2022 Best Suburbs to Live in Massachusetts

• 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

• grade A

• Population 36,271

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  40 reviews

Current Resident: Reading is an absolutely wonderful town. We moved here w/ our kids a few years ago (after living in 2 of the more "highly rated" Boston suburbs) and have never regretted our decision. Reading has a great town atmosphere, small but functional downtown with a # of shops including a great coffee shop, several restaurants and an amazing food, beer, wine and gourmet store. The town is building more mixed use so is getting more crowded but this is happening w/ every suburb close to Boston. You are right off 2 major freeways and have easy access to N. Station via Rail stop in downtown. The people here are generally warm, highly educated and have a strong sense of community. Lovely historical homes, strong educational system, tree lined streets & tons of families.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 25,483

• 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

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 7,003

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  71 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Hingham for 45 years and brought up my two children here. The town is very welcoming and an excellent town to bring up your family. The schools are excellent. The town is only 20 miles from Boston, so very accessible to the arts and restaurants in the city. The town is right on the water, so many opportunities for summer fun. Hingham has so much to offer and it is a beautiful town!... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 24,061

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  93 reviews

Current Resident: Great athletic programs (if that is your thing). Franklin has won the Dalton Award from the Boston Globe for the past three years (Best Division 1 Varsity winning percentage in the state). That being said, the Music program is also top notch across the board as well (Elementary through High School). Academically Franklin boast high marks even when compared to the towns whos cache' is considered higher based on $$ or zip code. People are down to earth, great mix of professional and working class families. Town offers small town feel with big town conveniences (access to train, shopping, etc.).... Read 93 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 33,057

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  51 reviews

Nearby Resident: Newburyport is a beautiful little coastal town that is home to the U.S. Coast Guards among a lot of history, nice shops and restaurants/bars and beautiful houses from the 1600’s-1700’s up to modern. It has a lot of tourism during the summer season and is a slowly growing community for both elderly and young adults and couples, however, I’d like to see more fitness opportunities and better housing options, more amusement. It can be expensive to live there, but if you can afford it, then go for it. There is a beach by a residential area of Plum Island (which goes by different towns as well). They also have a Commuter Rail Train that goes into Boston.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 18,282

• Suburb of Springfield, MA

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  47 reviews

Current Resident: Wilbraham has a fairly safe and welcoming community, there are many nice local stores. The seasons look beautiful here, especially the fall. The school system is not great. The high school itself is fairly new, however it turns its cheek to many things that need to be changed morally.... Read 47 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 14,600

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: I brought now 13 year old daughter to live here in 2009 & we’ve been very happy. She never wants to move! The town is nice, friendly & quiet. We live close to 495 but it’s surprisingly quiet! It’s so convenient to many places, Boston is less than an hour away, NH, 20 minutes by back roads. Really pretty in the autumn especially. Such great history too. I came from a very small(900 or so people) town in NJ so I love the ambience. The schools & faculties are really good. Guess I’m with my daughter, I don’t want to move either!... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 10,063

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  55 reviews

Current Resident: Wrentham is a great town in the suburbs of Massachusetts with great relative distance to everything! Close to Boston and Providence, and not far from the cape either. Plenty of restaurants and things to do both in Wrentham and in the towns around it.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 12,077

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  97 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 97 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 29,567

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  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

• Population 11,531

• 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

• grade A

• Population 26,413

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: I like the town center and proximity to public transit and access to Boston. As well. I enjoy the towns many small businesses such as clothing stores, restaurants, and more. One thing I wish to improve on is our town's diversity.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 24,122

• Town in Massachusetts

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  74 reviews

Current Resident: There is so much to do. They have plenty of restaurants on Moody Street, there is a "Circus" school there too where you can learn aerial acrobatics. There are two colleges in the city. There is an annual Sheep Shearing festival and Steampunk festival. They have a farmers market. They have a Hannafords, Market Basket, Shaws, Stop and Shop, BJs and Whole Foods either in city or very close. Great desserts in the city. Lots of walking trails and sidewalks. Fireworks in near the center of the city on the fourth of July. Building a new high school. There is a gas station in front of Shaws with free air for your tires. You can rent canoes nearby. Bars in the center of town, trivia at Joe Sent Me. CVS and Urgent Care in the city. Newton-Wellesley Childrens hospital in the city.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 64,655

• 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

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 3,369

• 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

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 23,768

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  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

• Population 3,036

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  63 reviews

Current Resident: North Andover, MA is a safe and relatively quiet town. I have lived in North Andover for almost the entirety of my life, it is the only town I can remember living in. I enjoy the beauty of the town in all seasons, the town does a very good job maintaining the common and decorating it for events and holidays. They currently have a Field of Honor made up of 500 American flags, they did a very nice job with it. I also like the local businesses a lot. From restaurants to hair salons, all businesses in the town are so welcoming, clean, and have very good customer service. One thing I'd like to see change in the town is to clear the roads better in the winter. Living in New England, we see a lot of snow during the winter months, I feel that the Town of North Andover could do a better job keeping the streets safe for their residents and visitors.... Read 63 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 30,671

• Suburb of Springfield, MA

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  54 reviews

Current Resident: Overall South Hadley is a great community with something for everyone. There are quiet, closed off neighborhoods along with other neighborhoods being conveniently located next to the schools, mount holyoke, or the commons. If you ever looking for something to do in South Hadley, you can head over to the commons, by yourself, or with a group of friends to enjoy a variety of great dining options, small shops, and even a movie theater. All of the South Hadley public schools provide a great education that prepares students to graduate and be a successful member in their community.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A

• grade B

• Population 18,051

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  151 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 151 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 60,708

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  14 reviews

Former Resident: Grew up here and couldn’t have asked for anything more. Was one of if not the top public school in the state when I graduated. It’s got one of the best beaches in Massachusetts and it’s a beautiful town all around with several parks. The people are nice and friendly and the downtown is quaint and charming. A great place to be if you’re a boater as Gloucester and Marblehead are quick shots via boat. There’s also plenty of weekend boating hangouts. Finally, there’s virtually no crime. The only crime is this town isn’t ranked higher.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 5,382

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: Foxborough is a suburb of Boston with a population of 17,727. Foxborough is in Norfolk County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Foxborough offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Foxborough there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Foxborough and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Foxborough are highly rated.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 18,431

• Suburb of Springfield, MA

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  69 reviews

Current Resident: Amherst is an excellent college town! A wonderful place to live, raise children, and enjoy cuisine. There are incredible public schools here.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 39,814

• 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

• grade A

• Population 5,106

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: I lived in Hingham previously for 14 years, before moving to Cohasset. Although Hingham is absolutley beautiful, with great schools, I have to say I love Cohasset more! I've been living in Cohasset for the past 3 years. What I love about Cohasset is that it is a smaller community, with the same Hingham elegance. It borders, Hingham, Hull, and Scituate (all coastal communities) and has its own beautiful beaches with coastal views. Take a relaxing drive along Jerusalem Rd and Atlantic Ave during a spring/summer day. It will take your breath away. I also feel that the residents are warmer/nicer, and not fake or snobby like other considered wealthier towns. I found my dream town!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 8,295