10 Best Places to Live in Massachusetts, According to Local Real Estate Experts

These are the best places to live in Massachusetts, from small towns to bustling cities.

From spectacular Atlantic beaches to the lush Taconic Mountains, Massachusetts is packed with natural beauty and history that draw both tourists and locals to destinations around the state. Boston, Plymouth, Cambridge, and Salem are popular destinations for travelers seeking history, while others prefer to enjoy Massachusetts's nature and head to Cape Cod, the Berkshires, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard. As a major economic hub in the Northeast, Massachusetts also draws entrepreneurs for its favorable business environment (U.S. News & World Report placed it first among the best states for business in the country) and excellent academic institutions, churning out highly skilled graduates.

Considering a move to the Bay State? Here are 10 of the best places to live in Massachusetts, according to local real estate experts.

Brookline

"Brookline is one of the most sought-after towns in Massachusetts because of its proximity to Boston, excellent public school system, and exceptional real estate offerings," Dave Costello, managing director at Advisors Living/Luxury Portfolio International, said of the historic town located just four miles southwest of downtown Boston. Its residents have easy access to the city (via the Green Line subway) and some of its best universities and medical facilities like Boston College and the Longwood Medical Area.

While homes in Brookline don't come cheap — the median value is around $1,100,732 — the town has one of the most diverse housing markets in the Boston area, Costello explained, ranging from suburban estates to condos. Neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill feature a classic blend of old and new homes, while "Coolidge Corner and Washington Square offer handsome row houses and renovated condos," he added.

Salem

Salem may have a reputation for being a spooky Halloween destination, but the town has much more to offer throughout the year. Affordable housing and proximity to Boston are just two factors that bring people here. The median home price is currently around $561,655. However, as Boston Magazine suggested, you should act fast as prices have skyrocketed in recent years.

The town's cityscape is characterized by historic buildings and residences as well as independent businesses. Salem has the second-deepest port in Massachusetts, which is good news for sailing enthusiasts (over 8,000 boats roam the waters of the Salem Sound).

Boston

With its world-class museums, universities, and sports teams, Boston is one of America's most vibrant cities, blending historic charm and modern amenities. "Natural treasures such as Boston Harbor, The Public Garden, and Charles River offer outdoor enthusiasts and families plenty to do on a warm summer day. During the winter, a snowy walk down the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, illuminated by thousands of holiday lights, is simply beautiful," Costello said.

Despite the high cost of living in Boston, its role as a major economic, educational, and cultural hub in New England attracts professionals from around the globe.

"Buyers looking to purchase in Boston should start their home search early in the year. Winter is a great time to become familiar with our market and prepare for the most active period of the year: the spring market," Costello explained.

Related: 30 Best Things to Do in Boston

Cambridge

"Situated on the Charles River, Cambridge is known for its charming neighborhoods, historic architecture, and tree-lined streets. From the young to the young at heart, and spanning all cultures, Cambridge offers an enriching living experience that captivates its residents," Ali Joyce, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, said. Of course, Cambridge is also a major academic hub, home to several universities, including Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"Cambridge has over 20 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and advantages. A favorite destination for tourists and residents is, of course, Harvard Square. For higher density and high-rise buildings, you might prefer Inman Square, Kendall Square, Central Square, and Porter Square, and for a more residential vibe, head west," Joyce suggested.

Provincetown

Located at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a place unlike any other. "We offer the unique charm of a small town, coupled with world-class entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, galleries, shops, and environmental beauty. We have a history steeped in maritime activity, theater, and the arts. Ptown, a common nickname for the town, thrives on its diversity and has long been a safe haven for the LBTQ community," Rob Tosner, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate, explained.

In the summer, the main drag, Commercial Street, buzzes with activity and events such as the annual Provincetown Portuguese Festival & Blessing of the Fleet and the Carnival Parade. The town is roughly divided into three areas — East End, Central, and West End — and you can find waterfront properties with ocean views in each of them.

The town is connected to Boston via a daily ferry service, which only takes about two and a half hours, and there's a small municipal airport, 10 minutes from downtown, serviced by Cape Air.

Lexington

Last year, WalletHub ranked this charming spot just outside of Boston as the second-best small city in the country and first in Massachusetts, scoring top results in the education and health category. Thanks to the excellent schools, safety, and amenities, Lexington is an incredibly sought-after community, especially by families.

"Homes in Lexington are so popular, it doesn't matter the style! Fortunately, we have a lot to choose from between our historic colonials and Victorians to the mid-century moderns seen in the Peacock Farm to the quintessential New England Cape [style]," Kenda Coleman, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate, said.

However, Coleman added that limited inventory is an issue, which, together with the high demand, is driving home prices up. Currently, the median value stands at $1,474,565, up 11 percent since last year.

Amherst

This town of about 40,000 in western Massachusetts is famous for its top-ranking colleges, natural beauty (the town is at the heart of Pioneer Valley), top-notch dining scene, diverse population, and endless outdoor activities.

"It is very family-friendly, boasting a sought-after elementary-through-high school education system, as well as many other private school options," Karen Stiles Jones, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, added. "Amherst's property values have a history of remaining strong and are consistently a great investment."

She explained that the town is home to a wide variety of home styles, from historic residences built in the 1700s to contemporary homes with modern amenities. However, they all have one thing in common. "A lot of buyers like the uniqueness of our inventory. Many buyers say they don't want a 'cookie cutter' home," Jones said.

And while Massachusetts's real estate market is one of the priciest in the country, homes in Amherst have a median value of about $480,519, over $100,000 lower than the state's average of $596,410.

Springfield

Springfield is a magnet for people seeking affordable housing (the median home value is $262,276, lower than the national average and the lowest of all markets on this list) and endless outdoor recreation. The state's third-largest city is home to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, and the expansive, 735-acre Forest Park. Plus, the city is just an hour away from the picturesque Berkshires.

Framingham

"[Framingham] is a unique city where there are sections that encompass urban, suburban, and even rural living experiences," Scott Accorsini, managing director at Advisors Living/Luxury Portfolio International, explained, adding that the city is home to one of the largest Brazilian American communities in the country.

Beyond the diverse communities and lifestyles available in the city, another major factor that has made Framingham a popular choice among newcomers is affordable housing. Unlike many other communities close to Boston, where the median home value reaches — and sometimes surpasses — the $1 million mark, median prices here currently stand at $608,815.

"If you are looking to buy a property in Framingham, you can find anything from an urban-style condo to an equestrian farm," Accorsini explained, highlighting the neighborhood of Saxonville for its classic character.

Worcester

Worcester is one of Massachusetts's largest cities, so it's an excellent option for those seeking big-city amenities without the high price tag of Boston's housing market (the city is only about an hour away). Worcester has a vibrant arts scene with many museums and performance arts venues, but it also caters to those who lead an active lifestyle, as the city is home to over 50 parks and 20 lakes and ponds.

The median home price in Worcester is $395,417, slightly above the national average but much lower than the median values for Boston or Massachusetts as a whole. The city is also No. 77 on U.S. News & World Report's list of best places to live in the country and 35th on the list of best places to retire.

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