2019 Best Places to Raise a Family in MassachusettsAbout this List

Newtonville

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: I've grown up here in Newtonville, and it was such an amazing experience! Everyone is very friendly, there are plenty of places within walking distance, and the schools are amazing. Such wonderful place to live.
Read 4 Reviews

• A+

• A+

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• 8,006 Population

West Newton

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 22 reviews

Current Resident: I like all there is to do here. There’s plenty of food places, stores, and schools in the area. It’s very safe, there’s never a day where I’m feeling unsafe or scared to be out and about. Traffic usually isn’t too bad, unless it’s right after school.
Read 22 Reviews

• A+

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• 24,829 Population

Waban

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 3 reviews

Nearby Resident: I like Waban because there are lots of educational studios/groups for children. I have a daughter, who is 5 years old, and I take to Waban to rhythmic gymnastics three times a week from Brookline because in Brookline we do not have such a studio, and studios that are available in Brookline are more expensive.
Read 3 Reviews

• A+

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• 7,804 Population

Newton Centre

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 2 reviews

Current Resident: I love it here in Newton Centre. I feel like it is extremely diverse and a thriving city and community. Although it is expensive but I feel like it is a welcoming community.
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

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• 9,577 Population

Newton Upper Falls

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 1 review

Current Resident: NUF is a one of 13 villages of the city of Newton. It is not one of wealthier villages, and has a fair amount of renters living in the area. Overall it is a very safe neighborhood, with an MBTA train stop for greater access to the city of Boston, Cambridge, Brookline and other areas that the MBTA services. On the down side, it is becoming overcrowded as older lower priced homes are being bought, torn down and rebuilt. The population is not that diverse, but more diverse than other villages in Newton.
Read 1 Review

• A+

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• 8,621 Population

Oak Hill

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 9 reviews

Parent: We lived in Newton for over 20 years. Although there have been changes over the years, it really hasn't changed much in terms of quality of life, however has done a good job keeping up with changing demographics and economics. This is a great place for working moms and dads to raise a family. Great schools, team sports, convenience of getting around for parents and kids as they grow older - and still feel like you are in a someone suburban neighborhood. Newton is the perfect size with accessibility to Boston and all the cultural advantages of Boston. I have lived in Atlanta, Dallas, Louisville, New York and the Detroit area. Although there are many advantages of all of these cities, Newton is safe, still pretty and easy to live in. Weather is a significant factor whether we will stay here. I see the future continuing to be bright and sustain its allure.
Read 9 Reviews

• A+

• A+

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• 10,534 Population

Lexington

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 76 reviews

Current Resident: I love the minutemen trail! Safe access to a relaxing nature walk! Refreshing, calming...
The town is cute, clean and drivers strictly respect pedestrian crossings making walking around the town feel safe. Great, strong competitive schools. The town's library is a gem full of resources. It is a safe, positive haven, for the elders as well as for our youth! The grounds are very well kept in most areas. My major issue is the rental quality. Outside the landscaping is maintained, but inside, expensive rental apartments are not well kept or updated. However, we overlook this because of all the pros living here. Hmmm and then that's why they keep increasing the rents. :(
Read 76 Reviews

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• 33,339 Population

Newton Highlands

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 6 reviews

Niche User: I think this area is very safe, and you feel that around the neighborhood. But there are sometimes suspicious characters that may make it feel a little less safe
Read 6 Reviews

• A+

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• 15,770 Population

Newton

• Town in Massachusetts
• 59 reviews

Current Resident: The Newton Public School System is really awesome. One of the best parts, in my opinion, is the Career Tech Ed opportunities at Newton North High. Aside from the education aspect, Newton is also a city that feels incredibly safe. There are not many crimes or threats in the city at all. There are a lot of things going on in the city at all times, there are many good restaurants, shops, and activities. The different areas in Newton are very different from each other: Newton Highlands, Newton Corner, Newton Centre, Nonantum, Chestnuthill, etc. They all have different things to offer!
Read 59 Reviews

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• 88,479 Population

Sudbury

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 15 reviews

Current Resident: Sudbury is a safe, beautiful, leafy community 18 miles west of Boston. The town prides itself on its colonial heritage and highly rated public schools. There’s no real public transport in town so a car is a must for commuting. However there are 2 commuter rail stations north (Lincoln) and south (Framinhgam). Sudbury has 3 grocery stores including a new Whole Foods. There are several restaurants in town and all are good. Good proximity to major shopping (Natick Mall, Shoppers World and Rt 9 are 15-20 min drive) but not in your backyard. Strong parent community with high expectations for students. Lots of school-based as well as private club sports options.
Read 15 Reviews

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• 18,697 Population

Newton Corner

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 16 reviews

Niche User: My town has been said to be one of the safest in the United States and even walking the streets in the dead of night I feel completely safe.
Read 16 Reviews

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• 8,691 Population

Hopkinton

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 26 reviews

Current Resident: Reading some of the more recent reviews, it’s clear that a particular individual with egomaniacal tendencies decided to trash the town on their way out. My family moved to Hopkinton recently and we could not be more pleased with our decision. There are ample gorgeous public areas for hiking and outdoor activities, coupled with socioeconomic diversity we did not find in other Boston suburbs we considered. The racial diversity is increasing and our neighbors and the town in general have been incredibly welcoming. Being one of the safest suburbs in the country with a top shelf school system makes this a great town to raise a family. A town is what you make of it!
Read 26 Reviews

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• 16,720 Population

Cochituate

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• A+

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• 6,832 Population

Oak Hill Park

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 1 review

• A+

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• 3,878 Population

Chestnut Hill

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 14 reviews

Current Resident: The area is very safe. There are a lot of natural aesthetics in the area, which is great considering the neighborhood is so close to the city. The area seems to be mostly high-class houses and families
Read 14 Reviews

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• 11,648 Population

Auburndale

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: I like living in Auburndale because I feel safe here and people in the town are nice and sometimes people in the neighborhood will have parties together, every family brings foods and communicate with each other. I like the quiet living environment and here is a great place to live in. In addition, the transportation makes it easier to go to the places I want to go.
Read 8 Reviews

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• 13,627 Population

Thompsonville

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA

• A+

• A+

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• 10,363 Population

Wayland

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 13 reviews

Current Resident: We recently moved to this town and so far everything has been going great!
I have three kids ages from 12, 5 and 2 years old. At first I was expecting a hard "transitions" being that we moved from a great and warm community, Naples Florida.
To families out there that are looking for a town with excellent schools and close-by to Boston, I highly recommended Wayland. We did our research for years- We started looking into Lexington (we got priced out from outrageous homes), Sudbury (little too far for my shopping needs), We looked and looked -really in all these towns you are comparing apple to apple, depends on what you looking for. Wayland fits my agenda- be in town that offers GREAT public schools and homes that you are not on top of each other. I love having my privacy and Wayland has that feel, yet if you want to be involved in the community, there are so many things you can do!
Read 13 Reviews

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• 13,700 Population

Brookline

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 120 reviews

Current Resident: Every day I feel grateful to live in such a safe, beautiful, and diverse town like Brookline! The town of Brookline is very close to downtown Boston (15-20 minute train ride at the most). That being said, there are plenty of amenities available in Brookline itself that make traveling downtown necessary only occasionally, including Trader Joe's and many delicious restaurants and bars. Having grown up in a major city, I appreciate how safe I feel in Brookline even late at night. The town attracts people from all over the world, many of whom move here for professional opportunities. I have never had to worry about the streets being plowed in the winter, as the town is extremely on top of it! Honestly, this is as close to a Utopia town as you can get, and the only downside is that the housing stock is pretty old and expensive. Your best bet is to buy an apartment if you can and make it over, or find a rental property that the landlord is willing to renovate.
Read 120 Reviews

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• 59,246 Population

Belmont

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 34 reviews

Current Resident: My family goes back multiple generous in Belmont, the “The Town of Homes”. It doesn’t go without reason that many residents have deep roots in this area. The public high school is annually ranked in the top 15 in the state, plenty of small businesses can thrive in Belmont Center and Cushing Square, and it’s an all around really safe town (thank you to the Belmont Police, Fire Department and first responders for all that you continue to do.) Real estate is expensive and competitive but as a suburb of Boston with a great reputation that should be expected. A wonderful place to grow up, a good area for access and transportation to the city, and a friendly residential population that I’m happy to live alongside.
Read 34 Reviews

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• 25,965 Population

Nonantum

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• 6 reviews

Niche User: For the past few years of living in Newton, Massachusetts, I haven't found issues with too much crime. With that said, I haven't found issues with crime at all.
Read 6 Reviews

• A+

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• 15,186 Population

Westford

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 68 reviews

Current Resident: I like how this is a quiet nice town that is safe and clean. The library is nice and quiet with a huge selection of books to choose from. There are a variety of restaurants like Bamboo, Five Guys, Burton’s Grill, Evviva Cucina, Paul’s Diner, Rangoli Grill, and Seoul Kitchen. Westford also has great summer get-together spots. A big one is Kimball’s Farm. They serve ice cream, food and have multiple fun attractions that are reasonably priced. Some of these attractions include a mini golf course, a driving range, batting cages, bumper cars, and even a zip line.
Read 68 Reviews

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• 24,087 Population

Carlisle

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 22 reviews

Niche User: We have basically no crime in our area. Whenever we need to call the police for anything they are fast and responsive and they seem well prepared for any situation.
Read 22 Reviews

• A+

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• 5,160 Population

Lincoln

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: Lincoln is a small town with easy access to the city of Boston and its surrounding towns. It feels like the country, with lots of farms and nature, and it's rather small population-wise, but it has a commuter train and plenty of other attractions close by.
Read 4 Reviews

• A+

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• 6,696 Population

Newton Lower Falls

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 6,651 Population