The Ultimate Guide to the Nicest Federal Prisons in America

Published September 29, 2023

It’s no secret that many high flyers and VIPS get busted for breaking the law. The news often refers to them as white-collar criminals, a reference to their jobs. The term encompasses fraudsters, tax evaders, many launderers, etc. 

Since they have all the financial resources, being locked up doesn’t mean they will give up their privileges. White-collar inmates opt for prisons that are on top for safety, comfort, and amenities. Federal prisons with pools and a gym exist, so these criminals still live their best lives. 

Keep on reading for an interesting write-up about the nicest federal prisons in America. We curated the best places to serve time if you’re labeled as a white-collar inmate. Let’s waste no more time and begin. 

What Is a Federal Prison?

A federal prison is operated under the jurisdiction of a federal government. It is as opposed to a provincial body or state. These correctional facilities are used for convicts who violated federal law, were considered dangerous, or were sentenced to longer terms of imprisonment. 

The perception about this kind of prison is that they have modern facilities. They are also safe and meant for nonviolent prisoners. 

The crimes in federal prison are often mail fraud, aircraft hijacking, credit card fraud, computer crimes, and bank robbery. 

What Is a Federal Prison Like?

1. Nature of offense 

Detainees in a federal prison are held for less severe crimes. 

2. Uniform 

All the inmates in a federal prison are subject to identical uniforms. 

3. Number

In federal jails, there are fewer inmates. It is as poised as the population of inmates in a state prison. 

4. Transferability 

The lockups can be transferred to any other federal prisons across the country. 

5. Number of inmates 

In a federal prison, an inmate has to share a cell with a smaller number of convicts. A state prison has an inmate sharing the cell with a more significant number of convicts. 

6. Types of offenders 

The inmates are less violent. They are less harmful. 

7. Prison duties 

There are no duties to inmates of federal prisons. Yet, in a state prison, they assign specific duties. Most often, community work. 

Advantages of a Federal Prison

1. Security 

Federal prisons are equipped with high-level security measures. Often, they have perimeter fencing, electronic surveillance, and highly competent correctional officers. It ensures a secure environment with lessened risk for escapes. 

2. Uniformity 

Federal prisons have consistent policies and procedures across all facilities. In doing so, they implement fairness and equitable treatment for inmates. It is despite their location. They employ a standardized approach to corrections. 

3. Specialized programs 

Federal prisons often render various specialized programs and services for inmates. These may include education courses, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Also, mental health counseling and reentry programs. 

4. Resources and facilities 

Federal prisons have the privilege of better resources and improved facilities. It is as compared to state and local correctional facilities. It enables the provision of comprehensive medical care, recreational facilities, libraries, and the like. They support the well-being and rehabilitation of detainees greatly. 

5. Expertise and staff training 

Federal prisons often employ experienced staff members with extensive training. It ensures the implementation of effective strategies for maintaining harmony in the prison field. It also helps in managing inmate behavior. 

6. Inmate classification 

Federal prisons also apply a comprehensive inmate classification system. It assigns inmates to appropriate security levels and housing units. It is anchored on their criminal history, behavior, and special needs. It ensures the safety of both inmates and staff. 

7. Collaboration and research 

Federal prisons can collaborate with academic institutions, researchers, and other governmental organizations. It aids in the development of innovative strategies within the correctional system. For instance, recidivism reduction. 

Nicest Federal Prisons: Minimum Security

Minimum security prisons are labeled federal prison camps. They are established by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as the lowest security level. The detainees here are nonviolent, otherwise white-collar prisoners. 

The main distinction between minimum-security camps and others is that they do not render barriers. It is between the prisoners and the outside. There is no need for razor wire, walls, or fences. Often, they are built on former college campuses. Some, in military bases. 

1. FPC Anderson 

Federal Prison Camp Anderson is a minimum security facility in Alderson, West Virginia. It is known as Camp Cupcake. It is the first Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to hold female prisons exclusively. And it is the way since its opening in 1928. 

The majority of inmates here are those who are guilty of nonviolent and white-collar crimes. There are no armed perimeter guides. Moreover, it can be described as a boarding school with a more robust education system. 

It is a nice federal prison because of its low violence. Also, detainees love the freedom of inmate movement. It also serves many activities that contribute to its lockups’ well-being. 

2. FPC Montgomery 

FPC Montgomery is a minimum security federal prison located in Montgomery, Alabama. It only caters to male inmates. It is labeled one of the best federal prisons in the United States. It is also one of the oldest prison camps in operation. 

The inmates here live in dormitories. It has two-person cubicles. It offers regular treatment groups for anger, stress, and criminal thinking issues. The correctional facility also provides GED, literacy, vocational training for commercial driving, and more. 

3. FPC Bryan 

FPC Bryan is located in Bryan, Texas. It is a female-only inmate facility known for its partnership with Canine Companions for Independence. The prisoners can train canines to be service animals. 

All detainees in the facility live in four-person rooms. It has 200 detainees assigned to each dormitory. FPC Bryan excels in offering a range of health and psychology services. It has GED, ESL, and Adult Continuing Education offerings. 

4. FPC Yankton 

FPC Yankton is often on top of people’s minds as the best federal prison for men in the Midwest. The prison camp houses detainees with no history of violent behavior. It also does not entertain those with significant psychiatric problems and sexual offenses. By all accounts, FPC Yankton is a highly safe and comfortable prison. 

It was established in the shuttered campus of Yankton College. The lockups have access to many educational and vocational opportunities. The prisoners can also earn associate degrees in horticulture, business, and accounting. 

5. FPC Pensacola 

Another list of the nicest federal prisons is FPC Pensacola. It is a male-only prison that serves more than 300 inmates. It offers a variety of health, psychology, and educational services. 

The Recreation Department also encourages detainees to play sports. They can choose from basketball, softball, soccer, and flag football. 

6. FPC Duluth

For those in Duluth, Minnesota, FPC Duluth is one of the best federal prisons to serve time. 

Inmates of this federal prison live in two-, three-, and four-person cubicles in one of five inmates’ dormitories. It has a minimal violence risk. It houses many recreational options. 

It offers a range of health, psychology, and educational services. It includes the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program. Also, the Non-REsidential Drug Abuse Program.  

7. FCI Morgantown 

FIC Morgantown is a federal prison camp in Morgantown, West Virginia. The lockups reside in dormitories of two-person cubicles and rooms. 

It offers detainees with many educational and recreational programs. For example, the Education Department renders GED, ESL, and ACE lectures. What’s more impressive is it is also a Job Search Class. It supports inmate preparation for rejoining the workforce. 

Nicest Federal Prison: Low Security

Low-security prisons are dubbed as Federal Correctional Institutions. They generally house inmates in dormitory-style housing. Yet, there are those with rooms adjacent to the dormitories.

Fences are employed in all low-security Federal Correctional Institutions. Some have rows of fencing. Yet, they don’t always have the traditional spools of razor-wise. It is often seen in medium and high-security prisons. 

8. FCI Butner Low

Federal Correctional Institution Butner Low is the number one low-security federal prison. It is located in Butner, North Carolina. 

Prisoners at this facility are housed in two and three-person booths. It offers a lot of health services. It has a psychology department that gives counseling and group therapy. 

It has a history of low to no violence. Many inmates appreciate the college campus atmosphere it gives. 

9. FCI Coleman Low 

FCI Coleman Low is another federal prison known for its secure atmosphere. It is also a  very easy place to spend time. 

Detainees here live in dormitories divided into two and three-person pods. It has 12 housing units. It caters to 170 individuals only. The facility is a part of the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex. 

10. FCI Safford 

FCI Safford is a low-security federal lockup in Southeastern Arizona. It is exclusive to male inmates. It started as a national prison camp and now serves low-security federal prisoners. 

It has many educational programs. It has the Eastern Carolina College program promoting inmates to achieve an associate degree in business. It gives prisoners apprenticeships, vocational training, and occupational education programs. 

11. FCI Waseca 

FCI Waseca in Minnesota is a female-exclusive federal jail. It is for low-security lockups. It is established on a former University of Minnesota Campus.

It has a history of little to no violence. It is often praised as a safe and comfortable prison to do time. LGBT prisoners and sex offenders are also safe to remain in this prison. 

Prisoners also have a variety of educational programs to choose from. It has advanced occupational education and vocational training. Inmates can also enroll in a cosmetology training program. 

12. FCI Tallahassee 

Finally, we have a female-only low-security federal prison. It is top in Florida. Inmates here are housed in two-person cells and dormitories. Akso has a dedicated detention center with cells for particular lockups. 

It is praised for many healthcare options for inmates. It gives physical exams, periodic health exams, female health care, dental services, and more. It also promotes psychology groups. It teaches anger management, thinking for a change, and a healthy self-image. 

Nicest Federal Prisons: For Sex Offenders

Surviving prison as a sex offender is indeed challenging. It is mainly the case for those with offenses of child pornography possession. 

While most assume that inmates with sexual offending histories are locked in higher security or administrative facilities, this is untrue. They are almost always housed in a Sex Offender Management Program Facility. While these prisons serve inmates convicted of all crimes, they tend to gravitate toward those with sexual offenses. It is to reduce the stigma of these crimes. Also, they tend to be relatively nonviolent, secure prisons. 

13. FCI Elkton 

FCI Elton is located in Lisbon, Ohio. It is a safe, low-security federal jail for sex offenders. It is also one of the nicest federal prisons. 

It offers an excellent psychology department with a Non-residential sex offender treatment program. Inmates also have access to GED and Adult Continuing Education Programs. It also hosts sports such as basketball soccer, alongside softball. 

14. FCI Englewood 

FCI Englewood is a low-security federal penitentiary for those convicted of sexual crimes. It is in Littleton, Colorado. Approximately 40% of its inmate population has a past or current sexual offense. 

Detainees here have access to different educational, psychological, and recreational options. For instance, it has sex offender treatment, drug addiction classes, and many uplifting sports programs. 

FCI Englewood furthermore has a low level of violence. It is generally safe to serve time in this prison. 

15. FCI Seagoville 

FCI Seagoville is a low-security federal lockup in Seagoville, Texas. It is established as a Sex Offender Management Program facility. It is safe for inmates guilty of sex crimes. 

Inmates here live in two, three, five, and 12-person cells in various housing units. It has a broad range of health services. It gives dental care, emergency medical care, medications, chronic care, and physical examinations. 

How Much Does It Cost to Be in a Federal Prison?

The cost of a federal prison can differ depending on various factors. According to the Federal Bureau of Prison, the per capita cost in 2015 was $29,226. It includes all expenses related to operating federal prisons. It provides payment for staffing, medical care, and facility maintenance. Yet, in FY 2016 and FY 2017 data, the fee to cover the average cost for federal inmates was $34,704.12. 

It’s important to note that these numbers are constantly changing over time. It is affected by location, level of security, and specific operational costs.