Boston is a place of history and beauty. From Fenway Park and Harvard University to the Boston Tea Party and clam chowder, Boston has its roots in all facets of America. Whether you’re running in the Boston Marathon or walking the Freedom Trail, you can step back into history here.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT BOSTON |
|---|
| Boston is home to Harvard, the first college in North America, founded in 1936. |
| The country's first public beach, Revere Beach, and the oldest public park, Boston Common, are here. |
| The Boston accent often drops the "r" sound from words. |
With nearly 700,000 residents, Massachusetts’ capital city is certainly bustling, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Choose to live in the city or head out to the suburbs. For those seeking a quieter life near Beantown, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 suburbs to help inform your choice. You are one step closing to your dream home when settling in this New England area.
10. Southborough
Population: 10,429
Median Home Value: $796,700
Mean Travel Time to Work: 32 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 31
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 5
Southborough is an affluent community approximately 30 miles west of Boston. Enjoy the historic charm of this New England gem. There’s plenty of nature to admire here, ranging from Beals Preserve to the Sudbury Reservoir.
Of course, there’s no shortage of coffee shops, stores and all of the other suburban amenities you’d expect to find. With Boston within reach, you can make frequent trips to explore all the attractions. With an inviting downtown and access to the commuter railway, Southborough is hard to beat. Discover your new home in Southborough!
9. Needham
Population: 32,091
Median Home Value: $805,000
Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 239
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 25
Needham is approximately 19 miles southwest of Boston. If you find yourself in “need” of nature, Needham is your city. You can find multiple forests, conservation land, parks and rivers in the area.
A strong economy is bolstered by employers such as Trader Joe's, Coca-Cola, and Trip Advisor. The heart of the city is the main hub of urban delights, with streets lined with restaurants and stores. Take a look at the houses available in Needham!
8. Northborough
Population: 15,689
Median Home Value: $598,000
Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 14
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3
With just under 16,000 residents, Northborough is a small, affluent suburb located 37 miles west of Boston. From its parks to local farms, there’s no shortage of sights and activities here. Make memories with the family on scenic hikes. Whether you’re hiking in Edmund Hill Woods or playing a round of golf at Juniper Hill Golf Course, it's easy to be outdoors enjoying the scenic beauty.
Northborough deserves extra props for its safety ratings. With very few violent crimes occurring in the past year, Northborough is one of the safest places in the Boston area to call home. Live with peace of mind in Northborough.
7. Belmont
Population: 26,886
Median Home Value: $1,108,800
Mean Travel Time to Work: 31 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 224
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
Only about nine miles northwest of Boston, Belmont is one of the city’s closer-in suburbs. Known as the “Town of Homes,” Belmont is primarily a residential area and sits on one of Boston’s commuter rail lines.
There are plenty of amenities to go around, including the Beaver Brook Reservation, shops, movie theaters and the Belmont Country Club. You can also take a family stroll through Mass Audubon’s Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Enjoy the best of both worlds: the suburban calm with easy access to Boston. Belmont will surprise you with its amenities.
6. Brookline
Population: 62,962
Median Home Value: $1,233,100
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 495
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 41
With over 60,000 residents and only about five miles away from Boston, Brookline is one of the largest and closest suburbs on our list. Brookline is home to several museums and historic sites, including the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, Larz Anderson Auto Museum, and the Frederick Law Olmstead National Historic Site. Brookline boasts one of the oldest country clubs in the nation.
Additionally, Brookline has no shortage of parks, services, and entertainment. With so much to do and with Boston a short drive away, Brookline is a great place to live.
5. Wellesley
Population: 30,733
Median Home Value: $1,513,400
Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 135
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 8
One of the wealthiest cities in the nation, Wellesley is located about 17 miles southwest of Boston. Best known for Wellesley College, a private women’s liberal arts college, Wellesley has a variety of restaurants, coffee shops and bars, as one would expect from a college town.
Wellesley is also home to beautiful parks and a stellar primary education system. As the halfway point on the Boston Marathon, Wellesley has its share of natural beauty. Find some at Massachusetts Horticultural Society's Garden at Elm Bank or the Morses Pond Beach.
Wellesley offers an abundance of activity to keep you healthy. Spend your free time tubing, swimming, kayaking, skiing, and snowboarding. Take frequent walks on the 40+ miles of trails throughout the town.
Your new home in Wellesley awaits you!
4. Shrewsbury
Population: 38,889
Median Home Value: $555,500
Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 247
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11
Forty miles west of Boston, Shrewsbury may not be one of the closest suburbs to Boston, but it remains one of the best. It’s is home to the Edgemere neighborhood, which borders Lake Quinsigamond. You will often see rowers on this body of water where National Olympic Rowing Trials have taken place.
Additionally, residents and visitors alike will enjoy the parks, winter ski area, and vineyard. This beautiful New England town has excellent safety ratings and outstanding schools. Be sure to browse the available homes in Shrewsbury!
3. Newton
Population: 88,904
Median Home Value: $1,202,500
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 484
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 51
The largest suburb on our list, Newton is about 11 miles west of Boston and can be accessed by Boston commuter rail. With several conservation areas, parks, ponds and lakes, Newton is a beautiful place to call home.
History buffs will enjoy stepping back in time at the Jackson Homestead and Museum, which is housed in a home built at the start of the 19th century. Newton is built around seven hills. It has its share of great shopping at plazas and farmers markets. Foodies will appreciate the tempting flavors at local restaurants. Check out the homes in Newton!
2. Weston
Population: 12,134
Median Home Value: $1,586,100
Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 50
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
Weston is a small city located 18 miles west of Boston. Despite its size, Weston is home to three museums, multiple golf and country clubs, great parks and dedicated hiking trails. Stay active doing what you love including golfing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
Rest easy in Weston with its low crime rate and top-notch schools. This affluent town has a higher cost of living, but is worth it for the great location and peace of mind!
1. Bedford
Population: 14,394
Median Home Value: $878,200
Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
School Ranking: A+
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 68
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 8
At the top of our best suburbs list is Bedford! Located approximately 21 miles northwest of Boston, Bedford is full of forests, conservation areas, parks and lakes; there’s even a municipal airport. The town’s location along the Concord River means even more opportunities for beautiful nature walks and outdoor activities.
From local farms to golfing and community events, this New England gem is sure to win you over. With a stellar education system and few crimes committed per year, Bedford makes a great place for families to call home. Your Bedford home is just around the corner!
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
| Westborough | 22,012 | $637,900 | 31 minutes | A+ | 174 | 40 |
| Lexington | 33,132 | $1,147,900 | 32 minutes | A+ | 100 | 10 |
| Arlington | 45,624 | $885,000 | 33 minutes | A+ | 212 | 44 |
| Lynnfield | 13,304 | $904,200 | 33 minutes | A+ | 89 | 20 |
| Milton | 28,630 | $896,500 | 34 minutes | A | 133 | 17 |
| Natick | 36,518 | $740,700 | 33 minutes | A+ | 482 | 57 |
| Winchester | 22,970 | $1,181,700 | 34 minutes | A+ | 91 | 6 |
| Wayland | 13,752 | $936,900 | 35 minutes | A+ | 32 | 1 |
| Scituate | 19,297 | $789,000 | 37 minutes | A | 44 | 13 |
| Hopkinton | 19,540 | $726,100 | 38 minutes | A+ | 69 | 13 |
| Medfield | 13,088 | $869,400 | 38 minutes | A+ | 36 | 17 |
| Hingham | 24,679 | $1,075,100 | 39 minutes | A+ | 227 | 45 |
| Sharon | 18,943 | $614,300 | 41 minutes | A+ | 50 | 5 |
| Holden | 19,934 | $433,300 | 28 minutes | A | 39 | 18 |
| Cambridge | 118,977 | $1,040,500 | 26 minutes | A | 2,859 | 570 |
| Easton | 25,364 | $560,200 | 31 minutes | A | 198 | 43 |
| North Andover | 31,615 | $670,000 | 32 minutes | A- | 171 | 21 |
| Andover | 36,485 | $813,800 | 34 minutes | A+ | 173 | 13 |
| Mendon | 6,331 | $605,500 | 34 minutes | B+ | 31 | 3 |
| Melrose | 29,537 | $796,100 | 34 minutes | A | 159 | 41 |
| Lancaster | 8,802 | $467,400 | 34 minutes | A | 54 | 5 |
| North Reading | 16,054 | $680,000 | 34 minutes | A | 52 | 18 |
| Canton | 24,635 | $665,500 | 34 minutes | A | 169 | 96 |
| Franklin | 33,230 | $567,100 | 36 minutes | A | 78 | 32 |
| Braintree | 38,490 | $632,200 | 34 minutes | A- | 551 | 117 |
| Walpole | 25,209 | $572,000 | 35 minutes | A | 228 | 38 |
| Upton | 8,311 | $561,300 | 37 minutes | A | 23 | 9 |
| Duxbury | 16,185 | $826,300 | 37 minutes | A | 38 | 14 |
| Medway | 13,560 | $588,900 | 37 minutes | A | 47 | 3 |
| Quincy | 101,597 | $598,100 | 37 minutes | A- | 1,147 | 351 |
| Seekonk | 15,725 | $461,600 | 25 minutes | A- | 289 | 42 |
| Burlington | 28,742 | $697,400 | 30 minutes | A | 493 | 53 |
| Ipswich | 14,092 | $701,400 | 32 minutes | B+ | 45 | 9 |
| Kingston | 13,948 | $529,400 | 32 minutes | B+ | 84 | 26 |
| Grafton | 18,975 | $481,500 | 34 minutes | A- | 31 | 23 |
| Reading | 25,428 | $741,100 | 34 minutes | A- | 122 | 7 |
| Hopedale | 6,028 | $456,000 | 34 minutes | B+ | 15 | 9 |
| Mansfield | 24,470 | $571,000 | 35 minutes | A- | 199 | 48 |
| Swampscott | 15,227 | $690,800 | 35 minutes | A- | 107 | 7 |
| Foxborough | 18,484 | $581,900 | 37 minutes | A | 143 | 27 |
| Barnstable | 49,709 | $559,200 | 21 minutes | B | 415 | 210 |
| Waltham | 64,477 | $705,700 | 26 minutes | B | 538 | 160 |
| Beverly | 42,318 | $621,900 | 29 minutes | B+ | 232 | 56 |
| Tyngsboro | 12,475 | $533,300 | 30 minutes | B | 32 | 19 |
| Stoneham | 22,854 | $629,000 | 30 minutes | A- | 188 | 26 |
| Auburn | 16,820 | $363,100 | 29 minutes | B+ | 220 | 58 |
| Wakefield | 27,810 | $670,100 | 31 minutes | B | 144 | 30 |
| Wilmington | 23,907 | $646,200 | 32 minutes | A- | 195 | 50 |
| Dedham | 25,334 | $630,400 | 30 minutes | B+ | 296 | 65 |
| Norwood | 31,230 | $613,500 | 32 minutes | B+ | 266 | 44 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Massachusetts Resources
Best Tiny Home Builders in Massachusetts
The Healthiest States to Live In
10 Best State Parks in Massachusetts
Top 10 Places to Live in Massachusetts
How to Build a House in Massachusetts
The 10 Most Affordable Cities in Massachusetts
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Massachusetts in 2021
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Massachusetts
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.