2022 Best Places for Young Professionals in Massachusetts

• Suburb of Springfield, MA

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• Population 1,280

Current Resident: Williamsburg is a great small town, near small cities but also close to lakes, mountains, and rivers.... Read 1 review

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• Population 2,623

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: Rockport is a town like no other. Stay here for a few days, then you will be here for a lifetime. Whether you’re visiting or you’ve been living here all your life, you will be quick to recognise a friendly face. Rockport is a small town just 45 minutes away from Boston and located off of Gloucester. It’s a small fishing community with plenty of lobster and clams to eat! Don’t be fooled by the size because Rockport has so much to offer.... Read 10 reviews

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• Population 7,014

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.02 out of 5  61 reviews

Former Resident: The one thing I would like Chelsea to change is the schooling. By the time I hit 9th grade I'm moving because I will not be joining Chelsea High because of there ratings.People wonder why kids from Chelsea become low-life/drug dealers and that's because we are not educated enough, so what do we do we stay in Chelsea and never leave and this is a loop. As you can see math is changing and the teachers are adding more ways to solve math and now the people that stayed in Chelsea are not as well educated as East Boston and if our children need help them because we are sitting ducks. We are not educated enough to help our kids through education and or to help them have a better future and leave Chelsea.... Read 61 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• grade A minus

• Population 40,025

Current Resident: I've lived here for over 20 years and raised my children here. The town has managed to maintain its small town charm while the towns around it grow crowded and congested. The schools have always been excellent and the value of getting an awesome education without paying the high closer to Boston prices is a great reason to choose this town. There's quick Highway access plus plenty of spots for shopping and dining. And, of course, Wegmans!... Read 35 reviews

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• Population 15,605

• Town in Massachusetts

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  Rating 3.55 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: We bought a retirement home in Williamstown after looking at many different towns in the Berkshires. We liked the Great Barrington area, but ultimately the real estate available and the draw of a private country setting just 12 minutes from a plethora of cultural activities around Williams College and in North Adams drew us to Williamstown. Our experience working with local restaurants (take-out only during the pandemic) and skilled tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, handymen) had been excellent. We have family scattered across the country and having them fly into Albany (once the pandemic has passed) will make it easy for them to visit us. The limited interaction we've had with town professionals (library, post office, town hall) couldn't have been better: friendly, accommodating and helpful.... Read 29 reviews

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• Population 7,678

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: I love Needham! I feel safe and welcomed here. The community events are well-done- especially the Blue Tree Lighting and the Fourth of July Fireworks and Parade. It is a lovely community and easy to befriend neighbors. It's the perfect commute to Boston on the commuter rail and schools are great. Could have a few more restaurants and things to do.... Read 50 reviews

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• Population 31,808

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.99 out of 5  78 reviews

Current Resident: Growing up in Mansfield I’ve enjoyed many of the town’s highlights. A few; catching a concert at the Xfinity Center, spending time at Mansfield’s Crossing Shopping area then grabbing pizza locally and enjoying Flint Farm's variety of uniquely named ice-creams. If willing, try the Green Monster! My younger years, an Annual Fun Night downtown, filled with food games and prizes. Also, a bag full of candy or a dill pickle from the Country Store, a true New England experience! Kids can still enjoy Movies Under the Stars every Wednesday come summertime as I did, take a walk, run or bike the Veterans World War II trail and most definitely, check out a Hornets football game on Friday nights. The Mansfield Varsity Team won, Superbowl Champions 2019! Our towns, small population around 24,000 is a great place to bring up children. It’s safe and ranked the number one “Best Place to Live” in Bristol County. I’d say it is very family oriented, educationally worthy and socially close.... Read 78 reviews

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• Population 23,768

• Town in Massachusetts

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: I like how peaceful and community-based it is. It has small stores where I can get essentials and a mall ~20 minutes away for bigger trips. I can walk my dog along the edges of friendly farmer's fields, visit with horses a few minutes away, help my neighbors by dog-sitting when they go away, and shop at the farmstands in the summer for fresh and local produce.... Read 24 reviews

• grade B+

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• Population 3,667

Former Resident: Small town, with very friendly people. Slightly expensive housing, and little diversity. Great schools, provide excellent education, programs, and opportunities.... Read 22 reviews

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• Population 8,428

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  58 reviews

Current Resident: I moved here over 30 years ago, it is the home of my husband’s family. Over the years I have seen Hudson grow in many positive ways. There is lots to do for all ages. We have restaurants, recreation activities and beautiful parks and rail trail. Hudson is very family oriented and it was a great place to raise our two sons. Both of them are very connected to the town and have made lifelong friends growing up here. I would take away half a star just because of the taxes and limited public transportation. When I moved here they had a bus that went into Boston every day but that has not been around for a while. However there is a bus that has recently started running people around town so things are looking up. I love it here !... Read 58 reviews

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• Population 20,032

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.03 out of 5  67 reviews

Current Resident: Walpole is an awesome, family-focused town about 35 minutes south of Boston. I have always been impressed by the energy directed towards the town’s school system and creating a safe environment! Most notable, however, is the commitment Walpole residents have for each other, never failing to come together in times of crisis and need.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A

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• Population 26,413

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: Moved to Hull in the fall of 2014. Boston Magazine just named it one of the top ten Towns for real estate appreciation. It’s on the move, trending up, fast. Lots of construction & rehabilitation. Lots of people from nearby wealthy Hingham and Cohasset cashing out and moving in. Pros: beautiful Nantasket Beach, relatively affordable real estate near/on the ocean, safety, cleanliness, small town feel, funky eclectic vibe, strong diversity with LGBTQ community, more restaurants, live and let live mentality, close proximity to Boston with commuter boat (under 20 minutes), wealthy investors putting $ into the town. Cons: 20 minutes to route 3 (Hull is remote which is part of its charm but not close to anything); could be “more to do” in the downtown area (but getting better); schools could be better (but improving), strong brutal wind during storms. An affordable place to live right on or near the ocean - and getting better every year. Get in now before you’re priced out!... Read 23 reviews

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• Population 10,120

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  23 reviews

Current Resident: Swampscott is a lovely place to live. Town members are active in promoting community events, so there is a nice community feel. Good schools--my kids went to the so-called "B" rated elementary school and both went to top universities and received bachelors and masters with honors. It has several town beaches and relatively cheap harbor fees for boats. It has some excellent restaurants with nice bars, and is closer to nearby entertainment in neighboring towns than many of the people who live in them. Strong sports and a growing arts community. There's a commuter rail station in town and three bus lines going through it.... Read 23 reviews

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• Population 15,043

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: Danvers is an amazing town in which to grow up. For parents and young children, the parks and recreation program is second to none. There is always something going on to bring the community together! Whether it's Ice-Cream for Breakfast, the Bean Supper, little-league and softball parades, holiday/religious ceremonies that support all denominations, or fundraisers and charity runs to help neighbors in need, our community supports and celebrates diversity! Sports, theater, and academic excellence are pursued with ardor at all levels. You can visit the mall, a beach, a farm, a park with a children's barn and fishing pond, biking/hiking trails, and even a dog park, all without leaving town. It's simply a terrific place to live!... Read 44 reviews

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• Population 27,966

• Neighborhood in Worcester, MA

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  Rating 3.37 out of 5  27 reviews

Niche User: Worcester is the second biggest city on New England and has the culture, atmosphere, and diversity to fill it. I have the privilege of living 15 minutes from downtown where there is an abundant amount of restaurants, clubs, independent coffee shops, mom and pop stores, and two world class theatres (The Hanover Theatre and Mechanics Hall).... Read 27 reviews

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• Population 17,702

• Suburb of Springfield, MA

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  54 reviews

Current Resident: West Springfield is a great city. It is a very suburban city and has a great community feel. It has access to various highways and outstanding local and mainstream restaurants and shops. Furthermore, the town is very kept up, and is very safe! I wish the downtown area were aided a little more financially to help some families and to assist in some upkeep.... Read 54 reviews

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• Population 28,814

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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• Population 6,966

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  5 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 5 reviews

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• Population 6,941

• Neighborhood in Newton, MA

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  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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• Population 832

• Suburb of Springfield, MA

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Amherst a vibrant college town with UMass and Amherst College. It is very busy during the semesters and quiets down during the holidays and summer. There are many apartment building to select from, however most are occupied by students.There are many restaurants and shops located in the town and its convenient location makes it easy to drive to Boston, New York, and Connecticut.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

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• Population 5,106

Current Resident: Great town to grow up in. Friendly, community oriented neighbors. Good schools, safe neighborhoods. Wish there were more sidewalks! Most people commute to work.... Read 45 reviews

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• Population 7,986

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.69 out of 5  85 reviews

Current Resident: I love the location in the South Shore. Stoughton is nestled in between 93 and 95, right off of route 24. The access to the beaches, hiking trails, mix of suburban and urban surrounding areas, shopping centers, proximity to Gillette Stadium, and Commuter rail access make Stoughton an extremely convenient location to live. I am a very outdoors-y person, and I think the one thing that I would like to improve would be adding a bike path somewhere nearby. As an avid cycler, I feel there are no easy routes to follow for biking without being on the side of the road with sand and debris.... Read 85 reviews

• grade B+

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• Population 29,028

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  111 reviews

Nearby Resident: This is East Boston or Cambridge real estate boom all over again,,,anything under a $1,000,000 now is a score. The beach is one of the cleanest and highest rated in the US., many big name companies are moving in with high paying employment opportunities, the old Suffolk Downs is being developed into a megacenter, the Wonderland Park as well,,,full of high tech., shopping, nature trails and high price living quarters. The school system has climbed in ranking for the past 7 years. There are plans to build a bridge connecting Boston to East Boston and Revere for faster transit vs Sumner Tunnel or Tobin Bridge. The last lowlife town "Lynn" is being bought up like wildfire by developers with construction already underway....Revere is going to be the IN place with a a year or two. Media like Chronicle and NY Times have already noted it as Boston's go to place over the next decade and more....... Read 111 reviews

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• grade B

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• Population 60,720

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  116 reviews

Current Resident: Compared to the neighborhood I grew up in, my neighborhood in Chelmsford is quiet, safe and family oriented. I love that everyone is so available to lend a hand if needed, kids are riding their bikes, people are active and care about their landscaping. The neighborhood is bright and clean and welcoming!... Read 116 reviews

• grade A

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• Population 36,271