Cambridge and Worcester are two of the best places to live in Massachusetts in 2025. The median housing cost is $576,000. The state scores 75/100 in quality of life. The Bay State combines rich history, and a top-tier education system that keeps talent close.
Whether you love the hustle of city life or the calm of the suburbs, Massachusetts has something for you. With a growing economy and accessible housing, it’s a place people are eager to move to. Here’s a guide to the best places to live in Massachusetts.
👉 Download the Houzeo mobile app and start your Massachusetts home search today.
3 Reasons to Live in Massachusetts 🎓
- Growing Job Market Massachusetts plans to add 738,879 job openings between 2020 and 2030 across sectors like heathcare, IT, financial services, etc.
- Top-Notch Education: This state is home to institutions like Harvard University, MIT, Emerson College. The state has one of the best educational environments in the country.
- Outdoor Recreation: Massachusetts boasts of both the mountains and the seas due to which it remains naturally pleasant throughout the year. This allows residents can enjoy activities like hiking, trekking, boating, etc.
Best Places to Live in Massachusetts in 2024
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cambridge | 117,962 | $1,075,000 | $12,725 | 3.1% | 76/100 |
| 2. | Worcester | 204,191 | $400,000 | $10,325 | 3.6% | 61/100 |
| 3. | Quincy | 100,981 | $647,500 | $12,725 | 3.3% | 81/100 |
| 4. | Springfield | 155,305 | $278,500 | $9,206 | 3.9% | 58/100 |
| 5. | Boston | 665,945 | $830,000 | $12,725 | 3.1% | 76/100 |
| 6. | Salem | 44,541 | $517,500 | $10,995 | 2.9% | 67/100 |
| 7. | Somerville | 80,464 | $855,000 | $13,085 | 2.3% | 81/100 |
1. Cambridge
- Home Value: ⬆️ 2.9%
- Median Income: $121,539
- Monthly Expenses: $12,725
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Community Well-Being Score: 76/100
Home to the mighty Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge is a world leader in education. The median home price is a bit steeper at $1,075,000 and the cost of living is 13.5% higher than the state average.
Cambridge is one of the best cities to live in Massachusetts for young adults. The city has a robust job market in sectors like biomedical product manufacturing, software, etc. Some of the major employers are Biogen and Pegasystems.
In addition, you can find a lot of green spaces like Danehy Park and Riverbend Park, throughout the city along with a variety of restaurants offering coastal cuisine with international flavors.
» Homes for Sale in Cambridge, MA: View thousands of properties in the City of Squares.
2. Worcester
- Home Value: ⬆️ 10.1%
- Median Income: $63,011
- Monthly Expenses: $10,325
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100
Known as the Heart of the Commonwealth, Worcester reflects historical architecture from the 19th century such as City Hall and Union Station. The median home price is the same as the national average. and the cost of living is 12.5% lower than the state average.
The second-largest metro area in Massachusetts boasts a strong college scene with more than seven top-notch schools. It is easily the best city to live in Massachusetts for students.
The primary sectors of employment include life sciences, manufacturing, biotechnology, etc. Some of the top employers in the city are UMass Memorial Health and The Hanover Insurance Group.
» Homes for Sale in Worcester, MA: Find your home in this college town.
3. Quincy
- Home Value: ⬆️ 7.8%
- Median Income: $90,668
- Monthly Expenses: $12,725
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
- Community Well-Being Score: 81/100
Being the birthplace of two former US presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Quincy is known as the City of Presidents and reflects a historical yet modern vibe. The cost of living is 12.5% more than the state average.
Quincy is big on art, culture, and food. There are a variety of restaurants on the coastline and the Marine Bay which the residents love to visit. Moreover, with 52 parks, the city offers ample green spaces like the Adams National Historical Park.
4. Springfield
- Home Value: ⬆️ 8.3%
- Median Income: $45,405
- Monthly Expenses: $9,206
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
- Community Well-Being Score: 58/100
Considered the birthplace of basketball, Springfield reflects a rich sporting culture. The City of Firsts is among the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts. The median home price is 30% lower than the national average and the cost of living is 3.8% lower than the national average.
The major employers in the city include Mass Mutual, Baystate Health, and Theodore’s Inc. across sectors like healthcare and financial products.
» Homes for Sale in Springfield, MA: View thousands of listings in the City of Firsts.
5. Boston
- Home Value: ⬆️ 2.6%
- Median Income: $89,212
- Monthly Expenses: $12,725
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Community Well-Being Score: 76/100
Boston needs no introduction. The city has it all, from the best colleges like Boston University and Berkeley College of Music to the professional baseball scene. The median home price is more than double that of the national average. The cost of living is 18.3% higher than the state average.
The Hub offers a great climate for business and is home to various Fortune 500 companies like State Street and American Tower. Scientific technical, finance, insurance, etc. are the major contributing sectors to the city’s economy.
Try Massachusetts’s Mortgage Calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
6. Salem
- Home Value: ⬆️ 7.1%
- Median Income: $79,196
- Monthly Expenses: $10,995
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
- Community Well-Being Score: 67/100
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Salem is one of the best areas of Massachusetts. The median home price is 25% above the national average and the cost of living is 3.1% higher than the state average.
The city boasts a rich maritime history with three lighthouses. In addition, Salem’s federal-style homes reflect its architectural history. Apart from this, finance and healthcare are the major employment sectors in the city with employers like Northshore Medical Center and Salem Five.
» Homes for Sale in Salem, MA: View thousands of properties in the Witch City.
7. Somerville
- Home Value: ⬆️ 3.3%
- Median Income: $120,778
- Monthly Expenses: $13,085
- Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
- Community Well-Being Score: 81/100
Somerville is the best place to live in Massachusetts for families as it offers a pleasant lifestyle. Moreover, you get easy access to major cities like Cambridge and Boston. The median home price is $855K and the cost of living is 13.5% higher than the state average.
Located on the northeastern coast, the weather in Somerville can get quite cold. Apart from this, the city has a growing economy. Nizhoni Health and Smartbear Software are the major employers across sectors like healthcare and tech.
» Homes for Sale in Somerville, MA: Find a home in the Brooklyn of Boston.
Bottom Line
Massachusetts is one of the best places to live in the US due to its robust employment market and top-notch educational environment. Apart from being the 3rd greenest state in the US, Massachusetts boasts a rich cultural history.
The cost of living in Massachusetts can be a bit heavy on the pocket, being 27.5% higher than the national average. Home prices are inconsistent throughout the state, with $578K being the median.
Whether you’re drawn to the historic streets of Boston or the academic charm of Cambridge, Massachusetts offers diverse lifestyles. Explore listings, compare prices, and make offers online with just a few clicks on Houzeo, Massachusetts’s best home buying website.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Massachusetts’ most accurate home value estimator.
Research Methodology
We considered different metrics to list the best places in Massachusetts. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Massachusetts and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Massachusetts Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
Why Houzeo is the #1 Home Buying Website in America?
Houzeo.com is the best real estate website in America due to these reasons:
- Max Access to Listings: Houzeo features thousands of properties across all 50 states, including FSBO (For Sale By Owner) listings.
- Contact Agents Instantly: Want more details or to schedule a tour? Reach out to listing agents directly through the platform for quick responses and flexible showings.
- Mobile Convenience: Use the Houzeo Mobile App to explore listings, track offer status, and receive real-time updates anytime, anywhere.
>> Houzeo.com Reviews: Read why more homebuyers trust Houzeo every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest town to live in Massachusetts?
North Adams is one of the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts, with its median house price of just $245K. Springfield, Pittsfield and Chicopee are other affordable options.
Where is the best place to retire in Massachusetts?
Springfield is the best place to retire in Massachusetts, due to its affordable housing cost. Stoneham's low crime rates make it another good option for retirees.
What is the safest town in Massachusetts?
Marblehead is one of the safest towns in Massachusetts. It's safer than 56% of US cities, with only 1.18 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
