Where to Buy in Boston

Where to Buy in Boston

Choosing the perfect place to live in the Boston area is deeply personal. Every buyer or family has unique priorities—budget, lifestyle, commute, schools, and vibe all play a role. Here's a quick look at key factors to consider:

  • Cost – Housing prices vary dramatically across neighborhoods and suburbs, from affordable options to luxury markets.
  • Income Levels – Higher-income areas often come with better-funded schools and public services.
  • Schools – School quality is a top priority for many. Suburban and more affluent areas generally have stronger public schools, though Boston has excellent private options and some standout public schools too.
  • Lifestyle & Amenities – Each area has its own character: walkable urban energy, suburban tranquility, waterfront views, cultural scenes, dining, transit access, and entertainment.

Use the comparison table below to explore neighborhoods and towns side-by-side—find the one that fits your life best.

Use the comparison table below to explore neighborhoods and towns side-by-side—find the one that fits your life best.

Greater Boston Neighborhood & Town Comparison

The table below compares key characteristics of popular towns and neighborhoods in the Greater Boston area. Click on each for more details or to search properties.

  Town or Neighborhood Average Property Price Average Income School Testing Size Neighborhood Description
Search For Properties Allston Medium Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Vibrant, student-heavy area known for affordable housing, diverse nightlife, and proximity to universities.
Search For Properties Arlington Medium Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Medium Size Community Family-oriented suburb with excellent schools, parks, and easy access to Cambridge and Boston.
Search For Properties Back Bay High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Elegant Victorian neighborhood famous for upscale shopping on Newbury Street, historic architecture, and cultural attractions.
Search For Properties Bay Village High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Boston's smallest, charming hidden gem with quaint row houses, quiet streets, and central location near theaters.
Search For Properties Beacon Hill High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Historic, picturesque area with cobblestone streets, gas lamps, Federal-style homes, and the State House.
Search For Properties Belmont High Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Highly desirable family suburb with top-rated schools, green spaces, and commuter rail access to Boston.
Search For Properties Brighton Medium Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Family-friendly, diverse suburb-like area with young professionals, good parks, and affordable options near universities.
Search For Properties Brookline High Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Medium Size Community Upscale suburb with excellent schools, vibrant Coolidge Corner, and easy T access to Boston.
Search For Properties Cambridge High Property Prices Medium Income Area Medium MCAS Score Large Community Intellectual hub home to Harvard and MIT, with diverse neighborhoods, innovation, and riverfront charm.
Search For Properties Charlestown High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Historic waterfront neighborhood with revolutionary sites like Bunker Hill, tight-knit community, and harbor views.
Search For Properties Chelsea Low Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Diverse, affordable urban area with waterfront parks, growing dining scene, and quick access to Boston.
Search For Properties Chinatown High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Compact, bustling hub of Asian culture with authentic restaurants, markets, and central downtown access.
Search For Properties Dorchester Low Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Large Community Boston's largest and most diverse neighborhood offering affordable housing, parks, beaches, and ethnic eateries.
Search For Properties Downtown High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Central business and shopping district with skyscrapers, historic sites, theaters, and excellent transit.
Search For Properties East Boston Low Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Diverse, waterfront area with growing appeal, harbor views, parks, and quick airport/Logan access.
Search For Properties Everett Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Affordable urban suburb with diverse community, new developments, and easy access to Boston.
Search For Properties Fenway High Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Energetic cultural hub home to Fenway Park, museums, universities, and vibrant nightlife.
Search For Properties Financial District High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Bustling business core with high-rises, luxury condos, waterfront access, and proximity to dining/shopping.
Search For Properties Hyde Park Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Quiet, suburban-feeling area with single-family homes, parks, and a "small town in the city" atmosphere.
Search For Properties Jamaica Plain High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Progressive, diverse neighborhood with beautiful parks, Jamaica Pond, and a strong community feel.
Search For Properties Lexington High Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Prestigious historic suburb with revolutionary heritage, top schools, and conservation land.
Search For Properties Lynn Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Large Community Affordable coastal city with beaches, diverse community, and emerging arts scene north of Boston.
Search For Properties Malden Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Medium MCAS Score Medium Size Community Diverse, family-friendly suburb with good schools, parks, and Orange Line access to Boston.
Search For Properties Mattapan Low Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Large Community Diverse, working-class area with strong Caribbean influences, green spaces, and affordable homes.
Search For Properties Medford Medium Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Diverse suburb with Tufts University, Mystic River access, and growing restaurant scene.
Search For Properties Melrose Medium Property Prices Medium Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Charming Victorian suburb with vibrant downtown, good schools, and commuter rail to Boston.
Search For Properties Midtown High Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Central urban area blending theater district energy with modern condos and easy transit access.
Search For Properties Milton Medium Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Leafy suburb with Blue Hills reservation, excellent schools, and historic charm south of Boston.
Search For Properties Mission Hill High Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Diverse hilltop area near medical centers and universities, with young professionals and global cuisine.
Search For Properties Nahant Medium Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Quiet coastal peninsula with beaches, marine science center, and small-town seaside feel.
Search For Properties Newton High Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Large Community Premier suburb known as "Garden City" with 13 villages, top schools, and leafy elegance.
Search For Properties North End High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Boston's "Little Italy" famous for authentic Italian restaurants, historic sites, and waterfront charm.
Search For Properties Quincy Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Medium MCAS Score Large Community "City of Presidents" with affordable options, waterfront, diverse dining, and Red Line access.
Search For Properties Revere Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Medium MCAS Score Medium Size Community Beachfront community with America's first public beach, diverse population, and Blue Line convenience.
Search For Properties Roslindale Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Large Community Family-oriented "garden suburb" with vibrant village square, diverse dining, and access to Arnold Arboretum.
Search For Properties Roxbury Medium Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Historic heart of Black culture in Boston with vibrant arts scene, community spirit, and ongoing revitalization.
Search For Properties Saugus Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Medium MCAS Score Small Community North shore suburb with shopping destinations, family homes, and easy highway access.
Search For Properties Seaport High Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Modern waterfront innovation district with luxury developments, trendy restaurants, and harbor views.
Search For Properties Somerville High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Large Community Hip, dense urban city with eclectic dining, arts, and excellent public transit to Boston.
Search For Properties South Boston Medium Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Medium Size Community Proud, working-class waterfront area with beaches, parks, strong community ties, and growing popularity.
Search For Properties South End High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Large Community Trendy Victorian district known for diverse dining, art galleries, parks, and inclusive LGBTQ+ community.
Search For Properties Stoneham Low Property Prices Medium Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Family-friendly north suburb with good schools, Spot Pond recreation, and commuter access.
Search For Properties Wakefield Medium Property Prices Medium Income Area Medium MCAS Score Small Community Picturesque suburb with Lake Quannapowitt, vibrant downtown, and strong community spirit.
Search For Properties Waltham Medium Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Large Community "Watch City" with tech hub, Moody Street dining, Charles River access, and commuter rail.
Search For Properties Waterfront High Property Prices Low Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Prime harborfront area with luxury residences, seafood dining, aquariums, and scenic walks.
Search For Properties Wellesley High Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Affluent suburb home to Wellesley College, beautiful estates, upscale shopping, and top schools.
Search For Properties West End High Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Modern area near TD Garden with sports/entertainment venues, hospitals, and river views.
Search For Properties West Roxbury Medium Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Peaceful suburban neighborhood with tree-lined streets, good schools, parks, and commuter rail access.
Search For Properties Winchester High Property Prices High Income Area High MCAS Score Small Community Exclusive suburb with highly ranked schools, Mystic Lakes, historic center, and commuter rail.
Search For Properties Winthrop Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Low MCAS Score Small Community Coastal town with beaches, ocean views, small-town feel, and quick ferry/bus to Boston.
Search For Properties Woburn Low Property Prices Medium Income Area Medium MCAS Score Medium Size Community Growing north suburb with business parks, shopping, Horn Pond recreation, and highway access.

 

back to top