Top 15 Massachusetts Living Locations for Families and Professionals

It is often said that Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the birthplace of America, tracing back to the establishment of the first European settlement in 1620. This significant historical event heralded a future characterized by evolution, as Massachusetts continues to serve as a national beacon for transformation.

The state initially developed as a center for agriculture, fishing, and whaling, eventually evolving into the core of American industry.

By the close of the 20th century, the Old Colony State experienced a remarkable transformation as a hub for technology and arts, an era popularly referred to as “The Massachusetts Miracle.” This reinvention has inspired similar revivals across urban areas worldwide.

Presently, the Greater Boston region demonstrates remarkable technological prowess, with a concentration of IT professionals surpassing that of many central European nations. Massachusetts has firmly positioned itself as a leader in academia, with technology and education continuing to dominate its economic landscape.

In fact, WalletHub identified it as the most educated state in the United States in 2017, with Massachusetts ranking third in innovation.

Moreover, Massachusetts ranked sixth among the best states for family life, highlighting strengths particularly in education and childcare, health and safety, affordability, and recreational activities—thereby creating an ideal environment for families looking to nurture their loved ones.

The finest living locations in Massachusetts are distributed throughout the Bay State. Proximity to employment-rich Boston typically correlates with elevated living expenses. However, moving farther from “The Hub” often equates to a more leisurely pace of life, though this should not be interpreted as boredom.

Herein, we present our selection of the 15 premier places to reside in Massachusetts.

1. Waltham, Massachusetts

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First on our list is Waltham, a city in Middlesex County that stands out as one of the finest places to reside in Massachusetts. This vibrant city provides numerous opportunities for exploration and engagement, particularly through its extensive array of outdoor activities.

Residents appreciate the recreational offerings at Prospect Hill Park and the Charles River Reservation. With a population of approximately sixty-four thousand, Waltham features an exceptional education system, a robust economy, and abundant leisure activities.

Renowned for its commitment to education, rich arts and culture, and historical significance, Waltham’s job market has expanded by four percent, and the unemployment rate remains below the national average. Although the cost of living is forty-nine percent higher than the national average, this is not unexpected in the Northeastern United States.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the notable activities in Waltham include:

• Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation
• Prospect Hill Park
• Rose Art Museum
• Gore Place Museum
• Landmark’s Embassy Cinema
• New England Aquarium
• Museum of Science

2. Lexington, Massachusetts

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Lexington has been recognized as the top place to live in Massachusetts by Niche. This location holds historical significance as the site where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired.

The community, with nearly thirty-three thousand residents, commemorates its role in the struggle for independence on the first Monday of April each year without fail.

It is fitting that such a historically rich area advanced into a well-established town. Lexington features some of the highest-performing public schools in the country, coupled with a low crime rate.

Nevertheless, the cost of living is elevated, with median home values reaching approximately a quarter million. Nevertheless, residents enjoy some of the highest average household incomes nationwide, reaching six figures.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the activities to enjoy in Lexington include:

• Lexington Battle Green
• Wilson Farm Inc
• Hancock-Clarke House
• Wagon Wheel
• Lexington Visitors Center
• Lexington Venue Movie Theater
• The Harvard Museum of Natural History

3. Leverett, Massachusetts

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If tranquility and seclusion are paramount in your search for a location, Leverett is unparalleled.

Situated in Franklin County, Leverett ranks among our list of desirable towns due to its affordable living costs, combined with the benefits it offers. Nestled in picturesque surroundings, this small community of around two thousand residents is served by a highly-rated school district and boasts an almost negligible crime rate.

Despite home values that trend higher than the national average, Leverett’s residents benefit from a lifestyle centered around natural attractions and outdoor pursuits, compensating for the absence of commercial establishments such as bars or restaurants.

Entertainment & Activities

Some recommended activities in Leverett include:

• Puffers Falls
• Emily Dickinson Museum
• North Hadley Sugar Shack
• Mead Art Museum
• Lake Wyola State Park
• Leverett Pond
• Memorial Hall Museum
• Adventure In Adventure Out

4. Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Cambridge is distinguished as the home of two of the world’s foremost academic institutions: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University.

If residing among an exceptionally intelligent community aligns with your goals, few places offer such opportunities like this Middlesex County city that is home to over one hundred thousand residents.

However, Cambridge is not solely about academia. The area provides a dynamic nightlife scene, replete with an array of excellent bars, restaurants, and unique cultural venues.

The average cost of homes in Cambridge is approximately half a million dollars, reflective of the pricing for a typical two-bedroom, one-bath condominium.

Entertainment & Activities

Some notable attractions in Cambridge include:

• Harvard Square
• Harvard Art Museums
• MIT Museum
• Harvard University
• Central Square Shopping Mall
• Boston Common City Park

5. Winchester, Massachusetts

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Winchester is a suburban town located near Boston, housing a population of twenty-two thousand. It is regarded as a family-centric community, a reputation upheld since the 1970s.

Similar to many family-oriented towns in Massachusetts, Winchester boasts a top-tier school district, achieving the highest possible rating of 10 on GreatSchools.

With minimal crime rates and convenient access to Boston, residents frequently enjoy outdoor leisure at Mystic Lakes, whether swimming, paddling, sailing, or ice-skating.

However, living in Winchester involves substantial expenses, with average monthly rents exceeding $1,500. If you are looking to invest in a home, be prepared to budget upwards of a quarter million dollars.

Entertainment & Activities

Activities available in Winchester include:

• Stone Zoo
• Ginn Field
• Launch Family Entertainment Park
• Central Rock Gym
• New England Aquarium

6. Newton, Massachusetts

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According to TIME’s Money Magazine, Newton has been ranked as the 26th best place to live in the United States.

Housing eighty-eight thousand residents, this affluent town comprises 13 villages and is known for exemplary public schools, tree-lined streets, and historical homes with median values around a quarter million.

Nicknamed the Garden City, Newton is located less than 10 miles from Boston and boasts a thriving economy. Major employers include Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Boston College.

Newton’s residents enjoy substantial incomes, providing them with financial security against the high cost of living, with average household earnings exceeding six figures.

Entertainment & Activities

Highlights in Newton include:

• The Shops at Chestnut Hill
• Jackson Homestead and Museum
• Longyear Museum
• Hemlock Gorge
• Hammond Pond Trail
• Newton Centre

7. Sharon, Massachusetts

Source: Marcbela (Marc N. Belanger) / Wikimedia

While Sharon hasn’t been featured in TIME’s esteemed list in recent years, it has consistently ranked highly on various platforms, including Niche.com, which recognizes it as one of the top places to live in Massachusetts.

Situated in Norfolk County, Sharon has a population of approximately eighteen thousand. Its proximity to Boston grants residents access to numerous employment opportunities, further supported by the job market in nearby Providence and the Route 128 tech corridor.

The region’s flourishing job market ensures that residents earn significant salaries, typically averaging six figures. With 40% of the town preserved as open space, Sharon exudes a charming suburban atmosphere.

Notably, Lake Massapoag is a favored destination for both residents and visitors, who partake in picnics, swimming, and the beloved Memorial Beach concerts.

Sharon’s diversity is also reflected in its public schools, which serve a student body consisting of 30% non-white individuals.

Entertainment & Activities

Recommended activities in Sharon include:

• Borderland State Park
• Ames Mansion
• Ward’s Berry Farm
• Lake Massapoag
• Moose Hill Farm
• Warner Trail
• Crescent Ridge Dairy

8. Provincetown, Massachusetts

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If you desire a residence near stunning beaches, Provincetown is unmatched within the Codfish State.

Known colloquially as P-town, this town of three thousand inhabitants sits at the tip of Cape Cod and serves as a bustling tourist destination. Visitors flock to its beaches year-round, drawn by its artistic community and cultural offerings.

Remarkably, P-town has maintained its unique identity despite decades of growth as a cultural hub. Visitors will notice its vibrant artistic scene, evident in various craft stores and art galleries, along with centers that promote visual arts and literature.

Provincetown is also renowned for its large LGBTQ+ community, especially during the summer months. It is home to America’s oldest gay bar, The Atlantic House, while also attracting intellectuals over the years. The median home value in Provincetown hovers around half a million dollars.

Entertainment & Activities

Some popular activities in Provincetown include:

• Old Harbor Lifesaving Station
• Province Land’s Visitor Center
• Long Point Beach
• Beech Forest
• Provincetown Library

9. Marblehead, Massachusetts

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Next on our list is Marblehead, a suburb of Boston situated in Essex County, where over twenty thousand residents live.

While Marblehead experiences a crime rate slightly higher than many other towns discussed, this does not imply an unsafe environment. Rather, it signifies a different context regarding what constitutes crime in various areas.

Families in Marblehead typically earn a combined six-figure income, and children benefit from education in some of the nation’s finest public schools, attaining high scores on GreatSchools.

Marblehead is committed to fostering a strong sense of community, extending to its students through a booster club that offers academic scholarships for accomplishments in both academic and extracurricular activities.

Entertainment & Activities

Some key attractions in Marblehead include:

• Fort Sewall
• Downtown Marblehead
• Devereux Beach
• Old Burial Hill
• Castle Rock Park
• Crowninshield Island

10. Sudbury, Massachusetts

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Sudbury is a picturesque town in Middlesex County, offering an attractive living environment for its eighteen thousand residents. The area boasts exceptionally low crime rates, making it a desirable location.

Sudbury’s public schools are consistently rated among the best in the state, evidenced by the impressive performance of students at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in science, mathematics, and English on standardized tests.

Access to healthcare, grocery stores, restaurants, and shops is conveniently close, and the close-knit community frequently participates in local events ranging from movie screenings to holiday dinners.

However, residents highlight a common downside: the high cost of living. Home values typically exceed a quarter million, while rental prices remain below $1,000 per month. Finding a rental property in Sudbury is competitive, yet the median household income surpasses six figures.

Entertainment & Activities

Activities to enjoy in Sudbury include:

• Wayside Inn Grist Mill
• Tippling Rock
• Redstone Schoolhouse
• New England Garden Company
• Haskell Field
• Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

11. Wellesley, Massachusetts

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Wellesley epitomizes a quintessential Massachusetts town.

Renowned for its outstanding school system, Wellesley produces a high volume of students who progress to higher education institutions.

Among the most notable is Wellesley College, featuring a picturesque campus that harmonizes historical charm with modern aesthetics, complemented by lush greenery. Babson College is also a prominent institution.

The town’s 29,000 residents enjoy ample opportunities for outdoor activities, with extensive trails, an arboretum, and numerous tranquil parks to explore.

True to the character of many towns in the Commonwealth, Wellesley boasts unique retail establishments, including Blue Ginger, Wasik’s Cheese Shop, and Wellesley Books, treasured by both locals and visitors alike.

Wellesley is synonymous with a high quality of life, albeit accompanied by a correspondingly high cost of living. Average home prices surpass one million dollars, often placing homeownership out of reach for many.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the attractions in Wellesley include:

• Wellesley Square
• Wellesley College
• Brook Path
• Hunnewell Park
• Wellesley Symphony
• Elm Bank Reservation

12. Concord, Massachusetts

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Concord is historically significant as the site of the battles that ignited the American Revolution—namely, the battles of Concord and Lexington.

The town, which is home to over nineteen thousand residents, has a rich literary heritage, once attracting notable authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Their contributions are honored within the quaint, cozy town library that features a dedicated wing for transcendentalist literature.

Concord presents an appealing opportunity for individuals seeking excellent educational institutions, diverse amenities including shops and restaurants, and those who can accommodate an average home price of around a quarter million.

More affordable options can be found, with prices starting around $400,000 for three-bedroom, two-bath single-family homes, although overall living expenses tend to be relatively high.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the noteworthy activities in Concord include:

• Battle Road Trail
• Minute Man Historical Park
• The Concord Museum
• Old North Bridge

13. Newburyport, Massachusetts

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Newburyport boasts a rich maritime history as a former seaport, rendering it a significant tourist destination. It is also an inviting place to establish residency, as evidenced by the experiences of its eighteen thousand residents. While incomes may not be as high as in other locales on this list, household earnings average around $90,000.

Commuting to Boston may require some additional time; however, it is a manageable drive. Residents interested in reducing their carbon footprint can opt for the local commuter rail service.

Newburyport experiences a moderate crime rate. The area features a wealth of dining establishments that offer diverse cuisines, from local specialties to New Orleans-inspired dishes. The average home prices are slightly below half a million, making it relatively more affordable than several other locations.

Entertainment & Activities

Highlights of activities in Newburyport include:

• Maudslay State Park
• Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
• Waterfront Park
• Riverwalk Brewing Co.
• Plum Island Lighthouse
• Clipper City Rail Trail
• Cashman Park

14. Beverly, Massachusetts

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Next on our list is Beverly, one of the oldest cities in the Old Colony State.

Located a mere 16 miles from Boston, this city, with a population of forty thousand, enjoys a relatively manageable cost of living, although median home values remain above the national average.

With an average wage around $75,000, which exceeds the national average, coupled with a low crime rate, Beverly is an appealing choice for many families, particularly due to the access to high-performing schools.

Beverly facilitates easy commutes to Boston, yet the variety of restaurants and local attractions allow residents to enjoy their community without needing to travel to the city after hours.

Entertainment & Activities

Things to do in Beverly include:

• Long Hill
• John Cabot House
• North Shore Music Theatre
• Dane Street Beach
• Larkin Theatre
• Independence Park
• Baluch House

15. Longmeadow, Massachusetts

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Finally, we present Longmeadow, a quaint town in Hampden County, home to just under sixteen thousand people.

This picturesque town exemplifies charm and community spirit. The public school system is among the best in the state, with Longmeadow High School consistently producing students who excel in standardized tests, evidenced by a 96% college return rate.

The high school’s music program has also gained national recognition, earning several Grammy Awards during competitions.

Furthermore, Longmeadow offers a comparable cost of living relative to other options on our list, with median home prices slightly above the national average. Depending on the area, residents can find spacious three or four-bedroom single-family homes for roughly a hundred thousand less than many of the alternate options.

Entertainment & Activities

Popular activities in Longmeadow include:

• Longmeadow Historic District
• Forest Park
• Alex’s Bagel Shop
• Greenwood Park
• The Longmeadow Shops
• Six Flags New England