One Of America's Safest College Towns Is Home To Some Of Massachusetts' Best Fishing Spots

Massachusetts is a compact New England jewel, packing a punch of adventure, education, and history despite its small size. Famous for its historic cities like Salem — where witch trials echo and linger — and iconic Boston, with its riotous Fenway Park and restaurants serving up warm and creamy clam chowder, it's a state of stunning contrasts and excitement. Cape Cod has perfect resorts and golden beaches, Walden Pond offers solitude, and the Berkshires invite outdoor adventure. Each destination is held together with a legacy of education and rich history. MIT and Harvard crown the state as an educational titan, drawing some of the best minds from around the world. Just southwest of Boston, Norton emerges as a quiet star, offering quaint charm and natural bounty. Visitors arrive for Wheaton College, a liberal arts beacon, and some of the state's premier fishing. This blend of campus culture and rural serenity helps make Norton one of the safest cities in Massachusetts.

Reaching Norton is no guessing game. Boston Logan International Airport, New England's global portal, sits an hour's drive away. Travelers can also take public transit from Boston for a scenic two-hour ride out of the city and through rolling landscapes. Timing matters: mid-June to September offers warm days for fishing and outdoor exploration, while winter weather freezes lakes and ponds for great ice fishing. Norton's climate — featuring long golden summers and cool crisp winters — makes it a year-round escape. Whether you're chasing bass or a peaceful retreat, this town delivers a slice of Massachusetts magic. While certainly not one of the most visited tourist attractions in the state, this underrated Massachusetts college town is one of the safest cities around. Visitors will lean into its serenity in no time. 

Norton stands proudly as one of America's safest college towns. In a 2024 report, WalletHub ranked it among the nation's top 10 safest cities after weighing 22 factors across three main categories: home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial stability. The National Council for Home Safety and Security (NCHSS), tapping FBI Uniform Crime Report data, also lists Norton as one of Massachusetts' safest cities, putting it in fifth place with 2018 numbers citing just 14 violent crimes and 23 property crimes in this town of nearly 20,000 residents. This is below state and national averages. 

The NCHSS also highlights Norton's balance of minimal risks and maximum livability. Low crime rates, top-notch schools, a rural vibe, and job prospects make Norton a magnet for those who crave job security without the sacrifices of living in a big city. These studies aren't just numbers; they are reflective of the city's tight-knit fabric, peaceful streets, affordable homes, and access to nature. 

At Norton's core lies Wheaton College. Founded in 1834, Wheaton is an academic haven, excelling in the humanities, sciences, and a commitment to creating leaders committed to growth and innovation. Students roam campus cradled by woodsy landscapes and waterfront views. Here, they are free to focus on their education, unbothered over safety concerns. Norton's security and Wheaton's prestige create a rare gem for learning and thriving.

Norton's fly fishing scene hooks anglers at two stellar spots: Norton Reservoir and Winnecunnet Pond. The 580-acre Norton Reservoir boasts 33,340 feet of shoreline and a 12,570-acre watershed brimming with tiger muskie, yellow perch, pike, largemouth bass, and more. Its shallow depths and sandy bottoms welcome waders, while a boat ramp invites crafts for year-round fishing, and ice fishing shines in winter. Beyond the catch of the day, visitors can revel in the region's natural bounty and look for red maples, white pines, and wildlife like snapping turtles and blue herons. Sailing, jet skiing, and other water sports are also popular here. Join Norton Kayak Company for a guided paddle through this outdoorsy playground during the summer season.

Winnecunnet Pond, a 153-acre gem averaging 5.5 feet deep, reigns as a southeastern Massachusetts favorite. With largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch, it is a reliable place to cast a line and offers a great boat ramp. Non-anglers can bask lakeside, spot local wildlife, enjoy the summer sun, or adore wildflowers like the local marsh blue violet. 

Both spots contribute to Norton's allure as a safe, serene, and wildly beautiful destination. For more Massachusetts fishing, try Martha's Vineyard, where a five-week striped bass and bluefish derby lures coastal casters, or Wachusett Reservoir, a freshwater treasure trove with trout and salmon. Norton, though, will continue to hook you as one of the most picturesque towns to visit on the East Coast.