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Boston, Massachusetts offers an appealing blend of career opportunities, cultural vibrancy, and a lively events calendar. However, the allure of city life might not suit everyone. Many individuals and families are opting for the nearby suburbs, seeking spacious homes and access to quality education.
For many, commuting to Boston remains a necessity in pursuit of competitive salaries. Given the rising costs associated with commuting—time, expenses, and overall job satisfaction—selecting the right suburb is crucial. We analyzed the latest data to identify the best Boston suburbs that cater to commuting families.
Top Boston Suburbs for Commuting Families
Below, we outline the top 10 suburbs ideal for working families within commuting distance to Boston and delve into the criteria that shaped our rankings.
How We Determined the Best Boston Suburbs for Commuting Families
We evaluated Boston suburbs based on five key metrics:
- Commute Times
- Crime Rates
- School Ratings
- Median Home Prices
- Household Income
Commute times were calculated using popular mapping tools, considering peak departure times. We factored in the highest expected travel time to account for typical traffic delays. The shorter the commute, the higher the ranking.
For crime, we utilized data on violent crimes per 100,000 residents, recognizing that lower crime rates generally equate to safer living environments.
Median home prices and household income figures were sourced from recent census data, reflecting the importance of affordability and income potential when relocating. Affordable housing with ample space continues to be a significant draw for families.
School ratings were averaged from local public school data, emphasizing the significance of quality education in family decisions. Massachusetts boasts some of the nation’s top public schools, making this a critical factor for many families.
1. Belmont
Commute Times: 40 minutes
Home Price: $813,200
School Rating: #1
Crime Rating: #1
Belmont, Massachusetts ranks as the top suburb for commuting families due to its excellent schools and low crime rates, despite a 40-minute commute.
2. Medford
Commute Times: 26 minutes
Home Price: $464,400
School Rating: #5
Crime Rating: #6
Medford, with a 26-minute commute, balances affordable housing with community amenities, making it ideal for families.
3. Arlington
Commute Times: 50 minutes
Home Price: $609,800
School Rating: #3
Crime Rating: #2
Families in Arlington enjoy strong public schools and a reasonable cost of living, despite a longer commute.
4. Brookline
Commute Times: 35 minutes
Home Price: $885,700
School Rating: #2
Crime Rating: #5
Brookline is favored for its excellent schools and vibrant community, albeit with a higher cost of living.
5. Newton
Commute Times: 40 minutes
Home Price: $886,100
School Rating: #4
Crime Rating: #3
Newton, Massachusetts provides a great mix of education and community amenities, appealing to families looking to balance work and home life.
6. Winthrop
Commute Times: 24 minutes
Home Price: $408,900
School Rating: #10
Crime Rating: #7
Winthrop offers an affordable seaside lifestyle with a short commute, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
7. Revere
Commute Times: 26 minutes
Home Price: $354,700
School Rating: #6
Crime Rating: #12
Revere’s affordability and proximity to Boston make it a popular choice for younger families.
8. Chelsea
Commute Times: 20 minutes
Home Price: $323,400
School Rating: #9
Crime Rating: #13
Chelsea boasts the shortest commute and affordable housing, making it ideal for those transitioning from city living.
9. Somerville
Commute Times: 28 minutes
Home Price: $616,100
School Rating: #7
Crime Rating: #9
Somerville balances affordability and access to quality education, making it a great choice for families despite its higher home prices.
10. Watertown
Commute Times: 30 minutes
Home Price: $521,700
School Rating: #11
Crime Rating: #4
Watertown offers a vibrant community atmosphere, reasonable home prices, and a manageable commute, making it a desirable suburb for families.
Summary of the Best Boston Suburbs for Commuting Families
The suburbs outlined above provide excellent options for commuting families in the Boston area. By considering housing costs, school quality, crime rates, and commuting times, these towns stand out as ideal locations for families seeking balance in their lives. However, personal preferences will greatly influence the best choice for each family. Whether prioritizing a short commute, top-tier schools, or affordability, each suburb offers unique benefits.
Check out the detailed data below:
Best Boston Suburbs for Commuting Families
| Rank | City | Commute (Minutes) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belmont | 40 | 38 | 8 | $813,200 |
| 2 | Medford | 26 | 78 | 5 | $464,400 |
| 3 | Arlington | 50 | 39 | 6 | $609,800 |
| 4 | Brookline | 35 | 73 | 7 | $885,700 |
| 5 | Newton | 40 | 46 | 6 | $886,100 |
| 6 | Winthrop | 24 | 79 | 4 | $408,900 |
| 7 | Revere | 26 | 213 | 5 | $354,700 |
| 8 | Chelsea | 20 | 277 | 4 | $323,400 |
| 9 | Somerville | 28 | 124 | 5 | $616,100 |
| 10 | Watertown | 30 | 67 | 4 | $521,700 |
| 11 | Everett | 24 | 180 | 4 | $381,300 |
| 12 | Cambridge | 30 | 164 | 5 | $719,300 |
| 13 | Malden | 28 | 118 | 4 | $382,200 |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
