2021 Greater Boston Sales Data and the Boston Suburbs (Video)

Is there a greater city in the world than Boston? If you’re reading this list, odds are, you don’t think so. Boston has history, arts and culture, dining, nightlife, and gorgeous architecture. But what if you don’t want to live in the city? If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, a peaceful place to call home, and convenient access to the city, then this list of the best Boston suburbs is for you. We analyzed a wide variety of data including crime rates, housing costs, and amenities per capita to figure out the top 10. Let’s take a look at the suburbs that made the cut:

1. Lexington

“Parking Lot at the Stop & Shop, Lexington MA”byNNECAPA Photo Libraryis licensed underCC BY 2.0

Key Stats:

• Median household income: $138,095
• Median home price: $689,100
• Total crimes per 100k: 763

Placing fifth on our list of best Boston suburbs is Lexington, a town full of American history and modern day amenities. Beautiful Garrison Colonial style homes line the quiet residential streets of this suburb. Of course, not every historic home in Lexington is for sale. History buffs will get their fix of U.S. history at the Buckman Tavern, the Hancock-Clarke House, and the Munroe Tavern. If that’s not enough, there are numerous other historic sites around Lexington, including the famous Battle Green. Lexington is one of many great Boston suburbs for families, with a variety of highly rated schools. With the second lowest crimes per 100k, it’s also a safe place to raise children.

2. Belmont

“Marlboro St & Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478, United States”byJane Quigleyis licensed underCC BY 2.0

Key Stats:

• Median rent: $1,606
• Unemployment rate: 4.6 percent

Belmont kicks off our list of best Boston suburbs. Known as the “Town of Homes,” it’s no surprise this suburb has plenty to offer home buyers. 1920s and 30s houses and condos with plenty of historic charm are common. Belmont has an excellent school system, with a GreatSchool.org city rating of 9 out of 10, making it one of the best Boston suburbs for families with children. There’s a variety of elementary schools to choose from, and Belmont High School offers bilingual education and a good selection of Advanced Placement courses. Local restaurants like Kitchen on Common, boutique shopping at Bessie Blue, and historic movie theater Studio Cinema Belmont, are just a few of the amenities that make this one of the best Boston suburbs on our list. Outdoor enthusiasts also have plenty of access to parks, including Lone Tree Hill’s walking trails and Beaver Brook Reservation’s playgrounds and pool.

3. Winchester

“EnKa Fair Ferris Wheel: Winchester, MA”byLisa @ Sierra Tierrais licensed underCC BY 2.0

Key Stats:

• Median household income: $128,199
• Median home price: $691,300

Parks, lakes, and golf courses surround the beautiful Boston suburb of Winchester. Home buyers will find a variety of historic architectural styles, including Gothic Revival cottages and Bungalow homes. Winchester High School and several local elementary schools received a 10 out of 10 rating on GreatSchools.org, making Winchester another great Boston suburb for schools. Shop at local stores like Book Ends and Another Yarn, or grab a bite at local restaurants like Cafe Piazza Dolce. Winchester is bordered by the 2,575 acre nature preserve Middlesex Falls Reservation, and Horn Pond Recreation Area is to the north, so outdoor enthusiasts will always have weekend plans. If you’d rather not drive to work, you’re in luck, since an MBTA train line also runs through the center of Winchester.

4. Stoneham

Key Stats:

• Average commute time: 24 minutes
• Unemployment rate: 6 percent

Home buyers searching in this Stoneham will find beautifully maintained Colonial style homes and condos in historic buildings. Family friendly amenities like Stone Zoo make Stoneham a great place for kids, but there’s plenty for adults to do too. Grab dinner at upscale local restaurants like Melissa’s Main Street Bistro or see a play or comedy show at Stoneham Theater. At 24 minutes, Stoneham has the lowest average commute time of any place we looked at, making it one of the best Boston suburbs for commuting.

5. Waltham

Key Stats:

• Average commute time: 24 minutes
• Unemployment rate: 5.6 percent

Single-family homes and condos in Waltham are often beautifully maintained Colonial buildings with updated features inside. Trendy Moody Street has dozens of local restaurants, shops, and bars on one pedestrian friendly strip. Grab a bite and a drink at The Gaff, after shopping local at More Than Words Bookstore, Aalock Fashion, and The Outer Limits comic book store. With the lowest average commute time at 24 minutes and an MBTA station, Waltham is also a great Boston suburb for commuting.