Best places to raise a family in Massachusetts
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Massachusetts
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Massachusetts using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Sherborn
- Population: 4,316
- Median home value: $783,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,173 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $198,681
- Top public schools: Dover-Sherborn Regional High School (A+), Dover-Sherborn Regional Middle School (A+), Pine Hill School (A)
- Pictured: 91 N Main St, Sherborn ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $783,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,173 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $198,681
- Top public schools: Dover-Sherborn Regional High School (A+), Dover-Sherborn Regional Middle School (A+), Pine Hill School (A)
- Pictured: 91 N Main St, Sherborn ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Lincoln
- Population: 6,830
- Median home value: $913,800 (59% own)
- Median rent: $2,285 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $124,507
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Carroll School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22 Warbler Springs Rd, Lincoln ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $913,800 (59% own)
- Median rent: $2,285 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $124,507
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Carroll School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22 Warbler Springs Rd, Lincoln ($3.2 million, 7 bedrooms)
#23. Westwood
- Population: 16,136
- Median home value: $713,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,807 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $160,132
- Top public schools: Westwood High School (A+), Martha Jones School (A+), Downey Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Xaverian Brothers High School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Stonegate Dr, Westwood ($6.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $713,800 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,807 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $160,132
- Top public schools: Westwood High School (A+), Martha Jones School (A+), Downey Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Xaverian Brothers High School (A+)
- Pictured: 9 Stonegate Dr, Westwood ($6.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#22. Shrewsbury
- Population: 37,416
- Median home value: $416,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,371 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $104,766
- Top public schools: Shrewsbury Senior High School (A+), Floral Street School (A+), Spring Street Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint John's High School (A+), St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), Lilliput Early Childhood Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17 Benjamin Ln Unit 76, Scituate ($1.1 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $416,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,371 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $104,766
- Top public schools: Shrewsbury Senior High School (A+), Floral Street School (A+), Spring Street Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Saint John's High School (A+), St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), Lilliput Early Childhood Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 17 Benjamin Ln Unit 76, Scituate ($1.1 million, 2 bedrooms)
#21. Westborough
- Population: 19,037
- Median home value: $458,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,663 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $112,153
- Top public schools: Westborough High School (A+), Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School (A+), Elsie A. Hastings Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ebridge Montessori School (unavailable), Miss Tanya's Woodland School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Westborough (unavailable)
- Pictured: Spring Rd Lot C, Westborough ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $458,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,663 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $112,153
- Top public schools: Westborough High School (A+), Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School (A+), Elsie A. Hastings Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ebridge Montessori School (unavailable), Miss Tanya's Woodland School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Westborough (unavailable)
- Pictured: Spring Rd Lot C, Westborough ($950,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. Northborough
- Population: 15,056
- Median home value: $447,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,440 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $128,613
- Top public schools: Algonquin Regional High School (A+), Lincoln Street Elementary School (A), Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Bernadette Elementary School (unavailable), Cornerstone Academy (unavailable), The Goddard School - Northborough (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3 Harrington Ln, Northborough ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $447,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,440 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $128,613
- Top public schools: Algonquin Regional High School (A+), Lincoln Street Elementary School (A), Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Bernadette Elementary School (unavailable), Cornerstone Academy (unavailable), The Goddard School - Northborough (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3 Harrington Ln, Northborough ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#19. Harvard
- Population: 6,569
- Median home value: $565,400 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,242 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $156,667
- Top public schools: The Bromfield School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Heart of Mary School (B+), Applewild School (unavailable), Seven Hills Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 94 Tahanto Trl, Harvard ($950,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $565,400 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,242 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $156,667
- Top public schools: The Bromfield School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Heart of Mary School (B+), Applewild School (unavailable), Seven Hills Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 94 Tahanto Trl, Harvard ($950,000, 3 bedrooms)
#18. Sharon
- Population: 18,526
- Median home value: $559,600 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,641 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $141,423
- Top public schools: Sharon High School (A+), Sharon Middle School (A), Heights Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Al-Noor Academy, Sharon (A), Striar Hebrew Academy (unavailable), The Binah School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 39 Cape Club Dr Unit 25, Sharon ($989,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $559,600 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,641 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $141,423
- Top public schools: Sharon High School (A+), Sharon Middle School (A), Heights Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Al-Noor Academy, Sharon (A), Striar Hebrew Academy (unavailable), The Binah School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 39 Cape Club Dr Unit 25, Sharon ($989,000, 2 bedrooms)
#17. Pelham
- Population: 1,283
- Median home value: $334,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,479 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $94,479
- Top public schools: Amherst Regional High School (A+), Pelham Elementary School (A), Amherst Regional Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 61 S Valley Rd, Pelham ($875,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $334,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,479 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $94,479
- Top public schools: Amherst Regional High School (A+), Pelham Elementary School (A), Amherst Regional Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: 61 S Valley Rd, Pelham ($875,000, 4 bedrooms)
#16. Weston
- Population: 12,112
- Median home value: $1,312,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,698 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $207,702
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Weston High School (A+), Weston Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Rivers School (A+), The Cambridge School of Weston (A+), The Meadowbrook School of Weston (unavailable)
- Pictured: 76 Robin Rd, Weston ($9.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,312,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,698 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $207,702
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Weston High School (A+), Weston Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Rivers School (A+), The Cambridge School of Weston (A+), The Meadowbrook School of Weston (unavailable)
- Pictured: 76 Robin Rd, Weston ($9.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Acton
- Population: 23,627
- Median home value: $581,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $141,665
- Top public schools: Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (A+), Raymond J. Grey Junior High School (A+), Paul P. Gates Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Victor School (unavailable), Acton KinderCare (unavailable), Hayward Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 440 Central St, Acton ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $581,400 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,450 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $141,665
- Top public schools: Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (A+), Raymond J. Grey Junior High School (A+), Paul P. Gates Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Victor School (unavailable), Acton KinderCare (unavailable), Hayward Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 440 Central St, Acton ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Westford
- Population: 24,342
- Median home value: $531,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,974 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $144,917
- Top public schools: Westford Academy (A+), Stony Brook School (A+), Day Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Next Generation Children's Centers - Westford (unavailable), The Goddard School - Westford (unavailable), Westford KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 148 Depot St, Westford ($775,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $531,300 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,974 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $144,917
- Top public schools: Westford Academy (A+), Stony Brook School (A+), Day Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Next Generation Children's Centers - Westford (unavailable), The Goddard School - Westford (unavailable), Westford KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 148 Depot St, Westford ($775,000, 4 bedrooms)
#13. Sudbury
- Population: 19,122
- Median home value: $720,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $191,310
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Next Generation Children's Centers - Sudbury (unavailable), Willow Hill School (unavailable), Corwin-Russell School at Broccoli Hall (unavailable)
- Pictured: Widow Rites Ln Lot 3, Sudbury ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $720,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,169 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $191,310
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Next Generation Children's Centers - Sudbury (unavailable), Willow Hill School (unavailable), Corwin-Russell School at Broccoli Hall (unavailable)
- Pictured: Widow Rites Ln Lot 3, Sudbury ($1.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#12. Cordaville
- Population: 3,039
- Median home value: $574,000 (93% own)
- Median rent: No data available (7% rent)
- Median household income: $167,635
- Top public schools: Algonquin Regional High School (A+), Margaret A. Neary School (A), Albert S. Woodward Memorial School (A)
- Pictured: 8 Cain Cir Unit 8, Southborough ($674,900, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $574,000 (93% own)
- Median rent: No data available (7% rent)
- Median household income: $167,635
- Top public schools: Algonquin Regional High School (A+), Margaret A. Neary School (A), Albert S. Woodward Memorial School (A)
- Pictured: 8 Cain Cir Unit 8, Southborough ($674,900, 2 bedrooms)
#11. Wellesley
- Population: 28,747
- Median home value: $1,149,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,938 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $197,132
- Top public schools: Wellesley Senior High School (A+), John D. Hardy Elementary School (A+), Wellesley Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Dana Hall School (A+), Tenacre Country Day School (unavailable), St. John the Evangelist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 62 Carisbrooke Rd, Wellesley ($6.8 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,149,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,938 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $197,132
- Top public schools: Wellesley Senior High School (A+), John D. Hardy Elementary School (A+), Wellesley Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Dana Hall School (A+), Tenacre Country Day School (unavailable), St. John the Evangelist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 62 Carisbrooke Rd, Wellesley ($6.8 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#10. Boxborough
- Population: 5,561
- Median home value: $546,500 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,166 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $115,395
- Top public schools: Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (A+), Blanchard Memorial School (A+), Raymond J. Grey Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bright Horizons at Boxborough (unavailable)
- Pictured: 89 Wheeler Rd, Boxborough ($963,995, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $546,500 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,166 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $115,395
- Top public schools: Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (A+), Blanchard Memorial School (A+), Raymond J. Grey Junior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bright Horizons at Boxborough (unavailable)
- Pictured: 89 Wheeler Rd, Boxborough ($963,995, 2 bedrooms)
#9. Belmont
- Population: 26,113
- Median home value: $859,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $2,002 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $129,380
- Top public schools: Belmont High School (A+), Mary Lee Burbank School (A+), Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (A+)
- Top private schools: Belmont Hill School (A+), Waldorf High School of Massachusetts Bay (A), Belmont Day School (A-)
- Pictured: 50 Woodfall Rd, Belmont ($2.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $859,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $2,002 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $129,380
- Top public schools: Belmont High School (A+), Mary Lee Burbank School (A+), Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (A+)
- Top private schools: Belmont Hill School (A+), Waldorf High School of Massachusetts Bay (A), Belmont Day School (A-)
- Pictured: 50 Woodfall Rd, Belmont ($2.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
#8. Hopkinton
- Population: 17,598
- Median home value: $577,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,889 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $157,353
- Top public schools: Hopkinton High School (A+), Hopkins Elementary School (A+), Elmwood School (A+)
- Top private schools: Next Generation Children's Centers - Hopkinton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15 Weston Ln, Hopkinton ($759,000, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $577,600 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,889 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $157,353
- Top public schools: Hopkinton High School (A+), Hopkins Elementary School (A+), Elmwood School (A+)
- Top private schools: Next Generation Children's Centers - Hopkinton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15 Weston Ln, Hopkinton ($759,000, 2 bedrooms)
#7. Dover
- Population: 6,044
- Median home value: $1,008,600 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,181 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Dover-Sherborn Regional High School (A+), Dover-Sherborn Regional Middle School (A+), Chickering Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Charles River School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 93 Farm St, Dover ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,008,600 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,181 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Dover-Sherborn Regional High School (A+), Dover-Sherborn Regional Middle School (A+), Chickering Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Charles River School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 93 Farm St, Dover ($3.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Newton
- Population: 88,593
- Median home value: $914,700 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,940 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $151,068
- Top public schools: Newton North High School (A+), Newton South High School (A+), Mason Rice Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Newton Country Day School (A+), Brimmer and May School (A+), Mount Alvernia High School (A-)
- Pictured: 230 Dudley Rd, Newton ($7.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $914,700 (72% own)
- Median rent: $1,940 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $151,068
- Top public schools: Newton North High School (A+), Newton South High School (A+), Mason Rice Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Newton Country Day School (A+), Brimmer and May School (A+), Mount Alvernia High School (A-)
- Pictured: 230 Dudley Rd, Newton ($7.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#5. Brookline
- Population: 59,180
- Median home value: $933,200 (49% own)
- Median rent: $2,268 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $117,326
- Top public schools: Brookline High School (A+), Heath School (A+), Baker School (A+)
- Top private schools: Beaver Country Day School (A+), Dexter Southfield School (A+), Maimonides School (A+)
- Pictured: 108 Ivy St, Brookline ($7.3 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $933,200 (49% own)
- Median rent: $2,268 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $117,326
- Top public schools: Brookline High School (A+), Heath School (A+), Baker School (A+)
- Top private schools: Beaver Country Day School (A+), Dexter Southfield School (A+), Maimonides School (A+)
- Pictured: 108 Ivy St, Brookline ($7.3 million, 8 bedrooms)
#4. Carlisle
- Population: 5,224
- Median home value: $845,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $195,889
- Top public schools: Concord Carlisle High School (A+)
- Pictured: 43 Partridge Ln, Carlisle ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $845,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $195,889
- Top public schools: Concord Carlisle High School (A+)
- Pictured: 43 Partridge Ln, Carlisle ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Lexington
- Population: 33,340
- Median home value: $889,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,475 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $186,201
- Top public schools: Lexington High School (A+), Bowman Elementary School (A+), William Diamond Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lexington Christian Academy (A+), Lexington Montessori School (A+), Waldorf School of Lexington (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Hayes Ave, Lexington ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $889,700 (82% own)
- Median rent: $2,475 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $186,201
- Top public schools: Lexington High School (A+), Bowman Elementary School (A+), William Diamond Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lexington Christian Academy (A+), Lexington Montessori School (A+), Waldorf School of Lexington (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8 Hayes Ave, Lexington ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Cochituate
- Population: 7,226
- Median home value: $648,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $784 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $162,390
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+), Loker Kindergarten School (A+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Academy (unavailable), Barat Montessori School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Wayland (unavailable)
- Pictured: 470 Commonwealth Rd, Natick ($879,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $648,600 (89% own)
- Median rent: $784 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $162,390
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+), Loker Kindergarten School (A+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Academy (unavailable), Barat Montessori School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Wayland (unavailable)
- Pictured: 470 Commonwealth Rd, Natick ($879,900, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Wayland
- Population: 13,802
- Median home value: $711,500 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,051 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $185,375
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+), Loker Kindergarten School (A+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Academy (unavailable), Barat Montessori School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Wayland (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15 Hobbs Rd, Wayland ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $711,500 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,051 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $185,375
- Top public schools: Wayland High School (A+), Wayland Middle School (A+), Loker Kindergarten School (A+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Christian Academy (unavailable), Barat Montessori School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Wayland (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15 Hobbs Rd, Wayland ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
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