Top 7 Best neighborhoods in Boston with the Best quality of life – 2024

Studies
United States
Massachusetts
Boston

Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and played an important part in the American Revolution. It is also known for its world-class educational institutions, which include Harvard University and Boston University. Its historical sites, including the Freedom Trail, make it an interesting place for people to reside.

Aside from the cost of living, Boston has its own distinct charm and personality, catering to a variety of lifestyles and tastes. There’s a neighborhood for everyone in Boston, from historic Beacon Hill, the farmers’ market, the seaport district, Boston Common, the oldest park in the USA, to the trendy South End.

Looking for the best parts of the city that you can settle peacefully in Boston, Massachusetts? MovingWaldo will assist you in finding the ideal place to live as we identified the top 7 best neighborhoods to live in Boston that offer the best quality of life in 2024.

Methodology

Due to “best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Boston, we based our ranking on three criteria: safety, affordability, and quality of life.

The safety factor is based on careful analysis of crime rates derived from Massachusetts Crime Statistics 2022. To ensure accuracy, we calculated the average number of various crimes per 1000 people. The data is categorized into three groups: crimes against persons, crimes against society offenses, and crimes against property offenses. 

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. The majority of statistics come from Rockethomes’s median pricing for June 2023 and Zillow’s 1-bedroom median cost for August 2023.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Best neighborhoods in Boston

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1. Winchester

  • Crime rate: 6.53 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $4,101
  • Median property buying cost: $1,300,000

Winchester is known as the “bedroom community” because many people who work in Boston live there.

The Middlesex Fells Reservation, or simply the fells, spans 2,200 acres for public recreation and is situated partly in Winchester. It offers hiking, biking, fishing, and pet-friendly activities, as well as opportunities to rent boats, canoes, and kayaks for pond exploration. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is $1,300,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $4,101 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 6.53 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023) & MA Crime Statistics (2022)

Winchester, Boston, MA

2. Brookline

  • Crime rate: 18.13 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,750
  • Median property buying cost: $1,189,800

Brookline is a good choice for residents seeking a mix of urban convenience and suburban charm. Locals like the neighborhood’s proximity to Boston, and they can save money on transport because they can walk everywhere, with a Walk Score of 91.

Brookline’s pathways, picnic areas, and sporting fields, multiple parks, like Larz Anderson Park and Olmstead Park, create a welcoming environment for families. 

As of August 2023, the median property buying cost is $1,189,800 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,750.For safety, it has a total of 18.13 crimes per 1,000 people, making the residents feel safe.

Rocket Homes (August 2023), Zillow (August 2023) & MA Crime Statistics (2022)

Brookline, Boston, MA

3. Somerville

  • Crime rate: 25.28 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,600
  • Median property buying cost: $948,962

Somerville has an accessible location near Boston. This place appeals to young professionals and families looking for a progressive environment.

Locals mention that they like this neighborhood because of its emphasis on public art activities, and community events, which foster a dynamic and engaged local population.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is $948,962 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,600 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 25.28 crimes per 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023) & MA Crime Statistics (2022)

Somerville, Boston, MA

4. Malden

  • Crime rate: 27.84 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,100
  • Median property buying cost: $595,000

Malden is a thriving suburban community and one of Massachusetts’s most diversified neighborhoods, and provides ample opportunities to everyone. 

It is located just outside of Boston, yet close enough that some people consider it to be a part of the city. This city gracefully keeps its cultural legacy while remaining open to modern technology. 

As of June 2023, the median property buying cost is $595,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,100 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 27.84 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (August 2023) & MA Crime Statistics (2022)

Malden, Boston, MA

5. Quincy

  • Crime rate: 38.33 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,850
  • Median property buying cost: $595,000

Quincy is a waterfront neighborhood just outside of Boston, yet near enough that some consider it to be Boston. It provides a great sense of an outdoor lifestyle while also helping you save money because you can walk anywhere. It has a walk score of 81 out of 100, marking it as one of Boston’s best neighborhoods.

Locals love Quincy’s local events, which make it an ideal place for families and individuals seeking a balanced urban-suburban lifestyle.

As of August 2023, the median property buying cost is $595,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,850. For safety, it has a total of 38.33 crimes per 1,000 people, making the residents feel safe.

Rocket Homes (August 2023), Zillow (August 2023) & MA Crime Statistics (2022)

Quincy, Boston, MA

6. Revere

  • Crime rate: 39.35 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,560
  • Median property buying cost: $617,187

Revere is an oceanfront neighborhood with the beautiful Revere Beach, the oldest public beach in the United States and the first ocean beach bought for public pleasure in the United States, as well as one of the first properties added to Boston’s Metropolitan Park System.

Locals enjoy the variety of events, making it an exciting location for residents seeking an active and beach-oriented lifestyle.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is $617,187 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,560 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 39.35 crimesper 1,000 people, making it a safe place to live. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023) & MA Crime Statistics (2022)

Revere, Boston, MA

7. Roslindale

  • Crime rate: 14.15 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,197.50
  • Median property buying cost: $700,000

Roslindale is a residential area in the Boston neighborhood bordered by Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, West Roxbury, and Mattapan.

The neighborhood is just near the Arnold Arboretum, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and recreational opportunities. 

Locals mention that Roslindale is a community-friendly neighborhood with activities suitable for its residents.

As of July 2023, the median property buying cost is $700,000 and the median cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,197.50 as of August 2023. For safety, it has a total of 14.15 crimes per 1,000 people, adding a sense of security to the residents.

Rocket Homes (July 2023), Zillow (August 2023) & Boston Criminal Org 2019

Roslindale, Boston, MA

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Conclusion

By moving to Boston, you’ll be in a great place to experience the Northeastern United States. Many beaches, known places to visit, and New England’s fall color are all easily accessible.

While each of these Boston, Massachusetts communities offer a unique lifestyle option, safety, affordability, and community involvement play vital roles in making them the best places to live.

Our selection of the top 7 best neighborhoods in Boston with the best quality of life in 2024 might help you decide where you’ll live. 

Are you planning on moving to Boston soon? Learn about the Best Moving Companies in Boston, MA!

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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