The 11 Best Towns in Massachusetts for Young Families

Stoneham (population: 21,437)

Located just 10 miles north of Boston, Stoneham has the nickname of “The Friendly Town” which should really tell you everything you need to know about the town.

Stoneham’s suburban community enjoys low crime rates, great schools and easy access to the major highways. The town is a quick 20 minutes from the ocean, 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the ever-popular Burlington Mall. And even though it’s a short distance from almost anything you may need, its quiet, suburban feel will make you feel like you’re tucked away in a remote location. 

Notable Attractions:

Stone Zoo

Zoolights

Farmer’s Market

Marblehead (population: 19,808)

One of Massachusetts’ most well-known coastal towns, Marblehead is only 18 miles north of Boston. Residents are lucky to enjoy a variety of parks, playgrounds, and beaches right in their backyards, which is a major benefit if you have small, restless children. Strong support from the community has also helped Marblehead achieve an impressive academic record, with schools in the area receiving high grades on GreatSchools.com.

The town’s motto, “Where history comes alive” is evident from the quaint, narrow streets and 17^th and 18th-century style architecture. Homes in this area have the traditional colonial feel that exemplifies New England life.

Notable Attractions:

Fort Sewall

Castle Rock Park

Wilmington (population: 22,325)

Wilmington is a quintessential New England town with strong family-oriented priorities. Throughout the year, the town holds family-friendly seasonal activities like summer concerts, a holiday tree lighting ceremony and an Easter egg hunt that create an enviable community spirit.

Wilmington is also a short drive to the major highways and commuter rails, making it a great suburb for parents working in the city or families hoping to catch as many Red Sox games as possible.

Notable Attractions:

Silver Lake

K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing

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Reading (population: 24,747) & North Reading (population: 14,892)

Only 12 miles north of Boston, Reading and North Reading are idyllic New England towns for parents needing to commute into the city and for kids to attend some of the best schools in the country.

Both progressive towns balance a healthy mix of prioritizing their history while actively supporting growth. The towns have developed a reputation for volunteerism and civic engagement, making both an encouraging area for raising a family.

Notable Attractions:

Jordan’s IMAX Theater

BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course

Newburyport (population: 17,800)

Not only is Newburyport a great destination for excellent schools and safe communities, the town offers an easy commute to Boston or Portsmouth by means of their central location and public transportation.

Thanks to a bustling downtown center, Newburyport is a top tourist destination during the summer and a seasonal favorite spot for locals in the winter. Living here will give you a front row seat to seasonal events that tourists from all over the country come to experience.

Notable Attractions:

Whale Watch

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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Woburn (population: 39,083)

Woburn is a mix of relaxing residences and discrete office spaces tucked between wooded conservation areas. The traditional New England architectural styles remain throughout the city, preserving the historic feel that is highly coveted throughout the state.

Close proximity to Lowell and Boston, on top of being more affordable than neighboring towns, makes Woburn a top contender when considering the North Shore of Massachusetts for your family’s home.

Notable Attractions:

Boston Rock Gym

Lord Hobo Brewery

East Longmeadow (population: 15,720)

South of Springfield is the quiet town of East Longmeadow. One of the town’s main focal points is Heritage Park, which is home to a pond full of swans and fish that children love, as well as baseball fields, soccer fields and a picnic area.

The central rotary in town features small local shops and restaurants that offer unexpected dining and shopping opportunities. There are also many churches that have become an integral part of the town’s community. East Longmeadow also has a lot of bragging rights since the town holds the honor of hosting the largest Fourth of July parade in Western Massachusetts.

Notable Attractions:

Fenway Golf

Redstone Rail Trail

Springfield (population: 153,703)

Springfield is actually the largest city in Western New England and the headquarters for many businesses, including Peter Pan Bus Lines and Merriam-Webster. The city’s striking Victorian residential architecture helped it gain the nickname of “The City of Homes.”

Since Springfield is a larger city compared to the towns on this list, residents are able to enjoy more variety when it comes to arts, culture, and media. The Mass Mutual Center hosts minor league hockey games, concerts or conventions, which means your family will always have options for fun activities to do.

Notable Attractions:

Basketball Hall of Fame

Mass Mutual Center

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Brewster (population: 9,820)

As one of the most picturesque towns in Southern Massachusetts, Brewster’s central location allows for convenient access to other parts of the Cape. Residents also enjoy living within close proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches, as well as biking and hiking trails and campgrounds.

Located on the Lower Cape, Brewster is home to great schools, libraries, and museums, making it one of the best towns for families in the area.

Notable Attractions:

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Nickerson State Park

Barnstable (population: 45,193)

For families that love the water, Barnstable just might make the perfect home. Situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, the town offers an abundance of boating and fishing activities.

Barnstable’s seven villages are well spread-out (Hyannis being one of them) and each has their own unique personality while still preserving a historic charm. This variety means there’s a village that is likely to suit any family’s style.

Notable Attractions:

U.S. Coast Guard Heritage Museum

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Whether you gravitate to the western part of the state or want to stay wicked close to Boston, Massachusetts’ low unemployment rate, low poverty rate and high quality of life mean you and your family are likely to find the perfect city or town to call your next home.

Blue Water Mortgage is licensed in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Before you begin your journey of moving into a new home, it’s advisable that you schedule a financial planning session with a full Massachusetts mortgage review to ensure you’re in a healthy financial state. Perhaps you already own a home in one of these top towns and are considering refinancing, we can help there as well. The team at Blue Water Mortgage can help you determine the right financing options for your situation. Contact us today to get started.