had only 3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents. But New York also boasts a violent crime rate well below what you'd expect for a big city: Only 552 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, better than two-thirds of the 71 cities on the list.

All considered, the country's safest cities are ones where residents are reasonably well-off, homeownership is high, infrastructure and employment are strong, and rates of drunk drivers are low, says McIndoe.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.