2023 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Massachusetts

• 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 3.91 out of 5  11 reviews

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

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• Population 2,776

• 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

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  51 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 51 reviews

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• Population 29,365

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  139 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 139 reviews

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• Population 62,620

• 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 3.96 out of 5  52 reviews

Current Resident: Sharon is a great town! It's quiet, small, and has a very homey feel to it. It's a predominantly white Jewish town, but there are a multitude of different races that reside here as well. However, growing up here you would here a lot of kids say that there's nothing to do in Sharon because of the lack of popular businesses (ex. Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, etc) and also the lack of entertainment industries such as shopping mall, outlets, or stores, movie theatre, etc. I guess it just depends on how quiet you like the town you live in to be.... Read 52 reviews

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• Population 18,477

• 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 3.8 out of 5  15 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 15 reviews

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• Population 5,894

• 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 4 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Has been a wonderful place to raise our kids. Pro's are Schools are excellent, always in the top 10 in the state for MCAS scores. High School is The Bromfield School. Kids are getting a private school education at a public school price. Really beautiful town with lots of conversation land and town beach. Nice town center with brand new Elementary School and Library. Multiple apple orchards and horse properties. Lots of town spirit, Halloween held in town center for the children is a great tradition. Con's are very high taxes and little affordable and senior housing. Very limited town services. Sports are not covered in property taxes and often run $300/child. Small population, approx. 6,500. No grocery store, hardware store, retail etc, have to drive to neighboring towns for everything. Ft. Devens is nearby and active training includes munitions fire. Overall a lovely place to live and for kids to grow up.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 6,829

• 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 4.17 out of 5  81 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Andover in the summer of 2018 as a middle schooler and my transition was amazing. I always thought of myself as outgoing but anxious and easily made friends in the school system, the teachers were so welcoming and helpful in my transition. Andover High school is an amazing athletic and academic public school, i've had great experiences in school and in extracurriculars. The teachers are supportive yet challenging, student body is accepting and kind, and the all around feeling in town is so welcoming. The livelihood of downtown andover is filled with students from the surrounding middle and elementary school, dog walkers, and full of families of all ages bustling around. From my experience, I would totally recommend moving to Andover, the community is an awesome thing to be apart of.... Read 81 reviews

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• Population 36,323

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: Bolton is a rural town about 45 minutes outside of Boston. It has a great regional school district and is close enough to Boston to commute but far enough away were it's more affordable! I really like Bolton as they're many trails and nature preserves around the town!... Read 6 reviews

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• Population 5,606

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  16 reviews

Current Resident: Southborough is one of the best place to live in Metrowest area near Boston. School system is truly best and highly rated. Very convenient to commute since it’s close to Route 9, Mass Pike, 495 and most importantly it’s only 10-12 mins drive from Natick Mall. The boarder town such as Framingham is a resourceful place. This is a best town to raise children, the town is very safe and calm, neighbors are very friendly. Some of the roads may need immediate improvement for safety purpose. An additional thing, if your child has any special need and looking for a great school system, Southborough is a best solution.... Read 16 reviews

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• Population 10,380