Best Boston Suburbs - Ultimate Guide for 2025

Bordering on Fenway and Mission Hill is the town of Brookline. The town’s roots date back to the founding of Boston, deriving its name from the creeks and brooks bordering the community to the north and south. Fast-forward to the present day, and Brookline is home to storied victorian-style housing, the birthplace of JFK, and the Puppet Showcase Theater, New England’s only dedicated puppeteering theater. Brookline's proximity to Fenway Park adds to the town's appeal, offering residents easy access to one of Boston's most iconic landmarks.

The Lindens area of Brookline, the earliest planned settlement of the town, was laid out as a garden suburb to relieve homeowners of the tight streets plaguing Beacon Hill and other Boston neighborhoods. As such, homeowners in Brookline can expect expansive properties and parks while remaining close to Boston’s neighborhoods with easy commute times.

Newton, which was named The Newe Towne back in the 1600s, is one of America’s original commuter suburbs just 11 miles from downtown Boston. The Boston and Worcester railroad line runs directly through Newton, providing the means for residents to find a spacious retreat from the city streets with a short commute to Boston.

The city with a small town feel comprises 13 separate villages, and the homes are Victorian in style, ranging from Cape Cod to Greek Revivals, and is home to two philharmonic orchestras. Newton is also home to Heartbreak Hill, one of four hills that Boston Marathon runners must conquer to win, so any road racing-minded homeowners in Newton already have a home-field advantage when race day comes. Newton's public schools are renowned for their exceptional quality and reputation, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment with diverse opportunities for academic excellence.

If the fast-paced and cramped life of owning a multi-million dollar condo in Boston is tiring, then Wellesley might be the Boston suburb for you! Home to Wellesley and Babson Colleges, this city borders Newton and is among the wealthiest cities in America. Established in the 1700s, Wellesley real estate is highly valued and generally is some of the most expensive in Massachusetts.

Many of the homes in Wellesley are Victorian-style, but buyers can also find many condo ownership opportunities. Many Wellesley residents power their homes with wind turbine generated power, and the city has a tree bylaw requiring any cut-down trees to be replaced or have a donation made to the town’s Tree Fund. Nestled near the Charles River, Wellesley boasts scenic beauty that enhances its appeal. As such, it’s no surprise that the city is home to the H.H. Hunnewell Arboretum at Wellesley College.

Only 15 miles outside of Boston, homebuyers can find solitude in the hills of Weston. Another historical gem incorporated in the 1700s, Weston hosts 26 historic areas and seven homes on the National Registry of Historic Places.

If you’re seeking affluent real estate in a semi-rural area, then Weston’s 2,000 acres of parks, wetlands, forests, and fields will provide buyers with the solace and space you won’t find in Boston’s neighborhoods. Weston also offers various recreational facilities, including parks, trails, and sports amenities, enhancing its family-friendly atmosphere and providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and community connection.

Ninety miles of trails, 37 scenic roads, and a plethora of cross-country and horse-riding trails don’t come cheap; Bloomberg rated Weston as the 7th wealthiest zip code in America and the richest in Massachusetts. The theatrically inclined will rejoin to know that Weston is home to the second oldest community theater in America, the Weston Friendly Society, which performs each year at the Town Hall.

At an easy 8 miles from downtown Boston, Winchester’s community and pristine real estate command a high demand from homebuyers. Dating back to the 1600s, Winchester is another historical town Bostonites can retreat to and find solace in the area’s many lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The town's picturesque, tree-lined streets and historical architecture contribute to its charming and upscale ambiance.

With two train lines heading into Boston, there are plenty of options for commuters to reach the city. Winchester is known for the Griffin Museum of Photography, as well as its vibrant sailing and canoeing communities based out of the Mystic Lakes. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources designated Winchester as a "green community," and many residents have installed solar panels on their homes as a part of the state’s Solarize MASS project.

Arlington’s roots stretch back to the early colonial era, when it was originally settled as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century. Over the years, Arlington has played a significant role in American history, serving as the site of several pivotal events during the Revolutionary War. Today, remnants of this rich history can be seen throughout the town, from the historic landmarks dotting its landscape to the preserved colonial architecture that lines its streets.

Living in Arlington offers residents a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With its top-rated schools, picturesque parks, and diverse array of shops and restaurants, Arlington provides the perfect backdrop for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you’re passing along the scenic Minuteman Bikeway, exploring the local farmers’ market, or catching a show at the Regent Theatre, there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant community. Various community events also contribute to Arlington's vibrant local scene, showcasing its thriving arts and cultural landscape.

Commonly known as The Town of Homes, Belmont was the breadbasket serving Boston in the 1800s. But as the town introduced new trolly systems and roads, the farms and fields were turned into residential neighborhoods. Belmont is minutes away from both Harvard and MIT in Cambridge, making it a popular location for educators and academics.

Despite being a college town, Belmont originally was a dry town, but that changed in the 1900s, and now homeowners can responsibly enjoy a libation in one of the town’s many parks. Belmont also boasts a family friendly atmosphere with its commitment to green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal place for families. As Belmont’s motto suggests, homeowners can expect a variety of architectural styles, ranging from 1800s-era Georgian-style homes to Colonial Revivals that began to line the streets as Bostonites seeking spacious real estate and respite from city living began moving in.

Homeowners with a penchant for history know the significance of Lexington as the locale where the first shot of the Revolutionary War rang out across human history. The birthplace of American liberty, Lexington is north of Belmont, about 11 miles north of Boston, and suburban buyers can find historic, spacious real estate a ways away from the congestion of the city.

Downtown Lexington has bustled throughout the centuries, growing in popularity as the farmsteads became condos and housing developments in the 1970s onward. The Downtown district has a variety of restaurants and a movie theater, all circled by historic parks, such as Belfry Hill, the home of the Old Belfry bell that beckoned residents to arms or church. Lexington offers a suburban lifestyle with a close-knit community, exceptional school systems, and access to amenities, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals.

If solitude and spacious real estate are factors in your home buying adventure, then you’ll want to set your sights on Concord. At around 25 miles away from Boston, this historic town is teeming with parks, rivers, and lakes. Similar to Lexington, Concord’s was founded in the 1600s and was the second battlefield of the Revolutionary War.

Fast-forward to today, and the town has become the premier destination for Bostonites seeking real estate that’s steeped in American and literary history. Famous writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau all owned homes in Concord which is the location of now-famous Walden Pond.

Despite the distance from Boston, Concord has two train lines transporting commuters to downtown, making public transportation both available and convenient.

Homebuyers looking for rustic real estate in a small town that’s close to Boston may find themselves calling Lincoln their home. Situated to the south of Concord, Lincoln is another historic hamlet, but it’s also known for its arts scene. The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum host 30 acres of sculptures on the scenic shores of Flint’s Pond.

With a population of 6,400 and much of the land dedicated to public conservation, it’s hard to believe homes in Lincoln are only 30 minutes away from the outskirts of Boston. With vast tracts of spacious land, prospective homeowners would share a town with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, which is headquartered in Lincoln. Additionally, Lincoln's proximity to Harvard University attracts academics and culturally minded individuals.