Boston Suburbs That Offer an Appealing Lifestyle for Buyers

Boston | Image credit: Todd Kent

Boston is one of America’s premier cities, a historic metropolis on Massachusetts Bay. It is a place filled with culture—housing some of the country’s best museums and dining destinations—and is New England’s economic center. There is a lot to love about life in Boston, but there is just as much that draws people to the suburbs surrounding the city.

Many suburbs of Boston have a distinct appeal to buyers. These are scenic places away from the crowds and noise of the city but within easy access of all that Boston has to offer. Let’s look at some of these highly desirable suburbs. 

Somerville

Somerville is a city located located just a 15-minute drive from Boston’s heart. Somerville, home to around 80,000 residents, is a busy city with a lot to offer. It is perfect for families, with highly rated schools and a reputation as one of the safest cities in the state. The many town squares that make up Somerville are bustling with shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it a lively place to explore. It also includes excellent cultural attractions like the Somerville Museum.

Newton

Newton is a suburb just miles from Boston’s city center, with a drive time of around 20 minutes. Newton is a big suburb home to around 87,000, with plenty of aspects to its appeal. The Jackson Homestead/Newton History Museum is a notable historic spot, famed for its role as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The 33-acre Crystal Lake, which includes swimming areas and two parks, is the ideal place to enjoy a summer’s day with family. Newton also has plenty of desirable dining and shopping destinations to enjoy.

Newton

Weston

Weston is a pretty town that can be found with just a 25-minute drive west of Boston. It is filled with colonial architecture and a welcoming small community of around 11,000 residents. It is an affluent suburb with much that drives its appeal, including plenty of publicly accessible green space. Weston has nearly 100 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails, golf courses, playgrounds, and parks. It has historic buildings and museums and a downtown with much to explore, including delicious restaurants and local businesses, giving it a pleasant small-town feel.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a big suburb and home to around 117,000 residents. It is located just across the Charles River and is less than a 15-minute drive from Boston’s downtown. Cambridge is best known for its world-renowned educational institutes, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is a busy college town and is lined with restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars. It has a bustling nightlife, gorgeous waterfront views, and incredible historical architecture, with some buildings tracing their history back to the 17th century. 

Cambridge | Image credit: Bernd Dittrich

Wellesley

Wellesley is a picturesque suburb, home to just under 30,000, and roughly a half-hour drive from Boston.  Being the home of Wellesley College and Babson College, this historical town is renowned for education. It is an affluent suburb known as one of the wealthiest in the area; its stately homes, high safety ratings, and quaint streets make it a standout for buyers. Wellesley Square is the heart of the town, boasting premier commercial attractions to explore. It is a quiet, peaceful town with beautiful real estate options.

Wellesley