Everything You Should About the Best Boston Suburbs

Often ranked as one of the best cities to live in the U.S., it’s no surprise that Boston has a little bit of everything to offer to its residents! From a plethora of history and culture to explore, sport games, art museums, and of course to fabulous food, there’s something for every walk of life to enjoy. While living in the city provides all of that excitement right at your fingertips, sometimes living in one of the Boston suburbs nearby is the best choice, especially if you are raising a family. Suburbs are often safer, you have more space, and the schools are usually ranked higher. 

With a walk score of 83 out of 100, Boston is incredibly easy to navigate by walking! This also applies to several of the best Boston suburbs, including Cambridge and Brookline. Public transportation is still a highlight of the city, and the MBTA, locally known as the “T,” is one of the busiest public transit systems in the entire country. Along with a local rail, it offers a bus, bus rapid transit, a commuter rail, a ferry, and paratransit service. 

Looking for a place to live in Boston can feel overwhelming, and you’ll probably have to do a good amount of research into each of the suburbs you’re interested in versus actually getting to visit them in person first. Moving to Boston can be difficult when it comes to things like driving, parking, cramped spaces with bad weather, but moving to one of the suburbs instead will make that process much simpler. This article will give you a better idea of the best suburbs of Boston and where you should look to move!

Boston at a Glance

• The population in Boston is roughly 675,650.
• Almost 67 percent of the total population is employed, and there are just over 284,000 total families and living arrangements in the city.
• The average home price in Boston is around $758,100. The average home price in Massachusetts is $634,700, and the average home price nationwide is $363,400.
• The average rent for a one bedroom across the city is $3,850, while the state has a monthly average of $1,375.
• Great for: Exploring history, culture, art, food, outdoor recreation, families, young professionals

Is Boston safe? The city is only safer than 14 percent of other cities across the U.S., and your chances of being a victim to either property or violent crime is 1 in 38. However, Boston suburbs such as Brookline have some of the lowest crime rates in the nation!

13 Best Boston Suburbs 

There’s a suburb where every walk of life is welcomed in Boston, each offering their own special amenities. To give you a better glimpse into some of the areas you should look at if you’re considering a move, check out some of these top notch Boston suburbs! 

1. Lexington, MA 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,300
• Average home value: $1.57M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, students, higher education, shopping, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Boston: 45 minutes

Lexington is a safe, welcoming community that values its history and natural beauty, and it also offers a variety of educational opportunities for children, making it one of the best Boston suburbs for families. Residents have access to various private educational institutions such as the Christian Academy of Lexington, including the region's top universities such as MIT, Bentley University, and Brandeis University.

Lexington offers a lot of outdoor spaces that are ideal for different types of activities, including the fields of Lincoln Park, Willard's Woods, and the community center. Lexington also has a variety of shopping options, which you can find located along Massachusetts Avenue.

Q: What is the richest suburb of Boston? A: With an average home value of over $1,500,000, Lexington is surely one of the most affluent and rich suburbs of Boston.

2. Cambridge, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,600
• Average home value: $1.02M
• Great for: Young professionals, commuters, walkability
• Commute to downtown Boston: 12 minutes

Although it’s not cheap to live in Cambridge thanks to two of the country's top research universities — Harvard and MIT — right in the area, the economy is strong enough to support a variety of thriving tech companies and healthcare organizations. It’s also ranked the No. 1 best city for young professionals in America by Niche. Cambridge is an urban center built for walking, and its Walk Score of 96 proves it.

In addition to its urban surroundings, Cambridge also has over 80 parks and playgrounds which allow people to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the most popular is the Alewife Brook Reservation, and is over 120 acres wide.

Q: What is a walkable suburb of Boston? A: Cambridge has one of the highest walk scores out of all the best Boston suburbs.

3. Belmont, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,825
• Average home value: $1.47M
• Great for: Families, shopping, dining, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Boston: 17 minutes

Located in Middlesex County, the town of Belmont is another one of the best Boston suburbs for families. It is mainly underdeveloped in the northern part of the town, however the area around the Belmont Center is  well-developed with multiple single-story commercial and residential buildings.

The commercial hub of Belmont is the Belmont Center, which features a variety of stores, restaurants, and banks. The Business Association of the center also organizes public events.

The Mass Audubon's Wildlife Sanctuary and Habitat Education Center in the area has several miles of walking trails and programs that teach kids about wildlife and conservation. The nearby Beaver Brook Reservation also features athletic courts, woodlands, and ponds.

4. Sharon, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,875
• Average home value: $860,900
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, fresh produce
• Commute to downtown Boston: 30 minutes

The affordable suburb of Sharon has the ideal combination of suburban convenience and small-town charm, and is known for its robust community spirit. Those who love to explore the outdoors in particular will enjoy taking advantage of its numerous parks and trails.

Borderland State Park in the area features over 1,700 acres of natural beauty. It's ideal for a variety of activities, such as fishing, picnicking, and hiking. Its historic Ames Mansion can be explored, as well as the park's many scenic trails.

The local Sharon Farm Market is a weekly event that features a variety of local food products and services. This community gathering is also great for socializing with fellow residents and supporting local agriculture.

Q: What is the nicest suburb in Boston? A: Thanks to its beautiful outdoor recreation and abundant farmers market, Sharon is one of the nicest suburbs you can choose to settle down in Boston

5. Carlisle, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $1.34M
• Great for: Commuters, young professionals, families, outdoor activities, exclusivity
• Commute to downtown Boston: 40 minutes

Located about 25 miles from Boston's central business district, the lively suburb of Carlisle is easily accessible via Interstate 93 and Interstate 95. 

Although Carlisle doesn't have a public transportation system, residents can still use the commuter rail to nearby towns. The Lowell line goes to nearby Billerica, and the Fitchburg line connects to the towns of Acton and Concord.

One of the area's most popular attractions is the Great Brook Farm State Park. This 1,000-acre facility features over 20 miles of trails, a working dairy farm, and it's open year-round. If you're craving ice cream, Kimball's Farm is nearby as well.

6. Acton, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,425
• Average home value: $882,800
• Great for: Families, public schools, history, outdoor activities
• Commute to downtown Boston: 55 minutes

Located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, the suburb of Acton is a semi-affluent community that's known for its historic sites related to the American Revolution. During the Industrial Revolution, it was a hub for the production of barrels, but by the 20th century the industry had already left the area, which led to it becoming more of a quiet residential community.

The 65-acre Acton Arboretum is a highlight in the area and features gardens with interesting plants and is a great place to spend some quality time with the family. The Discovery Museum, which is a popular facility for children, has interactive exhibits that are designed to teach them about science.

7. Newton, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,575
• Average home value: $1.5M
• Great for: Young professionals, families, shopping, dining
• Commute to downtown Boston: 30 minutes

The proximity of Newton to Boston is a major draw for residents of this suburb, especially young professionals, which allows commuters to take advantage of the city's best public transportation.

In Newton, there are several shopping centers, such as The Street Chestnut Hill. These establishments have a wide variety of restaurants and stores.

In the center of Newton, there are numerous restaurants and bars that cater to different types of cuisines. One of these is the Farmstead Table Restaurant, which serves American dishes made with local ingredients. Another popular establishment is Little Big Diner, which serves a variety of Asian-style food dishes.

8. Wayland, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,400
• Average home value: $1.14M
• Great for: Families, retirees, seclusion, outdoor recreation
• Commute to downtown Boston: 45 minutes

Located in Massachusetts' MetroWest region, the peaceful suburb of Wayland is situated halfway between Worcester and Boston. Since it is situated in more of a semi-rural setting, it has little commercial or industrial development.

Due to its location and peaceful setting, Wayland is the home of many retirees and families. It has a great school system, and is an ideal place to raise a family. In addition, the town takes pride in preserving the natural resources surrounding the Sudbury River, which provides residents with an opportunity to enjoy the underrated natural beauty!

9. Medfield, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,475
• Average home value: $1.03M
• Great for: Families, history, culture, recreation
• Commute to downtown Boston: 1 hour

Medfield is best known as the home of the Peak House, which is a 17th century house on the National Register. This area has a lot of history and culture, and it's a classic suburban community with a main street that goes through town.

Residents in Medfield have a variety of great facilities and activities to choose from. One of the most popular places to visit is the Kingsbury Club, which has several fitness centers. Those who want to have a good time can also play all kinds of sports such as basketball, tennis, and swimming.

Most residents of Medfield rely on their own vehicles when it comes to getting around the area. But there are a variety of transportation options available, such as Uber, Lyft, and taxi services.

11. Brookline, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,400
• Average home value: $1.17M
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, history, outdoor recreation, golfing
• Commute to downtown Boston: 30 minutes

The suburb of Brookline in Massachusetts is known for its proximity to Boston and is where John F. Kennedy was born! It was first established in 1638 as the Muddy River Hamlet, but eventually became known as the town of Brookline. Some of the most beautiful outdoor spots in all of Boston can be found in this suburb, including the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site and Emerald Necklace Conservancy.

The Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course is located in the Putterham section of the suburb, which features a driving range and a 620-yard public course. Overall it’s a fabulous place to spend a couple of hours with your family! 

Q: Where is the best place to live in Boston? A: According to Niche, Brookline is ranked the #1 best suburb to live in Boston.

12. Arlington, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,025
• Average home value: $1.06M
• Great for: Families, public schools, history, outdoor activities
• Commute to downtown Boston: 30 minutes

Located eight miles northwest of Boston and just a couple of miles from the city's center, the unique suburb of Arlington boasts quite the amount of history. It's home to the first continuous children’s library in the U.S., and also where battles were fought during the Revolutionary War!

One of the town's most popular recreation areas is Spy Pond, which features a 103-acre pond that's ideal for fishing and boating. It also has picnic areas, a playground, and tennis courts.

Continue along Mass Ave. and you will find Arlington Heights, which is a residential area that features single-family homes and lots of space. At the end of town, you'll find other local establishments along with the Arlington Reservoir which is a great place to take a walk.

13. Southborough, MA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,875
• Average home value: $959,300
• Great for: Families, history, outdoor activities, community events
• Commute to downtown Boston: 40 minutes

The first settlement in Southborough was established in 1660. The area eventually became known for its manufacturing of various products, such as shoes, boots, and straw hats. It was a farming community that started to develop into a prominent manufacturer of these products. Southborough then became part of the town of Marlborough in 1727.

Southborough Recreation offers a wide range of recreational activities for residents, such as basketball, sewing, and snowboarding. The Cultural Arts Council of Southborough is another vital part of the town's cultural life, as it funds all kinds of local festivals and lectures.

Move to the Suburbs of Boston With the Help of PODS

When you’re ready to move into your new home in one of the best Boston suburbs, let PODS help you get there by having a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your doorstep. PODS City Service is available in Boston as well. Once you are ready, it will be taken to your new location. One month of storage is also included in the deal so you can easily move on your own schedule without having to feel rushed!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.