Many who are considering relocating to Boston are not actually interested in living in the city. Those with families or those whose work or school is in a suburb don’t feel the need to pay the high rent costs for a tiny apartment in the city. Living in the Boston suburbs can be amazing, especially for those whose lifestyles it is catered towards. Keep reading to learn more about life outside the heart of the city.
Commuting to Downtown Boston
Many who live in the city have one or multiple members of the household commute to Boston every day for work or school. Daily commutes are one of most important factors holding people back from moving to the suburbs.
If you’re trying to get to the city from the suburbs, you have a few options. Driving is possible, with the I-90, I-93, and I-95 highways connecting the various suburbs to downtown. It is important to keep in mind that traffic can be heavy in Boston, especially during commuting hours.
There are buses and trains as well if you’re hoping to avoid the morning traffic to the city. Various MBTA lines, like the orange and green lines, run into the suburbs, making it cheap and easy to get to downtown.
The commuter rail is a specific train running all the way out to Worcester, a city in central Massachusetts. Buses also run throughout the Boston suburbs, either taking passengers to a connecting train or directly into the city.
Suburbs of Interest
Arlington
Located West of Cambridge, this region is just outside of the city. Arlington is a great neighborhood to live in if you want a family home that still feels like it’s part of an urban city. Only around 15 minutes away from the city, Arlington has its own train stop on the red line, meaning residents can easily get into Cambridge or Boston.
Arlington is also well-known for its incredible views. This area of Boston is gorgeous and its larger homes are more compatible with those looking to start a family.
Somerville
According to Massachusetts data, Somerville is the most densely populated community in the state. Even though this is a suburb, it’s densely populated and still provides an urban feel for its residents.
Somerville has multiple central squares with restaurants, shops, parks, and small businesses, meaning those who live here don’t have to go into the city just to go out to dinner. This neighborhood is also well connected to the city throughout public transportation. Somerville is another part of Boston that’s great for families and has more single family homes, but is still urban and vibrant.
Newton
This area is actually a large collection of several neighborhoods. Newton is well known for having some of the best public schools in the greater Boston area, attracting families. Newton has dozens of train stations, making it easier for any member of a household to get to the city easily and inexpensively.
The neighborhood has multiple shopping streets, so practically every resident of this large town can walk to their local restaurants and shops. Newton is an extremely popular neighborhood and many houses here are more expensive.
Waltham
Waltham is another Boston suburb that attracts residents because of its incredible system of public schools. Families also choose Waltham because it’s nearby many highways, making it easy for any commuters to get downtown.
This cozy, tight-knit community is full of beautiful single-family homes with large front and backyards, also making it a great place for pet-owners. Waltham feels like a small town. You’ll forget you’re only twenty minutes outside of a major metropolis.
Watertown
Right next to the Massachusetts Pikeway, this neighborhood is adorable and small, only four square miles. This suburb has been the subject of many recent constructions, meaning there are lots of new beautiful properties to move into.
Even though it’s about thirty minutes outside of the city, this neighborhood still feels very urban. Shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues line the roads, keeping the residents of Watertown busy.
Keep in mind, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s still Lexington, Medford, Melrose, Brookline, Belmont, and many, many more. Regardless of your budget or lifestyle, you’ll find a Boston neighborhood perfect for you.
