2023 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Middlesex County

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: I believe the school system is great! I have had very few teachers I did not like which is amazing for a public school. Although, the ratings have gone down and Wayland Public Schools is now not ranked top 10 in the state, when it was previously top 5 I believe. It is a predominantly white town although there is around 30% asians and 5% black students in my high school. Very easy access to 95 and 90 which makes the commute to activities easy. It is expensive but at the cost of good schools. Additionally, as a student there are always places looking for staff and also interns.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 13,859

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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• Population 6,966

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  101 reviews

Former Resident: The Town of Lexington in Massachusetts is well known for being the revolutionary town and holds that heritage true since its founding point. The general community thrives on helping one another, and residents have the chance to settle into a cozy lifestyle filled with amenities such as strolling through downtown center, enjoying the battlefield park, the reservoir, and many other beautiful sites. It has an easy connection to the high way for commute, and borders the shopping plazas of Burlington on one side and Waltham on the other.... Read 101 reviews

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• Population 34,235

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: Hopkinton is a very resident based town. It doesn't have many big franchise stores but rather family owned shops that the town adores such as The Spoon and Hop-Yo. All of the schools from elementary to high school are amazingly diverse and ranked highly in Massachusetts Public Schools. One thing that I think could benefit from in traffic during the week days. Around 7:20-8:00 am, the main street of Hopkinton is normally slow because construction or the rush of getting to school or work. Overall, Hopkinton is a lovely town that feels like home. As a girl who moved to the town during the 6th grade, it was very easy to connect with my peers and make friends in this community. Hopkinton also has fun amenities like Whitehall Lake, Sandy Beach, and Hopkinton State Park which are great for rope swinging, swimming, and having picnics, respectively. Hopkinton provides that comforting feel that I crave which is why I love this town and everything it has to offer.... Read 37 reviews

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• Population 18,501

• Town in Massachusetts

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  90 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 90 reviews

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• Population 88,647

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  29 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 29 reviews

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• Population 5,215

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  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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• Population 5,471

• 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

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  74 reviews

Current Resident: Acton is a very welcoming and beautiful place to live. The schools offer fabulous music, theater, and visual arts opportunities, and classes not available in most other districts. The staff cares about social engagement and overall wellness. Acton has an arboretum, countless conservation lands, and accessible rail trails. There is an old-fashioned bowling alley, coffee shops, consignment stores, a hardware store, and many restaurants. There is a commuter rail to get into Boston and close proximity to many other nice towns. Acton has many residents who were born abroad and across America. Most residents seem to fully support vaccinations and progressive efforts. Acton is a good place to call home.... Read 74 reviews

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• Population 23,899

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  88 reviews

Current Resident: Westford is a great town to live in. It is a safe, friendly, charming, and quiet town but not too far from major highways and the greater Boston metro. There are many parades and local farmer markets during spring and summer. There are many lakes throughout the town for standup paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, or winter ice skating. The school system rated #6 best school districts in Massachusetts by Niche. It has a lot to offer in the schools from AP courses, sports clubs, robotics clubs, environmental clubs, DECA, HOSA, Mock Trial, and much more. I would like to have winter and summer folk festivals to bring more flavors to the town!... Read 88 reviews

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• Population 24,535

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  25 reviews

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 25 reviews

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• Population 18,912

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  45 reviews

Current Resident: I love Winchester. It's a quaint town just 7 miles outside Boston, MA. It's perfectly for raising a family in. The schools are excellent and the crime late is remarkably low. I currently live in Winchester and I love it so much. I live in an area of Winchester which is about half a mile from its not too far away from Winchester center and everything is in reasonable walking distance from my house. Winchester center has a train station which makes commuting much easier for many parents and most peoples' commutes are pretty bearable. I love this town and I recommend it to anyone ready to start a family!... Read 45 reviews

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• Population 22,875

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  47 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 47 reviews

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• Population 27,056

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.43 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Nice area with beautiful homes, colleges nearby, and opportunity for many outdoor family and friends activities. Close to the near by mall along with groceries stores and restaurants. Roughly a 45-60 min drive into the city.... Read 21 reviews

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• Population 11,806

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.32 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Sherborn Massachusetts, it was an awesome place to grow up! The small town makes for a tight-knit, inclusive community. The cute New England Town only has a few places, but that is all Sherborn needs to continue to prosper. The town pond, Farm Pond, is perfect for the summer. You can do swim lessons or sailing lessons and it is a great place to cool off! The Dover-Sherborn school system is one of the best in Massachusetts and it is a great place for kids to prosper!... Read 34 reviews

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• Population 4,406

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  70 reviews

Current Resident: It's a town with city feel. East Arlington/Arlington center/Arlington heights all have very convenient locations. Connecting to Route 2, MassAve, and close to I 93. The town is mix of urban and suburban feel. People here are friendly. Sports are seen everywhere with great facilities. A lot of park resources. Spy pond is awesome for kayaking or boating. Arlington is also famous for music and art. The annual Porchfest is a cool event. Arlington public system is good too that teachers tries their best to bring the best of students.... Read 70 reviews

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• Population 46,045

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: West concord offers a bunch of local businesses and farms in town to add to its unique environment. Family oriented and great town for kids to grow up.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 7,003

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  48 reviews

Current Resident: Great and safe area for children 👶 it’s great to raise kids in a safe environment. Very nice people, warm welcoming people. I was impressed, when my kids went out for candy hunting on Halloween, without me and they came home safe. The farm kind of environment is even better! Fresh foods for the community. A meaningful environment!... Read 48 reviews

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• Population 11,254

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: This town is so pretty and historic. While some people can be snobby because of the wealth that exists, there are also a lot of genuine and caring people. I have best friends here that I know will be in my life forever. Concord gave me such an amazing childhood experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything! Only thing is that is extremely white and there is almost no diversity which really bothers me.... Read 29 reviews

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• Population 18,424

• City in Massachusetts

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  129 reviews

Current Resident: I love it here! Cambridge, MA is the Mecca of Biotechnology, which is what I want to continue in my Professional Career, but also in Graduate School. It is very safe, diverse, The Top Two Universities in the World are here, the salary is high, specially for those who work in Tech and Biotech meaning that you can easily have a great quality of life. Lastly, I highly recommend those who are ambitious and career driven to move here, if you can make it here, you can make it ANYWHERE!... Read 129 reviews

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• Population 116,892

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  28 reviews

Former Resident: Overall Bedford is a warm and quiet neighborhood. Although not very diverse, its people are open to meeting new people from far and near. Its schools are small, but its size allows increased teacher commitment for student engagement and success. Its night life is lackluster, a short trip into Boston is nothing out of the ordinary. Family friendly activities are around every corner with new things to explore every weekend.... Read 28 reviews

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• Population 14,287

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  73 reviews

Current Resident: I like the community that is Natick. Natick Days and nights at the common where people are able to connect with people they may not have talked to before has been one of my best experiences in Natick. The people here are very nice, and they are always so welcoming. Although I have had some bad experiences, I really love Natick and the people that live here!... Read 73 reviews

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• Population 36,627

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: Great place to raise a family. Beautiful open land, Not congested with traffic, close proximity to rt 2 and 495. Just minutes away from Acton Commuter Rail Train station. For anyone that travels to Cambridge, it takes only 29 minutes on an express train to reach Porter Square! Outstanding school district and is highly ranked. Apple picking in the Fall is a must. I can’t think of a better place to live in the greater suburb of Boston if the highlights above are important to you.... Read 20 reviews

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• Population 7,130

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Overall a very nice farming community, it is a bit far out there and is closer to Nashua, NH. The town is pretty small but has great public schools and is very friendly to new people.... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 3,369

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  98 reviews

Current Resident: Unforgettable nature views from the Fells, Whip Hill Park, Pine Banks, and Ell Pond. Walkable city with MBTA bus (limited) and three Purple Line stops along the downtown main street. Pretty good restaurants to dine at with the family after a hike or a football game. The schools are great and the city is safe!... Read 98 reviews

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• Population 29,567