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Which Greater Boston Community is Right For You?

If you’re hoping to enjoy the benefits of living close to Boston without being right in the middle of the action, you’re in luck — the greater Boston area is filled with lots of amazing suburbs and towns to meet your every need! 

Whether you’re a commuter hoping to leave apartment life behind or a newlywed looking for somewhere beautiful to start raising your family, the Boston area has incredible towns you’re sure to love. Read on to learn more about greater Boston’s best communities and what they have to offer!

Brookline

Great for:

  • Boston and Cambridge commuters
  • Families looking for a tight-knit community


The welcoming town of Brookline is situated in a prime location right on the edge of Boston. Residents can easily hop into the city to enjoy an exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts or enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in Back Bay, and since Boylston Street cuts right through the town, getting into the city is a breeze.

So what do residents love about Brookline? For starters, the town is filled with lush green parks and nature preserves, allowing for beautiful walks, picnicking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Larz Anderson Park offers ice skating during the winter months, a perfect cabin fever escape. Nature lovers thrive in Brookline, and there are also plenty of benefits for creative types who want to live close to a great arts scene. If you’re moving to Brookline from the city, this might just be the perfect time to add a four-legged friend to your family. Brookline is an extremely dog-friendly town, with lots of pet playgrounds and 14 off-leash dog parks where they can get some fresh air and exercise.

Even though you’re so close to Boston, you don’t need to head into the city to enjoy a fun weekend or night out. Grab drinks at Washington Square Tavern or enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Pomodoro. There’s a restaurant for any type of food you’re craving, from Ganko Ittetsu Ramen to classic pastrami sandwiches at Michael’s Deli.

Choose your latest read at the iconic Brookline Booksmith or share coffee with friends at Cafe Fixe. No matter what you choose to do in Brookline, you’re sure to come into contact with other friendly members of the community and make new friends along the way!

Cambridge

Great for:

  • Academic folks who want to attend or work at major universities
  • Young professionals looking for a diverse, urban environment
  • Foodies in search of the hottest new restaurant


This vibrant city is located just across the Charles River from Boston and is rich with American history, having served as an important meeting place since the 17th century. The first settlers arrived in Cambridge in 1631, when it was originally called “New Towne,” and it has been rapidly expanding since then. 

Today, Cambridge is known as an educational, pharmaceutical, and technological hub. Major universities like Harvard, MIT, Lesley University, and Hult International Business School are all located in Cambridge, and the city is home to an extremely high concentration of successful startups. There’s no doubt that Cambridge is a great place to be if you’re furthering your education or looking for a job in the tech industry!

Residents love Cambridge’s walkability, from the tree-lined streets that lead to trendy coffee shops and bookstores to the paths running along the Charles River. The architecture in Cambridge is unique with many buildings both residential and commercial maintaining their historic character while sitting alongside new modern architecture.

Thanks to the presence of major universities, there are always exciting things happening in Cambridge, from public lectures to film screenings to art installations. Stop by the Harvard Art Museums or the MIT Museum to check out some amazing exhibits, catch a show at the American Repertory Theatre, or enjoy some ice cream at Toscanini’s. Residents and tourists both love spending time at the iconic Harvard Square, which is packed with restaurants, bookshops, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Newton

Great for:

  • Families with young children
  • Privacy seekers
  • History lovers


Located east of Brookline, this stately and suburban town features winding tree-lined streets, plentiful greenery, and sprawling residential estates. Newton is divided into 13 distinct villages, each with its own unique characteristics, so it’s easy to carve out a place for yourself here in this beautiful Boston suburb!

Newton is a particularly historic area — many of its homes were constructed between the 1850s and 1920s in classic styles like Colonial, Victorian, and Tudor Revival. The homes are typically spacious and set on beautiful plots of land. This is the perfect place to live if you’re looking for that small-town atmosphere, but with plenty of privacy. Newton is also home to some excellent public schools and even a few private schools, attracting lots of families with school-age children.

Locals love to spend time enjoying the great outdoors at the Hammond Pond Reservation and Hemlock Gorge Reservation; there’s plenty of beautiful green space in the Newton area. Take a hike along the Webster Conservation Area or spend time in Auburndale Cove. Of course, with Boston College so close by, there are plenty of sporting events for athletic residents to enjoy. 

There are also lots of great opportunities for nightlife in Newton. If you don’t feel like heading into the city, you can enjoy a delicious meal at Mida or Seasons 52, grab a drink at Cityside Tavern, or try some iconic seafood at Legal Sea Foods’ Chestnut Hill location.

Somerville

Great for:

  • Boston Proper, Greater Boston and Cambridge commuters
  • Young professionals looking to buy their first home
  • Foodies!


Located just north of Cambridge and just a quick drive or subway ride across the Charles River into Boston, Somerville is truly a prime location. Originally a manufacturing town, Somerville has grown into a bustling town with lots of fun things to do for people of all ages. It’s even home to a major college, Tufts University. The Somerville real estate market is thriving. There are several new construction projects in the process of completion and historic homes and warehouse lofts are being reinvigorated creating an array of unique inventory. 

Meet your neighbors at the historic Union Square’s farmers’ market or browse the shops at Assembly Square or Union Square! The kids will love visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston, and they’ll also love one of Somerville’s most unique events: the Fluff Festival, which celebrates the city’s invention of marshmallow fluff. Grab a cup of coffee and meet up with friends in Davis Square, bike along the historic Minuteman Trail, or try a cold glass of beer at the Aeronaut Brewery.

Wellesley

Great for:

  • People who love country living
  • Academic and scholarly types
  • Families looking to raise children outside the chaos of the city


This beautiful Norfolk County town is further removed from Boston, about a half-hour drive or subway ride from the city center. Settled in the 1630s, Wellesley developed into another major educational hub with prestigious colleges like Wellesley College and Babson College. Residents love the safe neighborhoods and ample green space, perfect for raising a family!

Wellesley is home to plenty of arts and culture, including the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, which puts on frequent concerts. Locals also love ringing in the summer months with the Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend festival, a celebration with a parade and fireworks. 

This affluent town is considered one of the most educated in the nation, with approximately 84% of adults holding at least one college degree. As a result, Wellesley’s public school system is stellar, making this a great place for children to receive an education! You’ll also love spending time in Downtown Wellesley, a small town center with gourmet grocery stores, coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and stylish boutiques. Stop by Wasik’s Cheese Shop for fine artisanal cheese or Tutto Italiano for a delicious Italian meal.

Weston

Great for:

  • Privacy seekers
  • Boston and Cambridge commuters who want to raise a family in the countryside


Pastoral and sprawling, the village of Weston is located north of Wellesley, further removed from Boston but grand and elegant nonetheless. Originally known as a farming town, Weston experienced a renaissance at the start of the 20th century as New England’s wealthiest individuals constructed their dream country estates within the town limits. 

Today, Weston is known as a rural paradise with gorgeous countryside homes. The school system is fantastic, making this a haven for families looking to provide their children with the best of the best, and it’s also a wonderful place to spend time hiking or skiing. Residents can join the Pine Brook Country Club or horseback ride at Beechwood Stables.

There are also plenty of dining opportunities in Weston, from the upscale Chinese cuisine at Dumpling Daughter to delicious diner-style breakfast at Ye Olde Cottage Restaurant. You can also meet friends for coffee and bagels at Bruegger’s downtown.


Searching for homes? The Carol Kelly Team, we will be happy to help you navigate the Cambridge real estate market! As one of the area’s most experienced and knowledgeable real estate teams, we will help you find the Cambridge luxury home of your dreams.

 

 

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