Many households love the suburbs but dread the commute to that downtown office. The Boston metropolitan area offers a refreshing change of pace for those looking to reclaim their time. From reasonable drive times to rapid transit access, here are the five best Boston suburbs for commuters.
Brookline
Just southwest of Boston, Brookline has much of the charming antique urban density of Boston proper. Best of all for commuters, multiple MBTA Green Lines run through the café-lined byways of this historic “streetcar suburb.” If you want to live in a lively suburb where you can walk to the T, Brookline is a no-brainer. Brookline has been named the best places to live in Massachusetts over and over, including in 2026 by Boston Magazine and DataCrunch.
Average Downtown Commute: 21 minutes via Green Line
Check out our Brookline listings!
Newton
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Home of Crystal Lake, this “city of villages” just west of Brookline might surprise you with its ease of access to Boston, especially given its quiet, tree-lined avenues of single-family homes. Its direct access to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) makes the drive direct and manageable. A Green Line is accessible from some parts of town, and many village centers have regional commuter rails for park-and-ride.
Average Downtown Commute: 53 minutes via commuter rail
Check out our Newton listings!
Medford
This residential northern suburb is popular for Tufts University, the natural beauty of Middlesex Falls Reservation, and an emerging culinary scene. It also distinguishes itself with multiple transit options - bus, T, or commuter rail. Medford boasts the onetime home of Amelia Earhart, panoramic views from Wright’s Tower, and the antique Chevalier Theater for the performing arts.
Average Downtown Commute: 11-14 minutes via Green Line or Orange Line T.
Dedham
With a mix of historic districts and big-box shopping convenience, Dedham is a practical suburb west of Boston with significant regional train service and reasonable highway access. One of the oldest settlements in the US, Dedham is strewn with gems of the past, including Fairbanks House (the oldest timber-frame house in the United States, built in 1637), Mother Brook Canal (the first manmade canal in North America), and the first public school in America (established in 1642).
Average Downtown Commute: 36 minutes via commuter rail
Check out our Dedham listings!
Salem
Famous for the Salem Witch Museum and the House of Seven Gables, the tourism industry of this beautiful historic coastal town has given rise to robust regional commuter rail service. More than a tourist town, it’s an underrated gem of the Greater Boston lifestyle equipped with a hopping downtown and situated on the water with close proximity to beaches.
Average Downtown Commute: 37 minutes via commuter rail.
Bottom Line
If you want suburbs without the bumper-to-bumper traffic, Boston has them in spades. From reasonable drives to regional commuter rails to local light rail and bus, work and play are never far away.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a car to live in these suburbs?
A: Brookline is the most pedestrian-friendly suburb on this list - urban, with multiple T lines and stops within walking distance almost everywhere. Other suburbs on this list may require a more “park-and-ride” scenario unless you are open to a “bus+train” commute.
Q: How much does public transit cost in the Boston metro?
A: Local Light Rail (T): $2.40 per ride, $90 monthly pass
Bus: $1.70 per ride, $90 monthly pass
Commuter Rail: $6.50-$13.25 per ride, $214-$340 monthly pass (depending on distance)
Park-and-Ride: $4-$9 per day, $60-$70 monthly pass for most MBTA lots
Q: How much do homes cost in these suburbs?
A: These suburbs represent a wide range of price points. You can browse current listings at the Sarkis Team Listings Portal: https://www.sarkisboston.com/neighborhood/