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2020 Best Places to Raise a Family in MassachusettsAbout this List

Explore the best places to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Public Schools Grade

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Crime & Safety Grade

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

1 – 25 of 484

Best for Families

Best Places to Live
Most Diverse
Best to Buy a House

484 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

Newtonville
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
7 reviews
#1 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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 7 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
5,216 Population
View Nearby Homes
Oak Hill Park
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
2 reviews
#2 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: Moved to Oak Hill Park recently and we love it here! The area was designed to be walked with the family through it's many walking paths that surrounds a school/community center with a large field, tennis courts, and playground. Not a lot of car traffic and many families biking the streets. Many of the early ranch style houses are being torn down at a fast clip with larger houses replacing them. There is an MBTA bus (52) that runs through the area and the closest Commuter Rail is only a 5 minute drive. It's a quiet and unique neighborhood built for families with great schools.
Read 2 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
1,672 Population
View Nearby Homes
Brookline
Suburb of Boston, MA
128 reviews
#3 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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 128 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
59,234 Population
View Nearby Homes
Lexington
Suburb of Boston, MA
89 reviews
#4 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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 89 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
33,480 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newton Centre
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
2 reviews
#5 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
6,086 Population
View Nearby Homes
West Newton
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
22 reviews
#6 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
13,422 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newton Upper Falls
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
1 review
#7 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
5,548 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newton Highlands
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
8 reviews
#8 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Former Resident: I lived in Newton Highlands for a couple of years and found it to be a very calm and safe neighborhood. One of my favorite places is definitely Hemlock Gorge; there is always something new to find there!
Read 8 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
8,056 Population
View Nearby Homes
Auburndale
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
10 reviews
#9 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: Nice, safe neighborhood in Newton. Everything is a short walk or quick bike ride, which is a big plus over other Newton neighborhoods where you need to drive everywhere. There's a commuter rail station going to Boston or Worcester in the other direction. The Riverside green line T station into Boston is close too. There is a supermarket, post office, Starbucks, and a bunch of small shops. Auburndale Park has riverfront views and ball fields. There is a paddle boat launch near the Marriot hotel. You can jump on Rt. 128 or Mass Pike highways easily. People are very nice overall. Schools are good. Just a nice place to settle down. Worst thing you can say is that there isn't much open past 9 or 10 o'clock at night and housing is expensive, but you are close to Boston so you have entertainment options and good jobs close by.
Read 10 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
9,124 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newton Corner
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
16 reviews
#10 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
4,778 Population
View Nearby Homes
Cochituate
Suburb of Boston, MA
#11 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
6,942 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newton
Town in Massachusetts
78 reviews
#12 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: A nice suburb in the greater Boston area! I have been living here for 3 years now and I am overall very happy with my experience. It is very expensive though, which makes socioeconomic diversity very low.
Read 78 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
88,660 Population
View Nearby Homes
Boxborough
Suburb of Boston, MA
4 reviews
#13 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: Beautiful suburban town. Very small and caring community with great schools and incredibly low crime rate. It's a bit far from Boston, but if you don't mind the commute, this is a great place to live.
Read 4 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
5,794 Population
View Nearby Homes
Hopkinton
Suburb of Boston, MA
35 reviews
#14 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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 35 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
17,178 Population
View Nearby Homes
Wayland
Suburb of Boston, MA
16 reviews
#15 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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 16 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
13,720 Population
View Nearby Homes
Westford
Suburb of Boston, MA
80 reviews
#16 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: I have lived in this town since I was around the age of 12 years old. I have a deep love for this town, because of everything around it. There are so many places to eat, like Chipotle, Subway, and Five Guys. There are also many job opportunities in town, like at those restaurants, and also Market Basket and Marshalls. The people all know each other in town, and it is easy to make friends here. The Westford Public Schools that I have been enrolled in have, in my opinion, the best education you can get. If things get boring, the town has public beaches, and many beautiful lakes to ride a boat or kayak on, or even go fishing. Westford has a lot of historical events around it, that are very interesting to learn about. Overall, this town has many benefits to living here.
Read 80 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
24,194 Population
View Nearby Homes
Oak Hill
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
9 reviews
#17 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
5,268 Population
View Nearby Homes
Sudbury
Suburb of Boston, MA
19 reviews
#18 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: Suburban meets rural in this quiet, safe, down-to-earth and friendly town filled with green spaces and nature. Lacks a proper town center and public transportation, so a car is essential to get around. Ethnic and cultural diversity has been growing and is increasingly reflected in the town’s excellent schools. If you’re a nature lover, it’s hard to beat Sudbury - biking, hiking, birding, canoeing and many more activities abound right in town. Most homes have spacious lots with nice yards. Friendly and down-to-earth neighbors. Downside for folks who like access to nightlife or cultural activities and events is that there’s very little of those. Same with diversity of stores and restaurants, though this has improved a bit. Overall, a quiet, beautiful, safe and green oasis west of Boston.
Read 19 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
18,940 Population
View Nearby Homes
Nonantum
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
6 reviews
#19 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
8,483 Population
View Nearby Homes
Thompsonville
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
#20 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
4,487 Population
View Nearby Homes
Chestnut Hill
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
16 reviews
#21 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: I am so blessed to have grown up in Chestnut Hill, as it is very safe, and there are exceptional schools in very close proximity to my house. There are plenty of green-spaces, playgrounds, and sports facilities in my neighborhood as well.
Read 16 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
6,523 Population
View Nearby Homes
Belmont
Suburb of Boston, MA
42 reviews
#22 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Former Resident: The schools are great! It is a small town, so there is little to no public transportation within the town, but there are busses to the surrounding cities. It is very safe, people don't even feel the need to lock their doors during the day.
Read 42 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
26,043 Population
View Nearby Homes
Cordaville
Suburb of Boston, MA
11 reviews
#23 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Niche User: Living in Southborough Massachusetts over the years has been extremely amazing. It is a small town so it is not over run with large businesses and there are more "mom and pop" ran businesses. Everyone pretty much knows each other so the atmosphere is very friendly. The education is great, schools hire teachers that care about the students and push them everyday to do their best. I moved to this town when I was around eight years old, and if I were able to do it all again from an earlier age if I could. For the past decades Southborough has been a small quiet town and it look like it will stay like this for many more decades to come.
Read 11 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
2,905 Population
View Nearby Homes
Carlisle
Suburb of Boston, MA
26 reviews
#24 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
Current Resident: Beautiful small NE town with four distinct seasons and a tight-knit community. While the town lacks any retail outside of Fern's and Kimball's, there is a terrific spread of restaurants, stores, and entertainment located in each of its five surrounding towns, allowing for easy access within 10-20 minutes. It's one k-8 school and multiple farms (with CSA Programs) create a friendly, welcoming, community-based culture in town, and everyone seems to know everyone.
Read 26 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
5,186 Population
View Nearby Homes
Waban
Neighborhood in Newton, MA
3 reviews
#25 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts
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+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
5,185 Population
View Nearby Homes
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About This List

Explore the best places to raise a family based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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