2021 Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts

Wayland

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 4.19 out of 5  16 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 16 Reviews

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• 13,802 Population

Cochituate

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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• 7,226 Population

Oak Hill Park

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

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

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• 3,408 Population

Newtonville

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4.86 out of 5  7 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 7 Reviews

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• 8,186 Population

Newton Upper Falls

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4 out of 5  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

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• 8,373 Population

West Newton

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4.18 out of 5  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

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• 24,417 Population

Lexington

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 3.98 out of 5  94 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 94 Reviews

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• 33,340 Population

Newton Highlands

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

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

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• 14,780 Population

Newton Centre

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4 out of 5  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

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• 9,334 Population

Nonantum

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  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

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• 17,120 Population

Carlisle

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 4.07 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: Carlisle is fantastic. Everyone knows everyone even if you don’t know their name. Several neighbors came over to introduce themselves and welcome us when we moved. One of last Massachusetts towns safe from developers coming in with endless buildings and McMansions. 2 acre minimum per property and the building department doesn’t mess around. Generally business are not allowed (only a handful in town), which I love because there is never traffic and it’s generally residents driving through the town. Lots and lots of trees. Due to very little new construction the school system and town resources are not overrun and overwhelmed. When I go the park there aren’t a ton of people and my kids usually don’t have to wait to use equipment at the playground or hurry off because someone is waiting. No noise. No crime. High property taxes though. Tick endemic area. Get chickens for ticks. Residents have money but aren’t showy or boastful. Very low key and modest. Which I love...Read 28 Reviews

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• 5,224 Population

Auburndale

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4.36 out of 5  11 reviews

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 11 Reviews

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• 13,622 Population

Newton Corner

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 3.88 out of 5  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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• 8,463 Population

Brookline

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 4.09 out of 5  133 reviews

Current Resident: Brookline's public transportation is excellent, and restaurants and businesses are everywhere in the historic districts, making shopping and dining an overall experience. LIVING in Brookline is a little bit more difficult though, as all parking is reserved for shoppers and visitors, so if you plan on being a resident here, plan on renting a separate home for your vehicle (Craigslist). ...You're a stones-throw from most activities though, and it may be more advantageous for those who can to avoid having a car all together. The only other downside to living in Brookline is the cost of rent. A one bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000 on the high end, so be prepared! ...Living here has been a great experience so far, just a little strapping on the wallet.Read 133 Reviews

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• 59,180 Population

Thompsonville

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA

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• 10,472 Population

Newton

• Town in Massachusetts
• Rating 4.29 out of 5  82 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Newton my whole life; and although I feel like I live in somewhat of a bubble, I'm very grateful and privileged to live here. The public school schools offer a great education and have prepared me well for college. I've built life-long friendships and have had so many incredible opportunities to travel (I participated in my high school's French exchange program and got to travel to D.C. and Detroit with my high school robotics team)!...Read 82 Reviews

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• 88,593 Population

Dover

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 3.93 out of 5  14 reviews

Former Resident: Dover is what it is, an affluent bedroom community within easy commute of Boston. It is the perfect compliment to hectic executive work life. If you want privacy, bucolic setting and a small village feel, this is it. It is not for those interested in diversity, crime and nightlife...Read 14 Reviews

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• 6,044 Population

Hopkinton

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 4.06 out of 5  35 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 35 Reviews

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• 17,598 Population

Oak Hill

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  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

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• 10,674 Population

Waban

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Super safe and family friendly suburb of Boston. Great commuting options with proximity to highway and green line T. 20 min drive into city if no traffic. Easy access to Newton Centre restaurants and multiple grocery stores. Mostly larger 4 bedroom+ single family residential homes owned by professionals (lawyers, doctors, finance, etc.) and retirees. Diversity and affordability are a bit lacking...Read 4 Reviews

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• 7,738 Population

Chestnut Hill

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA
• Rating 4.16 out of 5  19 reviews

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• 11,932 Population

Belmont

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 4.04 out of 5  46 reviews

Current Resident: Highly recommend Belmont if relocating to the Boston area! Amazing public school system with great academics, 20+ ap courses, variety of sport teams starting from age 3, great music programs, amazing college matriculation. Very family friendly and safe. Cute little town center. Very good commute time compared to most suburbs, especially for Cambridge jobs. Close knit community but not too small...Read 46 Reviews

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• 26,113 Population

Boxborough

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

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

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• 5,561 Population

Newton Lower Falls

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA

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• 6,993 Population

Wellesley

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• Rating 4.22 out of 5  46 reviews

Current Resident: Wellesley is a great place to grow up in and raise a family! This town is very family-oriented. It is so safe and there was never a time where I felt like it wasn't. Wellesley does have a reputation for being pretentious, but most of the people are lovely. Some people who come off across as pretentious may not feel that they are. It also gets a reputation for not being welcoming to newcomers which is not true. Yes, there have been families living there for generations, but it is seeing more international diversity and people from other states. I, including many of my friends, have moved here from somewhere else...Read 46 Reviews

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• 28,747 Population