Move To Boston Suburbs
Boston is one of the great American cities, but for many buyers, the suburbs surrounding it offer something equally compelling: more space, excellent schools, quieter streets, and communities with their own distinct character. Whether you're relocating from out of state or making a move out of the city, Greater Boston's suburbs span a wide range of lifestyles, price points, and personalities.
MetroWest
Top schools, privacy and prestige. 10–20 miles from Boston.
Newton · Wellesley · Weston · WestwoodNorth Shore
Coastal character and authentic New England. 20–45 minutes from the city.
Marblehead · Newburyport · ManchesterSouth Shore
Community, coast and space southeast of Boston.
Hingham · Cohasset · Quincy · PlymouthCape & Islands
Iconic New England coastal living and island escapes.
Cape Cod · Martha's Vineyard · Nantucket
Situated 10–20 miles west of Boston, MetroWest is home to some of the most sought-after suburbs in New England. These are communities defined by excellent school systems, generous lot sizes, and well-established neighborhoods with a strong sense of residential character. For buyers relocating from major metros who expect top-tier everything, MetroWest is often the first stop.
Newton
Thirteen distinct villages, outstanding public schools, and both commuter rail and Green Line access make Newton one of the most versatile and accessible suburbs in the region.
Best for: Buyers who want strong schools, variety of neighborhoods, and easy Boston access.
Wellesley
A quintessential New England suburb with consistently top-ranked schools, a charming downtown, and beautiful homes on generous lots. About 25 minutes from Boston by commuter rail.
Best for: Families and professionals seeking prestige, top schools, and an established community.
Weston
One of the most private and affluent towns in Massachusetts, defined by large estates, conservation land, and a rural character that is genuinely rare this close to Boston. Weston's school system consistently ranks among the top in the state.
Best for: Buyers seeking maximum privacy, significant acreage, and elite schools near Boston.
Westwood
A well-rounded MetroWest option with commuter rail access, strong schools, and a range of housing options that offer solid value relative to neighboring Wellesley and Weston.
Best for: Buyers who want MetroWest quality and commuter access with better relative value.
Looking for land? Weston and Dover are the top picks for buyers seeking significant acreage in MetroWest, with Manchester-by-the-Sea standing out on the North Shore.
The North Shore stretches northeast of Boston along the Atlantic coast, offering historic towns, working harbors, and a pace of life that feels distinctly New England, all within 30–45 minutes of the city. Buyers drawn to the North Shore tend to value lifestyle above all: waterfront access, sailing culture, arts communities, and a sense of place that has remained intact for generations.
Marblehead
A historic sailing town with a working harbor, stunning ocean views, and a tight-knit community. Housing ranges from historic colonials to direct waterfront properties with Atlantic views.
Best for: Buyers who want authentic coastal character, sailing culture, and a strong community identity.
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Known for Singing Beach and a classic New England village center, Manchester offers private coastal living with some of the most generous lot sizes on the North Shore.
Best for: Buyers seeking land, privacy, and coastal beauty on the North Shore.
Lynnfield
A traditional suburb with strong schools and genuine value on the North Shore. MarketStreet Lynnfield adds dining and retail convenience, with good land options relative to neighboring coastal communities.
Best for: Value-focused buyers who want North Shore lifestyle and solid schools.
Newburyport
A beautifully preserved Federal-era downtown, an active waterfront on the Merrimack River, and a thriving arts and dining scene. Draws buyers who want walkability, culture, and access to Plum Island's beaches.
Best for: Buyers who want a walkable downtown, cultural richness, and coastal access in one community.
Gloucester
America's oldest seaport — a working waterfront, an active arts community, dramatic rocky coastlines, and a sense of place that has not been manufactured or polished away. Strong value relative to neighboring North Shore towns.
Best for: Buyers drawn to character, coastal beauty, and strong value on the North Shore.
Southeast of Boston, the South Shore offers coastal communities with strong neighborhood bonds, good school systems, and more space for the price than MetroWest, all with easy access to Boston by road or commuter rail. The South Shore tends to attract families and buyers who value community, outdoor lifestyle, and a genuine sense of place over urban convenience.
Hingham
The crown jewel of the South Shore — a historic coastal town with excellent schools, an active harbor, a beautifully preserved downtown, and some of the most sought-after real estate in the region. The commuter boat to Rowes Wharf in Boston is a genuine standout perk.
Best for: Buyers who want the full South Shore package — schools, coast, community, and a unique Boston commute.
Cohasset
Dramatic rocky coastlines, a beautiful harbor, and one of the strongest small-town community identities on the entire South Shore. Limited inventory and strong year-round demand reflect its desirability.
Best for: Buyers drawn to coastal beauty, a tight-knit community, and a refined South Shore lifestyle.
Quincy
The most transit-connected suburb on the South Shore, with Red Line access directly into downtown Boston. Genuine diversity, a revitalized downtown, and a range of housing options at price points well below its South Shore neighbors.
Best for: Buyers who want South Shore living with direct Boston transit access and strong relative value.
Plymouth
Massachusetts' largest town by land area — America's Hometown offers a historic waterfront, multiple beaches and ponds, and a wide range of housing from walkable in-town neighborhoods to rural properties with significant acreage.
Best for: Buyers prioritizing space, land, and South Shore lifestyle at the best value in the region.
For buyers drawn to iconic New England coastal living, the Cape and Islands offer a real estate market unlike anywhere else in Massachusetts. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket each have their own character, their own season, and their own buyer profile. The Sarkis Team has deep experience navigating these unique and highly specialized markets.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod offers a wide range of communities along its distinctive peninsula, from vibrant towns like Falmouth and Sandwich to the quieter, more remote villages of Wellfleet and Truro.
Buyers find everything from charming in-town cottages to waterfront estates, with strong seasonal rental demand making the Cape a compelling option for buyers interested in investment as well as lifestyle.
Best for: Buyers looking for a coastal New England lifestyle, seasonal rental income potential, or a primary residence with beach access.
Martha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard is one of the most celebrated island destinations on the East Coast, with a rich mix of communities from the historic gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs to the classic estates of Edgartown and the remote beauty of Aquinnah.
Real estate here is among the most sought-after in New England, driven by limited inventory, ferry-only access, and a year-round community that values the island's unique character.
Best for: Buyers seeking a world-class island lifestyle, a prestigious second home address, or a long-term investment in one of New England's most iconic destinations.
Nantucket
Nantucket occupies a category all its own. Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, the island is defined by its cobblestone streets, historic whaling-era architecture, and a fiercely preserved sense of place.
Inventory is extremely limited and demand consistently high, reflecting Nantucket's status as one of the most exclusive real estate markets in the United States.
Best for: Buyers seeking the ultimate in island privacy, architectural heritage, and a real estate market that has demonstrated exceptional long-term value.
What are the best suburbs of Boston for families?
MetroWest is consistently the first answer for families prioritizing school quality — Newton, Wellesley, and Weston all offer school systems that rank among the best in Massachusetts. On the North Shore, Marblehead and Manchester-by-the-Sea are popular with families who value coastal lifestyle alongside strong schools. On the South Shore, Hingham and Cohasset are the top picks.
Which Boston suburb has the best schools?
Wellesley and Weston consistently rank among the top public school districts in the state. Newton and Brookline are also perennially high-ranked and offer more varied housing options. For families for whom schools are the primary driver, MetroWest is the natural starting point.
Which suburbs have the most land and privacy?
Weston is the top MetroWest pick, with Dover also worth considering for buyers who want large parcels and a country feel. On the North Shore, Manchester-by-the-Sea offers large lots with coastal access. For buyers willing to go further, Plymouth on the South Shore offers the most land options at the best price.
How far are Boston's suburbs from the city?
MetroWest communities like Newton and Wellesley are 10–25 miles from downtown Boston, with commuter rail travel times of 20–35 minutes. The North Shore spans from about 15 miles (Marblehead) to 35 miles (Newburyport) north of the city. The South Shore runs from about 8 miles (Quincy) to 40 miles (Plymouth) southeast.
Is it better to live in Boston or the suburbs?
It depends entirely on your lifestyle and priorities. Boston offers walkability, transit, cultural amenities, and proximity to major employers. The suburbs offer more space, larger homes, lower density, and in many cases significantly stronger public school systems. Many buyers make the move from city to suburb when they start a family.
What is the most affordable suburb of Boston?
Quincy is consistently one of the most affordable communities with direct Boston transit access (Red Line). Lynnfield offers solid value on the North Shore. Westwood is well-priced relative to its MetroWest neighbors. Plymouth offers the most space for the dollar on the South Shore.
What suburbs are best for commuting to Boston?
For commuter rail access, Newton, Wellesley, and Westwood in MetroWest and Hingham on the South Shore (including the ferry) are among the most popular. For subway access, Brookline (Green Line) and Quincy (Red Line) are the closest suburban options. Cambridge and Charlestown offer effectively urban-level transit access while sitting just outside the city limits.
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