Milton has been named one of the seven safest communities in America – an honor attributed to crime statistics as well as indicators of stable, quality, controlled governance.

Information about this recognition can be seen here: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-safest-small-communities-to-settle-in-the-united-states.html.

World Atlas – which describes itself as a “one of the largest publishing resources on geography and other topics,” serving upwards of 165 million readers annually – based its assessment on what it calls its “low-drama index.” This incorporates FBI crime data as compared to state and federal baselines. Another contributing factor was “steady governance, limited pass-through traffic, and a habit of saying no to chaotic growth.” 

The write-up on Milton points to zoning laws that favor “low-density development ... which has kept the area’s rural character intact despite its proximity to Atlanta.” It also points to consistently low violent crime rates, as well as how Milton’s “spatial layout, limited commercial density, and local control over services contribute to long-term residential safety.” There are also specific mentions of Bell Memorial Park, Birmingham Park, and establishments in downtown Crabapple. 

The other six places on the same list are Ridgefield, Connecticut; Simsbury, Connecticut; Danville, California; Moraga, California; Southlake, Texas; and Bainbridge Island, Washington. The locales are not ranked, meaning Milton conceivably could be considered the 7th or the 1st among the “safest small communities to settle in the United States.”