2023 Most Diverse Places to Live in the Boston Area

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.39 out of 5  318 reviews

Current Resident: Vibrant atmosphere in a suburban setting. Dorchester is a dream location for millennials. There's an abundance of walkable bars and restaurants in the area, while the neighborhood also offers ample green space for walking, biking, and strolling. The MBTA Red Line offers direct connection to Downtown Boston and Cambridge, making Dorchester a very transit-oriented neighborhood as well. Dorchester abuts the lively South Boston, which has an even bigger amenity base that include beaches, parks, retails, and numerous pubs.... Read 318 reviews

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• Population 124,208

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.3 out of 5  267 reviews

Current Resident: There are a lot of opportunities to connect with the community and the cultural melting pot that is present there is very comforting! Most would be skeptical of coming to such a place because of what is is usually tied to, but there are other aspects of the town that truly encompass the excellence of Brockton.... Read 267 reviews

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• Population 104,216

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.49 out of 5  78 reviews

Current Resident: For those who bashed the city the Mayor, you are entitled to your opinion. However, I believe the city has transformed a lot in positive ways because of the Mayor’s ability to lead. I’ve lived in the city for almost 10 years and I can tell you that real estate tax and water bills are one of the lowest around Boston. Schools are OK, but parks and playgrounds are beautiful and plenty. I believe it’s getting better every day and like me, you will not regret a bit once you move here. Keep in mind, when you live on main streets, you’ll most likely get more issues regardless what town you’re in.... Read 78 reviews

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• Population 48,368

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  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

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• Population 65,602

• City in Massachusetts

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  817 reviews

Current Resident: Wonderful city with an incredible number and variety of accessible day trips. Cleaner, smaller, and friendlier than other cities, however still a major international city that does not lack in opportunities or job prospects. Tons of restaurants and things to do, both outdoors and in! One downside is the nightlife ends a bit too early in the night.... Read 817 reviews

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• Population 672,814

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  102 reviews

Current Resident: I love the diversity and great restaurant option located within the town. The town is people-friendly and has excellent learning opportunities in the winter and summer. We have a police station and two firefighter stations within the same town, helping keep us safe.... Read 102 reviews

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• Population 33,924

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.57 out of 5  189 reviews

Current Resident: I appreciate the diversity of Lowell. I have come across multiple different backgrounds and have come to see that there are communities within the community! There is a large Cambodian Community that support each other with resources, markets, and networking. Though the commute can be more difficult, Lowell does still have commuting times on 495. If you happen to be a commuting taking public transportation; just a heads up, get to know the LRTA bus the routes and how Lowell's system works because it is not the same as the MBTA. It also runs at specific times so understand when you would need to leave home in order to catch the bus. This could quite possibly the most annoying thing about living in Lowell when you grew up in Boston. Lowell looks to improve their school system and has taken steps to better their hiring practices. A better education for the children of Lowell is very promising. Overall, Lowell does not have much of a nightlife but still offered a great community.... Read 189 reviews

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• Population 114,804

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.38 out of 5  228 reviews

Current Resident: I was born in Lynn and have lived in Lynn my whole life. I went through the public school system which for me was great. So much diversity, a wide range of activities and teachers were always willing to help... When I was younger Lynn had a pretty bad rep, and to this day still kind of does. However, I've witnessed first hand the amazing changes they've made to it over the years. Making buildings and streets look more appealing. Beyond the walls project, where they paint murals on buildings. They've built so many new apartment complexes trying to attract new residents. It has a secure means of public transit.... Read 228 reviews

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• Population 100,233

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  72 reviews

Current Resident: Hyde park for me has always been home. A great majority of my family has lived here for decades. In addition to that I have played in multiple neighborhood basketball leagues throughout the area that has always been the peak moments of my child hood. In addition to that there are many awesome places to eat like my favorite pizza shop: Papa Gino's. To add on to that I always feel a sense of security in Hyde Park, I'm never afraid to go outside or worried about any dangers that may be out there. Lastly the people here are really nice and genuine, I would also add that it is a very diverse place as well.... Read 72 reviews

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• Population 36,883

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.31 out of 5  117 reviews

Current Resident: It’s an up and coming neighborhood with diverse residents. Check out the urban garden on Thornton Street!... Read 117 reviews

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• Population 45,898

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  79 reviews

Current Resident: Roslindale is a very friendly place and the area has many convenient places to shop or visit. For children there are also places to play at and fields for sports. There is rarely any criminal activity in the area. Although, there are many convenient stores there are also not many options for healthy shopping nearby. But there’s always a place for you to eat and get food or groceries from. There is also a target and a market. In the square sometimes there’ll be a market setup as well. The schools in the area are also good schools and there’s also forest hills, a train/bus station, which is good for anyone who needs transportation. I personally also enjoy the shop called delicious yogurt which is perfect in this hot weather. Another plus, is the arboretum which is great for getting out in nature or for exercising purposes.... Read 79 reviews

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• Population 30,074

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.41 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: Great location near the city but still feels very safe and residential. Lots of awesome restaurants! Easy to navigate and walk around.... Read 44 reviews

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• Population 12,854

• Town in Massachusetts

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  Rating 3.72 out of 5  158 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Framingham, Massachusetts to attend Framingham State University and one of my favorite things about FSU is the surrounding area and city of Framingham. While the city has few options for nightlife it is a nice and welcoming area for families to set up camp! This area has various options for fun and cuisine if you know where to look. The city is also surrounded by neighboring cities and towns that offer fun and entertainment for all ages!... Read 158 reviews

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• Population 72,089

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  113 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Revere my entire life. I attended public school in Revere until 5th grade when I left the school system and went to a private school in a nearby town. As a member of the town sports leagues and the friends and family that live here, I have always been a part of the large, diverse community that Revere provides. Although this town has its downsides, like most towns do, the pros of growing up here outweigh the cons tremendously. Living in a diverse community has opened my eyes to many cultures and experiences as well as shopping in so many different businesses. One of my closest family friends owns a Halah Market and this is something that is not considered common in surrounding towns.... Read 113 reviews

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• Population 60,720

• Neighborhood in Cambridge, MA

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: The Port offers a suburban vibe and proximity to Central Square and Kendall Square. The neighborhood is generally very safe and family-friend. You can find pockets of city parks with great amenities. Many big tech and biotech companies have offices near the area, creating abundant job opportunities for young professionals.... Read 4 reviews

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• Population 6,437

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  156 reviews

Current Resident: Love living here! So peaceful, neighbors are so nice. Very family friendly and the school system is very nice. love it would absolutely recommend living here. Great place to raise a family.... Read 156 reviews

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• Population 52,536

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.03 out of 5  188 reviews

Current Resident: Love it here! I took my town for granted when I saw other places. Quincy is really developed. There are lots of shops, groceries, restaurants, and a mall near here. It's also walkable too. The train goes through this town with multiple stops and many buses as well. The education here is not too bad as well. Quincy is also pretty diverse, although it is not a shock when I see a racist Trump supporter living here. Gentrification has also increased here, sadly. Overall, I am pretty satisfied here.... Read 188 reviews

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• Population 100,544

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  75 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful coastal neighborhood, full of diversity and culture, and so close to the city with accessible transportation. Only downside is the heavy gentrification pushing out POC families that lived here for years... Read 75 reviews

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• Population 44,295

• Suburb of Boston, MA

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  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

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• Population 41,505

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  57 reviews

Current Resident: West Roxbury is an overall peaceful neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, stores, attraction sites, and community centers. There's easy access to public transportation and parks. The schools are some of the best in Boston. The only downside is that West Roxbury isn't as financially accessible. There are two main groceries stores and both are pricy. It lacks mom-and-pop shops as well as thrift stores.... Read 57 reviews

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• Population 28,283

• Neighborhood in Boston, MA

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  75 reviews

Current Resident: Jamaica Plain is a wonderful place to live, if you are looking for a place in the city but also somewhat suburban. The people in this neighborhood are very friendly and the ethnic backgrounds of those people are very diverse. If you want to go to downtown Boston, you take the train and be there in less than 30 minutes. If you like to take walks and or ride bikes, you easily find the bike and walking trails along the green street and and stony brook train stations. If you want to hang out and get a bite to eat, centre street has a wide variety of restaurants and if you wanted to go shopping there are stores along the way. Overall Jamaica Plain is a city within a city and there is always a lot to do and ways to meet new people!... Read 75 reviews

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• Population 34,587

• 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 3.06 out of 5  63 reviews

Current Resident: I recently moved to Chelsea a few years ago from Florida and have found that this city is great! It has convenient access to the major metropolis that is Boston via public transport and it has an industrial feel while still being safe and accessible.... Read 63 reviews

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• Population 40,025

• Neighborhood in Cambridge, MA

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: It is a beautiful, progressive and still diverse neighborhood despite the gentrification that has been occurring in the surrounding areas. Unfortunately some of the local businesses have either moved or shut down for new local expensive housing to be placed, but it is an extremely peaceful, neighborhood. It is extremely close to Central Square which is a hub of lively activity ranging from music shows to diverse restaurants. It is also close to transportation such as the MBTA in central square, close to Kendall, home of MIT, and in close proximity to Brighton/Allston which houses BU. While growing to be an expensive area, for those with a solid salary working in the tech industry, Cambridgeport is the place you want to live in. If you have a family you would like to raise, it is great as well since it has many parks which are dog friendly as well and fields for people to play in and is filled with leagues for children to participate in.... Read 27 reviews

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• Population 10,634

• 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

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• Population 64,655