How close to Boston do you want to be? IF you are willing to drive a little bit (or take the T), you can try Littleton or Westford.
I would recommend outskirts... Newton is very safe, it s only about 15 min drive from Boston and it has about two T lines (public transport, Green line) to get to Boston. Very residential.This is the council website http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/
true, newton is safer than say waltham, but it is very expensive and most of the people are stuck up, and the schools are WAY overratedhowever it is very close to Boston
The best place to live is the Noth End in Boston. Hands down it s the best and safest.
west roxbury is inside boston, and very affordable