6 Great Cities to Move to in Massachusetts
If you’re looking for a place with green springs, warm summers, colorful autumns, and cold winters, Massachusetts may be the state for you. One of the original 13 U.S. colonies, the state has plenty to see, from historic homes to some of the country’s best universities.
When most people think of Massachusetts, they think of Boston, the state’s capital and home to 685,000 residents. And while Boston is a great place to live, there are some equally awesome and less obvious locations in Massachusetts that are also worth considering.
Waltham
Just 10 miles from Boston In Middlesex County, Waltham has a median household income of $82,000 and an average home price of $600,000. This city of 62,500 residents tends to have a lower unemployment rate than most of the state as well.
Waltham is also the home to two great colleges, Brandeis University and Bentley University. If you like going out for the evening, you’ll be happy to know that Waltham has a busy nightlife with more than 260 restaurants and bars. You can also check out its museums, which include The Rose Art Museum and the Telephone Museum.
Leverett
This rural town of 2,000 residents is a great place to live for those who want to be somewhere quiet and away from busy city life. The median home value is $345,000, so if you don’t mind a commute to nearby Northampton or Springfield, where the median family income is about $60,000, you can work in town and relax in the country.
You’ll also have to go elsewhere for bars, restaurants, and movie theaters, but there are many beautiful parks nearby, including Lake Wyola State Park and Mill River Recreation Area.
Crime is practically nonexistent in Leverett, so it’s also a great place to feel safe.
Cambridge
It’s a common misconception that Harvard is in Boston—it’s actually in nearby Cambridge. This city of 114,000 residents is also the home of MIT, so the area has an intellectual atmosphere.
Cambridge also has great nightlife venues, including plenty of bars, restaurants, and art centers. These include Maud Morgan Arts, Multicultural Art Center, and Community Art Center. Whether you’re all about science, art, or anything in between, you’ll feel welcome.
The median home cost is steep, at $800,000, but the median household income is high at $76,000 per year. The unemployment rate is also lower than the state or national averages. Plus, Cambridge is known for its great public transit system, unique cafes, green parks and close proximity to Boston.
Newton
Known as The Garden City, Newton is just a ten mile drive from Boston. It has a population of 89,000 people and is split up into 13 beautiful, green villages.
You’ll need a high income to live here, as the median home value is $1.1 million. However, the median household income far exceeds most of the country at about $130,000, and unemployment is generally low. Major employers include Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Boston College.
Newton is full of lovely parks such as Cold Spring Park, Fallow Park, and Boyd Park. Plus, you can visit historic homes like the Jackson Homestead and Durant Kenrick House.
Newburyport
This seaport town, with its modest population of 18,000 is a popular tourist spot, but it’s also a fantastic place to call home. The median household income in Newburyport is high at $87,000 and the median home price is $517,000. You could work locally, or do what many residents do and take a 45 minute train to Boston.
There are plenty of unique things to do in Newburyport. Visit parks like Maudslay State Park or Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center, or visit one of the many local pubs or restaurants for a pint and a meal.
