In a recent episode, Jason Trimmins dives into crime and safety dynamics in New England cities, exploring a mix of urban history, gang culture, and modern challenges. Despite New England’s reputation as the safest region in the U.S.—with five of its six states consistently ranking among the top 10 safest—some of its cities grapple with deep-rooted and evolving street organizations.
Exploring New England’s Cities: Crime, Culture, and Complex Histories
New England is often celebrated as the safest region in the United States, with five of its six states consistently ranking among the top 10 safest in the nation. However, beneath this veneer of security lies a complex network of historical and modern street organizations that continue to shape urban realities. In a recent episode of the Guest Speaker Series, host Jason Trimmins delves deep into the crime profiles of various cities across New England, highlighting the region’s dichotomy of safety and crime.
Burlington, Vermont
Tenth on the list is Vermont’s largest city, Burlington, home to 44,520 residents. The city has faced a surge in crime following police funding cuts in 2020, a move that left law enforcement stretched thin. Burlington has also become a hub for out-of-state drug trafficking, leading to a spike in weapons-related incidents, which jumped from just one in 2017 to 30 in 2022.
Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city, forms a metro area with Auburn, collectively housing around 60,000 residents. Known for its sizable Somali immigrant community, Lewiston grapples with rising street crime, particularly in its “K Block” neighborhood. The city is also contending with growing issues around homelessness and drug use.
Manchester, New Hampshire
Often referred to as “Manch Vegas,” Manchester has its share of challenges due to its proximity to Massachusetts’ drug trafficking routes. The city recorded eight homicides in 2023 and enforces stricter drug penalties than its neighbors, a contrast that impacts local crime dynamics. Various gangs remain active, adding to Manchester’s safety concerns.
Brockton, Massachusetts
Brockton’s rich history includes a mix of diversity, boxing legends like Marvin Hagler and Rocky Marciano, and a long-standing street culture dating back to the 1980s. The city has notable Haitian and Cape Verdean communities, and various criminal organizations still play a role in its urban fabric.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Ranked sixth, Bridgeport is Connecticut’s largest city, located just 40 miles from New York City. It has been a focal point for significant gang activity, with two dominant factions dividing territory. In 2023, the city reported 15 homicides, and a sweeping federal investigation recently led to 47 gang-related convictions, underscoring Bridgeport’s ongoing challenges.
Providence, Rhode Island
As the third-largest city in New England, Providence is home to approximately 200,000 people and boasts a storied criminal past. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the New England crime family led by Raymond Patriarcha held sway, particularly in the Italian-American neighborhood of Federal Hill. Today, the city remains a patchwork of active Black, Latino, and Cape Verdean gangs, with areas like the Chad Brown projects serving as focal points for street activity. Unlike Boston, Providence has resisted large-scale gentrification, preserving much of its original character.
Top 4 “Most Gangster” Cities in New England
4. New Haven, Connecticut
Home to Yale University, New Haven balances academic prestige with a crime rate 65% above the national average. Historical ties to the Colombo crime family and the presence of street gangs like Exit 8 and Jungle Boys add to the city’s complex narrative.
3. Springfield, Massachusetts
With 31 homicides in 2023, Springfield contends with a strong presence of the Latin Kings and historical ties to the Genovese crime family. The city serves as a key transit route for narcotics flowing into Western New England.
2. Hartford, Connecticut
Despite a slight drop in homicides (30+ in 2023 compared to 39 in 2022), Hartford remains a high-crime area for its 120,000 residents. The city’s history as a heroin trafficking hub and its active gangs, including Los Solidos and the Latin Kings, reflect long standing challenges.
1. Boston, Massachusetts
New England’s largest city claims the top spot with its diverse criminal ecosystem, encompassing Italian, Irish, Black, Latino, and Cape Verdean groups. Neighborhoods like Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan are hotspots for gang violence, even as gentrification alters parts of the city’s landscape. While Hartford might rival Boston for the “most gangster” title, the Massachusetts roots of the episode’s host tip the scales in Boston’s favor.
This comprehensive look at New England’s cities by Jason Trimmins reveals a region grappling with both its storied past and modern realities. From historical mob ties to present-day street gangs, these urban areas showcase the complex, multifaceted nature of crime in America’s “safest” region.
