forgotten_aria

Downtown Lynn (Central Square, by Lynn Common, etc) is a cesspool, plain and simple. The parts closer to city lines are a lot nicer. Ward I is the "desirable" part of Lynn, up on the northern bit going up towards the hospital/Lynnfield. There is a small chunk of nice area down by the water (the "Diamond District"), but it's surrounded by a lot of badness. Houses in west Lynn by the Saugus line aren't too bad, but it can vary depending on the street. Look for neighborhoods chock-full of single families in decent condition - multifamilies generally mean lower income and higher crime.

I don't know where to find specifics on crime, but I get a decent idea from working for the friendly local ambulance company. Where specifically are you looking? I've been looking in Lynn myself 'cause I can't afford Salem...