Best Suburbs of Boston

Thinking of moving to Boston? There are plenty of great places to live just outside of Beantown with affordable living, top-notch schools, and accessible transportation through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). If you’re looking for somewhere to settle down, consider living in one of the best Boston suburbs!

Belmont

Photo via @msawyerrealtor

  • Home Price: $711,200 median purchase price; $1,710 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of Massachusetts cities
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

There are many reasons why Belmont has earned a place among the best Boston suburbs, including its large green spaces like Beaver Brook Reservation, its healthy job market, and its lower-than-average unemployment rate. Called the “Town of Homes” due to the variety of architectural styles found there, Belmont offers a range of historic condos and houses in Georgian, Colonial, and Tudor Revival styles. Families looking for a place to raise children near Boston can feel confident in the education provided by Belmont Public Schools, one of the best school districts in Massachusetts. Additionally, this safe Boston suburb is only a 30-minute drive from Boston proper, making it a great choice for young professionals looking to commute!

Things to Do in Belmont

See nature-inspired art shows, walk the trails, go bird-watching, or rent a plot in the community garden at the Mass Audubon Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary. Throw some clay on the pottery wheel during class or reserve time for independent study at Indigo Fire Studio. Take in gorgeous woodland views and bring the kids to cool off at the spray deck on hot summer days at Beaver Brook Reservation. Plan a weekend camping trip to Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. Reserve a table at one of the best Italian restaurants in the Boston area and sample upscale dishes like Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Grilled Bavette Steak, or Gnocchi ai Funghi at Il Casale. Grab your favorite sushi roll, Pad Thai, or a bowl of hand-pulled Biang Biang Noodles at Shine’s Fresh Asian. Split a Margherita Pizza with friends or get a Roasted Veggie Panini and a plate of Pasta Diablo for yourself at Stone Hearth Pizza. Or try Mediterranean and Greek fare like Chicken Souvlaki, a Lamb Burger Pita, or a Chicken Gyro at My Other Kitchen.

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Brookline

  • Home Price: $758,400 median purchase price; $2,005 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 54% of Massachusetts cities
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Much like Boston, Brookline is a perfect blend of quaint, tree-lined residential neighborhoods and vibrant urban areas. This popular New England suburb is a favorite among young professionals, given its quick commutes into Downtown Boston via the MBTA and good walkability as part of the WalkBoston network. Families will enjoy the numerous educational opportunities in the area at top-rated schools like Brookline High School, Pierce School, and Lawrence School. Plus, with the Coolidge Corner light rail, residents of this desirable Boston suburb will have easy access to plenty of shops, restaurants, and other fun things to do in Brookline!

Things to Do in Brookline

Tour America’s oldest collection of vintage cars at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Play a round of golf on the stunning green at the Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course. Enroll your kids in a summer reading program and join a book club at the Public Library of Brookline. Run some laps around the outdoor skating rink and let your dogs run off-leash at Larz Anderson Park, one of the many parks under Brookline’s Green Dog Program. Explore the history of one of the nation’s most influential families at the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site. Savor the Grape Leaves, Chicken Gyro, and other Greek cuisine at Putterham Grille. Pair a plate of Calamares Fritos, Paella, or Choricitos with an extensive list of wines at Taberna de Haro. Or dig into top-notch Middle Eastern cuisine like Shawarma, Kabon, and Baklava at Rami’s.

Lexington

  • Home Price: $769,400 median purchase price; $1,799 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of Massachusetts cities
  • Perfect For: Families, retirees

People moving to suburban Boston will find a fantastic blend of present-day amenities and American history on the safe, quiet, and walkable streets of Lexington. Gorgeous Colonial, Federal, Victorian, Craftsman, and Farmhouse homes provide historical flavor to this Massachusetts suburb. Residents can frequent a variety of historical sites like the bar-turned-museum Buckman Tavern or Minuteman National Historical Park. Plus, families looking for one of the best high schools in the Boston area can find it at Lexington High School.

Things to Do in Lexington

Explore the history of the American Revolution as you reflect on historic monuments like the Minuteman Statue or the Revolutionary War Monument on a tour of the Lexington Battle Green. Stock up on farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, or take part in special seasonal events for the whole family at Wilson Farm, which has been in operation since 1884. Experience live musical performances from the Lexington Symphony, as well as stand-up, poetry, and more in the grand auditorium of Cary Hall. Pour over local artists’ galleries, take classes to boost your own creativity, and see live performances at the Munroe Center for the Arts. Sample an assortment of sushi, sashimi, and maki with the Chef’s Platter, or dig into a bowl of Donburi at Daikanyama. Reserve a table at Boston’s best brunch spot to try the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, the Lamb Hash, or a Breakfast Sandwich at Town Meeting Bistro, located at the Inn at Hastings Park. Fill up on Italian classics like Eggplant Parmigiana, Baked Ziti, or a Mushroom and Green Pepper pizza from Mario’s Italian Restaurant. Or get a five-star dining experience with “energy-shifting plates” like the Vessel Vegan Tacos, Pepperoni Project X Pizza, or the Umami Bomb Burger at craft food hall Revolution Hall.

Newton

Photo via @wgrnstn

  • Home Price: $788,500 median purchase price; $1,733 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Massachusetts cities
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Steeped in New England charm, Newton offers a historic, suburban vibe alongside all the conveniences of living in a bigger city. This Boston suburb is comprised of 13 distinct village centers shaped by rivers, mills, and railroads—each with their own cultures, shops, eateries, and things to do. Those moving to Newton will find a variety of housing options, too, with brick-faced apartments, shuttered Colonials, beautiful Cape Cods, Bungalows, and more. On top of that, Newton has one of the best school districts in Massachusetts, making it a good place for families to live in the Boston area.

Things to Do in Newton

Enjoy upscale shopping, great dining options, green space, and playgrounds at Newton Centre. Explore American history preserved in various interactive exhibits and art galleries at the Jackson Homestead and Museum. Soak up some sun or wade in the water with family at Crystal Lake Beach. See classic movies, indie films, and box office hits at the independently-run West Newton Cinema. Eat your fill of New England favorites like the Seafood Chowdah, Shrimp Scampi, or Baked Lobster Mac N Cheese at District 118 Kitchen & Bar. Sample all kinds of Greek entrees like Moussaka, Spanakopita, and Swordfish Kabob at Farm Grill + Rotisserie. Dine on favorites like Homemade Lasagna, Fish & Chips, and Chicken Rigatoni at the long-standing Echo Bridge Restaurant. Or chow down award-winning homestyle cuisine with a worldly flair with dishes like Chimichurri Steak, Moroccan Vegetable “Tagine,” or the Mushroom Bacon Flat Bread at Blue Salt Restaurant.

Winchester

Photo via @katehendyre

  • Home Price: $796,500 median purchase price; $1,571 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Massachusetts cities
  • Perfect For: Families, retirees

Winchester is a quiet, family-friendly Boston suburb with a small-town feel. The large Middlesex Fells Reservation offers a huge amount of green space to the east, while Mystic Lakes State Park brings waterfront recreation opportunities to the south of the neighborhood. Though the suburb is located on the outskirts of the Boston metro, the MBTA Lowell Line runs directly through the area, making commutes easier and more direct. Families moving to the Boston area will also love their access to great local schools like Ambrose Elementary School and Winchester High School.

Things to Do in Winchester

Explore photography shows, mixed-media exhibitions, and more art at Griffin Museum of Photography. Shop fresh fish, locally-sourced produce, handmade crafts, and more at the Winchester Farmers Market. Grab some paddles and head out on the water to explore forests and parks at Charles River Canoe & Kayak. Unwind in the summer sun with the family at the Splash Park, located at Borggaard Beach. Make dinner plans and choose from dishes like Ebi Shiitake, Baby Tako, and Beef Negimaki at Sakura Japanese. Try the Chicken Al Mattone or Parmesan Ravioli paired with a classic dessert like the Warm Chocolate Torta when you reserve a table at A Tavola. Experience cuisine from around the world like Cashew Coated Haddock, Shrimp Bhuteko, or Chicken Mushroom Tarkari at Mitho. Or savor delicious tavern fare like the Steak Tip Baguette, Black Horse BLTA, or the Tavern Philly at Black Horse Tavern.

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Relocating to Boston? Extra Space Storage has a number of storage facilities throughout the Boston metro that can help with your transition. Find cheap storage near you!

Suburb statistics from AreaVibes

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.

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