Boston Suburbs

The Boston suburbs are areas that have become highly populated and developed over the past few decades. These areas provide opportunities for businesses to thrive and offer residents a wide array of entertainment options. 

With such an abundance of things to do, it’s no wonder moving into one of these cities near Boston is a popular choice for people looking to relocate to Massachusetts.

Real Estate Overview

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in New England. It’s also a major seaport and the center of the Boston-Worcester-Providence metropolitan area, which includes most of eastern Massachusetts. 

In addition, this place is home to many schools, such as Harvard University and MIT. This makes rental and house occupancy at a high rate, especially in the vicinity of Harvard Square.

As you might guess from its seaport status, real estate prices are high. However, as you would expect from a city as old as Beantown, many great neighborhoods have affordable homes for sale. Here are some quick facts on real estate in this city, according to US Census Bureau:

  • Population: 675,647
  • Median home value: $581,200
  • Median rent: $1,685
  • Median household income: $76,298

Best Suburbs Near Downtown Boston

The Boston suburbs vary greatly depending on the type of home, community, and amenities that you are looking for. If your family enjoys all the benefits of city life but needs more space or quiet, consider a suburb near central Boston.

Gloucester

Gloucester is a small, picturesque coastal town located in the Boston area. It has one of the best beaches in Massachusetts, a harbor, and excellent seafood. Nestled on the coast along Cape Ann, Gloucester has long been an important port city and fishing town. 

If you’re looking to relocate to the BOS region, Gloucester is a great place to go. It has a small town feel with all the benefits of living near a central metropolitan area.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 36.6 miles
  • Median home value: $669,450
  • Median rent: $1,233

Bridgewater

Bridgewater is a suburb and an excellent midway point to Cape Cod. It has a great school system and lots of restaurants. But what makes it truly unique is the sense of community that residents feel here. 

The city has a population of over 28,600 people, and it’s located just south of BOS on Route 24. This Garden City has more trees than any other town in Massachusetts and has many parks for residents to enjoy.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 32.2 miles
  • Median home value: $380,700
  • Median rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,658

Foxborough

Foxborough is a beautiful town located just north of Boston and is one of the oldest in the area. It was originally part of Dedham and only became its own town in 1881. 

It has become known for its high-end shopping centers and residential neighborhoods. Now, it’s known as home to Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 30.0 miles
  • Median home value: $451,500
  • Median rent: $1,440

Foxborough

Dover

Dover is located in Norfolk County and nestled between the ocean and the Charles River. It’s about 20 miles northwest of Boston and has about 5,923 people. 

The town has a rich history tied to the Native Americans and early settlers. There are many historical sites throughout Dover, and it’s also home to Stony Brook State Forest, which offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors and locals alike.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 19.6 miles
  • Median home value: $993,100
  • Median rent: $2,217

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is a suburban town located in Northern Worcester County. The town is known for its excellent schools and has one of the highest median incomes in Massachusetts. 

In addition, Shrewsbury has a thriving area with shops and cafes lining Main Street. Residents enjoy frequenting these businesses because they can access everything from antique stores to cafes serving fresh food from local farms.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 34 miles
  • Median home value: $434,000
  • Median rent: $1,534

Best Suburbs of Boston for Living

If you’re looking for cities near Boston to live in, more than a few suburbs have everything you could ask for. From laid-back Boston neighborhoods full of restaurants to high-tech hubs, these are the best suburbs of Boston for living.

Brookline

Brookline is a beautiful town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It is located in the Greater Boston region and is considered part of the metropolitan area. 

As one of the first suburbs outside of Boston, Brookline is known for its tree-lined streets and friendly atmosphere. The town has many neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill; it has federal-style row houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and gaslit street lamps.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 4.4 miles
  • Median home value: $1,006,200
  • Median rent: $2,305

Newton

The city of Newton, Massachusetts, is located in the county of Middlesex, just outside of Boston. It’s known for its quaint central area, charming tree-lined streets, parks, and thriving real estate market. The population of Newton is roughly 88,000 people. 

Locals are active in their affluent community, and many fun events bring the locals together throughout the year. One such attraction in this town is Heartbreak Hill. This steep incline is one of the most prominent features of the Boston Marathon, which runners must traverse during their race.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 10.0 miles
  • Median home value: $952,100
  • Median rent: $1,897

Historic Town of Concord

Concord is one of the largest suburbs, and it has residents of just over 18,491. Concord is another wealthiest town with excellent schools and a small town feel. 

The town is home to many historic sites, including the birthplace of Henry David Thoreau. Concord is one of New England’s most beautiful towns, only about an hour from the capital. 

This means you can get away from the city without traveling too far. But don’t be fooled, this town has plenty of things to do so you won’t feel bored.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 23.8 miles
  • Median home value: $908,300
  • Median rent: $2,213

Best Suburbs of Boston for Living - Cohasset

Cohasset

Cohasset is located about 26 miles south of Boston. It’s a small town with a population of just under 9,000 residents. This small city was first settled in 1659 and has been continuously inhabited. 

Residents enjoy easy access to all Beantown offers without the hustle and bustle of living in the city itself. This includes beaches, parks, and playgrounds for families to enjoy.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 26.1 miles
  • Median home value: $867,000
  • Median rent: $1,172

Cheapest Boston Towns to Live

The Boston region is home to many suburbias, each with distinct character and appeal. Whether you’re looking for a quiet life in Massachusetts or a lively community, our list of the cheapest Boston towns will help you find it.

Weston

Weston is an affluent town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It is part of the Greater Boston area with easy access to Route 128/Interstate 95 and Route 3. 

Weston has its own public school system, offering locals pre-K through 12th-grade education. The most prominent feature of Weston is the Town Center, where you’ll find plenty of shops and eateries.

  • Distance to Downtown Boston: 16.2 miles
  • Median home value: $1,270,000
  • Median rent: $1,725

College Town of Wellesley

If you’re looking for a place where you can live in the capital area but still have that small town feel, Wellesley is the perfect place. With beautiful neighborhoods and gorgeous homes, it’s no wonder this town has been named one of the best places to live in America. 

Wellesley has an average household income of $213,684 and boasts a very high quality of life for its residents. It’s also home to many top-notch schools and colleges, such as Wellesley College, Babson College, and Brandeis University.

  • Distance to Downtown BOS: 16.0 miles
  • Median home value: $1,212,100
  • Median rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,177

Dedham

Dedham is located right outside of BOS, which means that it has all of the benefits of living in a big city without feeling like you’re in one. It’s got all the amenities you’d expect from a central metropolitan area. 

This includes restaurants, coffee shops, and services galore. However, it also offers a tiny town feel with its tree-lined streets and historic homes.

  • Distance to Downtown BOS: 21.9 miles
  • Median home value: $482,500
  • Median rent: $1,823

Medfield

Medfield is a small town with a population of about 12,799 people. It is a quiet town with many parks and green spaces, making it ideal for families. There are also many historical sites, such as the Old Stone Meeting House and the Davis Mansion. 

Medfield has several shops and diners that can be found on Main Street and North Street. The town also has several schools, including Medfield High School, which ranks highly among other public schools in Massachusetts.

  • 28.3 miles to Downtown BOS
  • Median home value: $701,200
  • Median rent: $1,513

Towns Near Boston to Visit

Towns Near Boston to Visit

There are plenty of great towns near Boston for those who want to visit a city and enjoy the local culture and scenery. Neighboring towns like Bedford are close enough that you can make it there on a day trip or stay overnight and explore the surrounding area. Here’s a list of some other areas you might consider visiting:

Bedford

Bedford is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was initially named Bedford Station and was incorporated as the Town of Bedford in 1729. This small Boston suburb has a population of about 14,383 people, making it one of the smallest townlets in Massachusetts. 

Its location is approximately 15 miles from Beantown and is within commuting distance for many locals. The town has a rich history, home to some famous residents, including Helen Ramsay.

  • 15 miles to Downtown BOS
  • Median home value: $695,400
  • Median rent: $2,031

Northborough

Northborough is a suburb of Boston and is about 30 minutes from the city center. It’s easy to get to, but it’s not so close that you’ll feel like you’re living in the city. Northborough was home to the first community library in Massachusetts, founded in 1868. 

It also has a rich history of agriculture and manufacturing, which still thrive today. If you’re looking for a quiet place but don’t want to have to travel too, Northborough might be just what you’re looking for.

  • 37.5 miles to Downtown BOS
  • Median home value: $451,100
  • Median rent: $2,008

Needham

Needham is a popular suburb of Boston that offers all the perks of city life without the hustle and bustle. Residents will enjoy access to a big city’s amenities, including excellent schools and public transportation. 

They’ll be able to get around town quickly and easily with commuter rail service right into Beantown. Despite its proximity to one of America’s most bustling cities, Needham is still a safe place with a crime rate of 51.18 per 100,000 people.

  • 18.4 miles to Downtown BOS
  • Median home value: $900,200
  • Median rent: $1,604

Holbrook

Holbrook is a beautiful city nestled in Norfolk County. Located just north of Boston, this small, rural town with big city amenities offers everything you could want in a small town. 

This includes restaurants, parks, and shops. The people are friendly and welcoming too! Today Holbrook gives residents many opportunities to enjoy life outside of their homes. 

There are several museums, one dedicated to automobiles and another focusing on local history and culture. There are also several hiking trails and parks where locals can go for walks or take their dogs for runs around the tracks.

  • 16.9 miles to Downtown BOS
  • Median home value: $335,700
  • Median rent: $944

Conclusion

There are many different areas to explore within the region. Each town or city has its own unique characteristics and charm. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to live or want to be close enough to work but far enough away from everything else, there’s something here for everyone.

If you are looking for homes in any of the Boston suburbs or surrounding areas, we can help! HOMES by ARDOR has experts in this area and knows the ins and outs of the real estate market in all cities near Boston. We can show you how easy it is to get into homeownership with our team by your side every step of the way.

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