2023 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in the Boston Area

• City in Massachusetts

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 116,892

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  113 reviews

Current Resident: Small town vibes in the big city! Has everything you could want, within a couple miles. New access to public transport makes it easy to get into Boston, and most of the area is very walkable. Diverse, community oriented, and beautiful! Has gentrified over the years, and is supposed to be getting new high roses. Wonder how is will effect the community.... Read 113 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Population 80,608

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 62,620

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  81 reviews

Current Resident: I have been living in Watertown, Massachusetts for about 20 years, and I am still very happy with my decision to move here! The school system is great! I raised both my sons here, and there are many nice parks to frequent. They play sports, and my youngest plays basketball and soccer at Vicory Field a lot, which was totally redone a few years ago. I also work in Watertown too, so the commute is pretty great. I'm happy to say my husband and I just bought our first home here last year! It's nearby to everything honestly. Walking our dogs around our neighborhood or taking them to the friendly doggie park nearby is our favorite thing to do!! Greats spots to eat as well, with lots of diverse selections. Watertown is a gem!... Read 81 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• grade A+

• Population 35,171

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  152 reviews

Current Resident: I love it here! It is convenient to so many areas of Massachusetts (Boston, North Shore, Metrowest, Somerville, Cambridge, etc.). It's suburban but still very active. Has great public transportation and access to highways. A great mix of ages of residents. Has many large-brand stores nearby but also great local restaurants. All-around an awesome place to live.... Read 152 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• grade A+

• Population 60,708

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 46,045

• Town in Massachusetts

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  75 reviews

Other: It’s great! Really I really enjoy waking up in the morning to the birds shearing and the morning breeze and the sun shining.... Read 75 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• grade A+

• Population 64,655

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 27,056

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  189 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve been living in Quincy Massachusetts for over a year and my experience living here has been very safe and productive. I never get bored, the trains are very close by and the rent there is very affordable. Overall 10/10 place to live.... Read 189 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Population 100,544

• Town in Massachusetts

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 88,647

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  190 reviews

Current Resident: Malden is a unique and quiet town, at least from the part where I live. It has very nice pizza shops and boba places to come eat and drink with friends, the community in Malden is very caring as they advocate for donations to the poor and strive for the upmost happiness as well. I enjoy coming outside and walking through the park every once and a while and playing sports with friends and family. And the diversity here is wonderful as well, there are many people with different kinds of backgrounds and some with similar backgrounds too. They also have a nearby mosque where I can gather and pray with many Muslim people and unite with a peaceful Muslim community. Knowing that there is a space and area for people like me is what ensures my safety and peace and know that everyday can be a good day here in Malden.... Read 190 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A+

• Population 65,602

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  53 reviews

Current Resident: Nice, friendly town, but many residents have lived here their whole lives. There are always families moving in and out and plenty of kid-friendly activities. This is also an amazing town for people with dogs!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 26,234

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  114 reviews

Current Resident: Queer friendly area, quiet during the off season, amazing restaurants, friendly neighbors and strong sense of community.... Read 114 reviews

• grade B+

• grade C+

• grade A

• Population 44,452

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: I love how many small businesses Norwood has it really makes the town unique. The community really cares for each other!... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 31,256

• Town in New Hampshire

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  266 reviews

Current Resident: I love how close it is to everything. You're a five minute ride away from any retail or grocery store, 10-15 minutes away from some form of entertainment like the movie theater, an ice rink, rock climbing, and more. You're only an hour ride way from the beach too! There are also many opportunities for health and wellness. There are multiple gyms such as Planet fitness and the YMCA that provide places to improve their physical wellbeing. Another positive are the three hospitals located in immediate proximity of Nashua.... Read 266 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 90,659

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 36,627

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 29,567

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: If you are planning to visit or live in Dedham, I would say that it is a good community. Many restaurants and food places are available in Dedham including: Friday's, Panera, Dedham House of Pizza, Yard House, Chick-fil-a, and more. If you are looking for something to buy I'd suggest going to Legacy place or the Dedham Plaza where you can find various stores to shop at. There is a public elementary school, middle school, and high school all within walking distance.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• grade A

• Population 25,308

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  110 reviews

Current Resident: Braintree is a hidden gem for people looking for a house to buy. It's one of the few towns that has a T stop(but also has a commuter rail stop). It's school system is better than Melrose(Yet the housing price is nowhere close to Melrose). And it's close to many shopping centers, wholesale clubs, and restaurants. Perfect to raise a family and easy to get to Boston, cambridge, and seaport for work(orange line and green line won't get to all 3). Not to even mention low property taxes and utility bills(electric and water). Very much underrated town.... Read 110 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 38,712

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: Living here has been an absolute joy. I just moved here in September and it already feels like home. It's safe, located in a very convenient location between Boston and Worcester. There are amazing restaurants, shops and trails to explore nature. I would like to see the town become a bit more diverse!... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 18,646

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  82 reviews

Current Resident: Since moving to Massachusetts, Marlborough has provided a welcoming atmosphere to live. There are plenty of places to shop and commuting to neighboring towns is within reasonable distance and time. Police presence is prominent which is reassuring, reinforces a sense of safety while out and about and they are professionals. Neighborhoods and streets are well maintained for the most part, very rare to come across a rundown building. Downtown Marlborough is pleasant with charming little shops and friendly staff at the local post office. Overall, Marlborough is pretty family friendly and a great place to live even for couples and young families.... Read 82 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Population 41,505

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  45 reviews

Current Resident: Medway is a great place to live! Friendly people, great schools with a small town feel. Having bi-racial family members, I found Medway to be inclusive. The people of the community have treated my family with dignity and respect. Neighbors were so welcoming when we first moved to the community, finally felt like this was the "home" I had always been looking for. A fantastic place to raise a family, no matter your race, religious beliefs or orientation. Good, good people here!... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 13,105

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 14,287

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: Been living here for a year. Moved from Somerville to maynard amidst COVID. Could not be happier! Great community, easy access to outdoor activity, and good art scene.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Population 10,702

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  25 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 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• grade A

• Population 10,120