2022 Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Massachusetts

Pelham

• Suburb of Springfield, MA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A

• 1,283 Population

Harvard

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  18 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 18 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 6,569 Population

Wayland

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Wayland 20 years (!) ago for the same reason everyone else does - great schools. As I finish raising two kids here, it’s been an amazing town for quality of schools and teachers, for rec programs and sports leagues, and for my neighborhood filled with other kids and friendly parents. The town is liberal and generally very supportive of the schools, which is self-perpetuating. High debate is whether a new town playing field should be turf or not (artificial turf voted down of course). Residents get involved in town committees and groups, and while there can be a north/south divide (Cochituate village is denser than more rural/affluent north Wayland, with associated differences of opinions), the town comes together to support diversity, affordable housing and kids/education. Traffic commuting into Boston can be a bear but if you don’t have to deal with that, it’s an ideal “semi-rural” spot, close to Boston and Rt 9 shopping, but a nice small town community feel...Read 17 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 13,802 Population

Longmeadow

• Suburb of Springfield, MA
• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  61 reviews

Current Resident: Still here after 40 years, raising two children in the school system. They were afforded many opportunities and have returned to raise their own children. Beautiful, quiet town that is walkable and for the most part safe. You make your friends based on your own values no matter where you live. Longmeadow is no different...Read 61 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 15,791 Population

Cordaville

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 3,039 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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 17,598 Population

Bolton

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 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 5 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade A minus

• 5,299 Population

Dover

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 6,044 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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 5,561 Population

North Seekonk

• Suburb in Massachusetts
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I was lucky to grow up in such a great area. Schools systems are the best and you really have the opportunity to know teachers and staff. I'm third generation growing up in our town.Read 2 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• 2,398 Population

Sherborn

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 4,316 Population

Wilbraham

• Suburb of Springfield, MA
• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  46 reviews

Current Resident: Nice neighborhood, close to restaurants and the YMCA, close to Mass Pike. Schools are good. Property taxes are average to high. Lived in Belchertown for past 20 years and loved it. Wilbraham offers closer access to places we regularly go. Pleased so far...Read 46 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• 14,638 Population

Cochituate

• Suburb of Boston, MA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 7,226 Population

Westford

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  84 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 84 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 24,342 Population

Hopedale

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: This town is my home, I’ve lived here my entire life and intend to move back here after graduate school. Although the majority of my family lives overseas I enjoy living in Massachusetts and am used to the small town feel. This is a true community of people that cares for one another. My relationship with my neighbors and other members in my town are long lasting as we’ve known each other for years. My first true friends were formed here and I have many happy memories with my loved ones here. The sense of community and being there for each other in times of news is evident. One of my family member’s house burned down and everyone came together to raise money and donate. In that difficult time for my family everyone came together to help and offer comfort. This shows that we stick together no matter what...Read 21 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• grade B+

• 5,947 Population

Sudbury

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  23 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 23 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 19,122 Population

Carlisle

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  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

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 5,224 Population

Granby

• Suburb of Springfield, MA
• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Long time resident! Excellent schools and even better green space! Lovely quiet area! Many generations of my family has grown up in or around here and I can see why! Very safe neighborhoods and we are always looking out for each other!...Read 7 Reviews

• grade A minus

• grade C+

• grade B+

• 6,322 Population

Medway

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  44 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 44 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade B+

• 13,325 Population

Littleton Common

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: Littleton has been rated one of the safest towns in Massachusetts. We have a very responsive police force and a very low crime rate. I personally feel very privileged to live in a such a clean area. But if there is one thing that often irks me is that, honestly, you do not need 2+ police vehicles to pull over a car. Unless there's some kind of bust going on, which would seem odd in the area, you do not need two officers at a scene where a grandmother with two children in her back seat might have forgotten to turn on her directional. I'm not trying to criticize our police department but coming from an environment where there actually exists a high crime rate I find it a bit ridiculous...Read 5 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade B+

• 3,293 Population

Norfolk

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: Norfolk is a very small town and a very tight knit community. As a teenager preparing to depart for college, I can confidently say that Norfolk was a great place to grow up. The public school system here is phenomenal and has allowed me to cultivate some great memories and benefits. The entire town is very supportive of the children as can be seen at the town sporting events. There has never been any real crime in my time here other than minor incidents. Being a small town there is very little to know night life, meaning that it is a very family friendly environment. There is not much diversity in the town, with a majority of Caucasian families living here. There are not many businesses in the town also other than some small, usually independently owned businesses. In conclusion, I highly recommend the town of Norfolk to any families looking for a wonderful environment for their children...Read 32 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• 11,786 Population

Stow

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  18 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 18 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• grade B+

• 7,133 Population

Sharon

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  51 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 51 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 18,526 Population

Holliston

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: We had visited Holliston for years - to ride bikes on their beautiful rail trail, and we kind of fell in love with the town. In 2020, we bought a house here and it's even better than we could have expected...First off - the people are SO welcoming. More so than anywhere else we've lived. We're nearing retirement so having a sense of community is becoming even more important. Within 3 short months (and during a pandemic!) so many people made a point of welcoming us to the town. ...The other great thing about Holliston is that they really seem to value nature and recreation. The rail trail is fantastic. Swimming and hiking opportunities are readily available. It is a gem!Read 34 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• 14,724 Population

Chelmsford

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  109 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 109 Reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• grade B+

• 35,126 Population