Camille Moore
Massachusetts is known for its history, education, and innovation. The state has a diverse range of cities, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburb or a bustling urban center, there’s a Massachusetts city that will suit your needs. In this listicle, we’ve compiled the 25 best cities to live in Massachusetts based on factors such as education, safety, affordability, and quality of life.
1. Newton
With a population of approximately 87,000, Newton is one of the largest cities in Massachusetts. It has a high median household income of $143,000 and a low poverty rate of just 4.2%. The city is known for its excellent schools, with several high schools ranking among the best in the state. Newton is also home to many parks and recreational facilities, including the 59-acre Newton Commonwealth Golf Course and the Crystal Lake Beach.
2. Cambridge
As the home of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge is a hub of innovation and education. The city has a population of around 118,000 and a median household income of $92,000. It also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, theaters, and performance venues. Cambridge is also known for its excellent restaurants, with several Michelin-starred establishments located in the city.
3. Boston
As the capital city of Massachusetts, Boston is the largest city in the state, with a population of around 692,000. It has a high median household income of $71,000 and a low poverty rate of 15.5%. Boston is known for its rich history, with many landmarks and museums dedicated to the city’s role in the American Revolution. It’s also home to several universities, including Boston University and Northeastern University, and has a thriving arts and culture scene.
4. Lexington
With a population of around 33,000, Lexington is a smaller city located just outside of Boston. It has a high median household income of $178,000 and a low poverty rate of just 2.2%. Lexington is known for its strong sense of community, with many local events and festivals held throughout the year. The city is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Lexington Battle Green, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired.
5. Belmont
Belmont is a small suburban city located just outside of Boston, with a population of around 25,000. It has a high median household income of $116,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.8%. Belmont is known for its excellent schools, with several high schools ranking among the best in the state. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Beaver Brook Reservation and the Underwood Pool.
6. Wellesley
With a population of approximately 28,000, Wellesley is a quiet suburban city located just outside of Boston. It has a high median household income of $188,000 and a low poverty rate of just 1.3%. Wellesley is known for its beautiful homes and top-rated schools, including Wellesley College and Babson College. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Wellesley Hills Branch Library and the Morses Pond Beach.
7. Brookline
With a population of around 60,000, Brookline is a popular choice for families and young professionals. It has a high median household income of $102,000 and a low poverty rate of just 8.1%. Brookline is known for its excellent schools, with several high schools ranking among the best in the state. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Larz Anderson Park and the Brookline Reservoir.
8. Needham
With a population of approximately 31,000, Needham is a small suburban city located just outside of Boston. It has a high median household income of $157,000 and a low poverty rate of just 2.5%. Needham is known for its strong sense of community, with many local events and festivals held throughout the year. The city also has several wonderful parks and recreational facilities.
9. Winchester
Winchester is a small suburban city located just outside of Boston, with a population of around 22,000. It has a high median household income of $153,000 and a low poverty rate of just 2.4%. Winchester is known for its excellent schools, with several high schools ranking among the best in the state. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Middlesex Fells Reservation and the Winchester Recreation Department.
10. Arlington
With a population of around 45,000, Arlington is a small suburban city located just outside of Boston. It has a high median household income of $109,000 and a low poverty rate of just 6.1%. Arlington is known for its strong sense of community, with many local events and festivals held throughout the year. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Robbins Farm Park and the Arlington Reservoir.
11. Concord
Concord is a small historic city located just outside of Boston, with a population of approximately 17,000. It has a high median household income of $142,000 and a low poverty rate of just 2.8%. Concord is known for its rich history, with several landmarks and museums dedicated to the city’s role in the American Revolution. The city is also home to several top-rated schools, including Concord Carlisle High School and Middlesex School.
12. Weston
With a population of around 11,000, Weston is a small suburban city located just outside of Boston. It has a high median household income of $251,000 and a low poverty rate of just 1.3%. Weston is known for its beautiful homes and top-rated schools, including Weston High School and Rivers School. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Weston Community Center and the Weston Ski Track.
13. Sherborn
Sherborn is a small suburban town located just outside of Boston, with a population of approximately 4,200. It has a high median household income of $182,000 and a low poverty rate of just 0.4%. Sherborn is known for its strong sense of community, with many local events and festivals held throughout the year. The town also has several parks and recreational facilities, including Farm Pond and the Rocky Narrows Reservation.
14. Lincoln
With a population of around 7,000, Lincoln is a small historic town located just outside of Boston. It has a high median household income of $146,000 and a low poverty rate of just 2.5%. Lincoln is known for its rich history, with several landmarks and museums dedicated to the town’s role in the American Revolution. The town is also home to several top-rated schools, including Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School.
15. Westwood
With a population of around 16,000, Westwood is a small suburban town located just outside of Boston. It has a high median household income of $150,000 and a low poverty rate of just 2.1%. Westwood is known for its excellent schools, with several high schools ranking among the best in the state. The town also has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Hale Reservation and the Westwood Recreation Department.
In conclusion, Massachusetts is home to several excellent towns and cities that offer a high quality of life. The list above highlights some of the best cities to live in the state, based on factors such as median household income, poverty rate, and quality of schools. Each town and city on this list has its unique charm, attractions, and amenities that make it a desirable place to live. From small historic towns to bustling suburban cities, Massachusetts has something to offer for everyone.