aerial view of city buildings near body of water during daytime

Massachusetts is one of the six states that constitute New England and is located northeast of the United States. It has Vermont and New Hampshire located by its eastern border, Rhode Island by its southern border, and New York by its western border.

The state’s capital is Boston, which doubles as the state’s most populous city. “Massachusetts” was derived from a word that means “near the great hill.” The state is also known to be very rich in culture and history.

Best Cities to Live in Massachusetts

Deciding the best place to live in Massachusetts could be a little difficult since the state has several amazing cities. In this post, we have compiled a list of nice places to live in Massachusetts that you can live in.

Belmont

Located in Middlesex county, Belmont is an affluent city that is suitable for those looking to settle with their families. And here on the website, you can find professional Belmont movers to help ease your moving process.

Interesting places to visit in Belmont include – Belmont Center, Pleasant Street Historic District, Homer House, and Beaver Brook Reservation.

Pros of Living in Belmont

  • Reduced Crime rate

Belmont is considered one of the safest cities in the state to live in. This makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Massachusetts. It has an overall crime rate of 7 per 1,000 people.

  • Standard of Living

Belmont has a 67% standard of living rating and is classified as a diverse city. It has something to offer every category of people that live there.

  • Educational System

The educational system in this city is above average and has a good student-to-teacher ratio. Belmont also has an impressive enrolment rate in all of its educational levels.

Cons

  • High Cost of Living

Belmont has a significantly higher standard of living in comparison to most of the other cities in Massachusetts. Hence, you can expect an increase in expenses on groceries, utilities, and other basic amenities.

  • Population

Research has shown that areas with smaller populations typically have more difficult economies compared to bigger cities.

Boston

Boston is ranked the 24th most populous city in the United States and has a population of over 660,000 people. The city is very lively and covers 48.5 square miles. The city is one that has a rich historical background, playing a major role in America’s institutions.

Interesting places to visit in Boston include – the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, the Museum of Science, and Boston Common.

Pros of Living in Boston

  • Solid Educational System

Boston is considered one of the most educated states in the United States, with about 22% of its residents having advanced degrees. The city has several schools, with a number of them having international repute.

  • Industrial Hub

Boston is a city that houses many businesses and companies. Its job market is also very diverse, extending between sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and biotechnology.

  • Easy Navigation for Pedestrians

If you do not have a car and do not wish to spend money on public forms of transportation, then Boston is the best town to live in MA. This is because you can easily take a walk to your desired destination.

Cons

  • Extreme Winter

If you are one that does not do well in cold environments, then you should stay away from Boston in winter periods. Between November and March, the city experiences very low temperatures and lots of snow, and occasional snowstorms.

  • Difficulty Parking and Driving

Due to the way the roads were structured during the Revolutionary War period, driving could prove a bit difficult in Boston. Finding a suitable place to park is also a similar challenge in the city. This is also attributed to the dense population of the city.

Cambridge

Home to the prestigious Harvard University, Cambridge is at the top of the list of best areas to live in Massachusetts. It is an affluent city that provides its locals with an urban atmosphere.

Interesting places to visit in Cambridge include – the Harvard Art Museums, the American Repertory Theater, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Fresh Pond Reservation.

Pros of Living in Cambridge

  • Close Proximity to Boston

Cambridge is a great option for you if you wish to be close to Boston. This proximity provides Cambridge locals with easy access to the facilities available in Boston.

  • Security

The level of security in Cambridge is top-notch. Its residents are likely to encounter a crime one in fifty-five times. This makes it safer than 42% of other cities in the United States.

  • Stable Economy

Cambridge has been found to have a fantastic economy. The job market is also a thriving one, and this can be attributed to its saturation with Ivy League institutions. This makes it one of the top 10 cities to live in Massachusetts.

Cons

  • Unstable Weather

Although it is guaranteed that you will enjoy all seasons (except winter, which is extreme), the weather still remains unpredictable. This means you can experience heavy snow today; tomorrow, you must deal with the scorching sun.

  • Possible Natural Disasters

Natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, blizzards, and tornadoes are common disasters that can possibly be encountered while living in Cambridge.

Worcester

Located in central Massachusetts, Worcester is commonly referred to as the heart of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is often termed a cultural and educational center.

Interesting places to visit in Worcester include – the Worcester Art Museum, Green Hill Park, the EcoTarium, and Wormtown Brewery.

Pros of Living in Worcester

  • Plethora of Activities

Residents of Worcester are not likely to run out of interesting things to do despite being a small town. The city has numerous attraction sites ranging from museums to parks.

  • Innovation

One of the things Worcester is popular for is its innovation. It houses the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which is one of the United States’ foremost technical schools.

  • Reduced Traffic

If you are one who easily gets frustrated by traffic congestion, then Worcester is a great place for you. The city boasts of minimal traffic in its commuting.

Cons

  • High Cost of Living

With the cost of living 2.2% higher than the national average, Worcester is a slightly expensive city to live in.

  • Reduced Security

Worcester is one of the most unsafe cities in Massachusetts. Its crime rate is 8% higher than the state’s average crime rate.

Waltham

As a young professional, Waltham is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. The Boston Manufacturing Company, the United States’ first unified textile mill, was set up in this city.

Interesting places to visit in Waltham include – the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, Gore Place, and Downtown Waltham.

Pros of Living in Waltham

  • Racial Diversity

If you are particular about raising your family in a racially diversified environment, then Waltham is a great place for you to live.

  • Strong Emphasis on Education

The city prioritizes education and seeks to ensure that as many people as possible get access to quality education.

  • Variety of Activities

Waltham offers you numerous activities to keep your attention captured.

Cons

  • Possibility of Severe Storms

As a resident of Waltham, you can possibly experience severe storms in extreme weather.

  • Increased Cost Properties

If you are looking to be a homeowner, you should prepare to spend large amounts of money owning one in Waltham.

Newton

With close proximity to Boston, Newton is known for its beautiful scenery, which is suitable for outdoor recreational services. It is one of the best suburbs to live in Massachusetts.

Interesting places to visit in Newton include – the Jackson Homestead, the Webster Conservation Area, and Marcia & Bea Antiques.

Pros of Living in Newton

  • Living Conditions

When the city’s data points, such as its educational system, cost of living, and crime rate, are carefully considered, Newton is classified as a city with a relatively good standard of living.  

  • Reduced Poverty

Newton has a lower poverty rate than most other cities in the country.

Cons

  • Complex Housing Process

Due to the number of schools in the city, many students and general residents always need suitable accommodation. Many landlords create strict lease terms and agreements to control this challenge.

Conclusion

The information provided above shows the best affordable places to live in Massachusetts for families or singles.