Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts of March 2024

ElitePersonalFinance
Last Update: March 11, 2023 Living

Massachusetts is one of the New England states located in the Northeastern United States. It is one of the historically essential U.S. states, being a place of many momentous events. Plymouth was the birthplace of the first colony in New England. Boston Tea Party is considered to be the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. At the same time, Springfield is the birthplace of basketball.

The population of Massachusetts is almost 6,900,000, which makes it the 15th most populated state. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and home to Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tufts University, and Berklee College of Music.

All of this puts Massachusetts among the best states to live in the US. However, we decided to go a step further and list the ten best places to raise a family in Massachusetts.

Ranking Criteria

ElitePersonalFinance extracted data from the most accurate and latest sources, such as the FBI Crime Report, to determine crime rates. Additional considered criteria include education, cultural scene, and recreation areas.

Best Places to Raise a Family in Massachusetts of March 2024

Amherst

Amherst is the biggest town in Hampshire County and is home to 40,313 people. It has been awarded in various important categories, including the best college towns, places to raise kids, and the most intelligent college towns. Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst provide education to around 35,000 students. The University of Massachusetts Amherst, also known as Umass, is a public university well-known for providing high-quality education and being the largest public university in New England and the 27th best public university in the US.

Bedford

Located in Middlesex County, Bedford is a town with 14,607 residents. It is situated 15 miles away from Boston, within the Greater Boston Area. Bedford has an admirable history – the Bedford flag exhibited in Bedford Free Public Library is the oldest known surviving intact battle flag in the United States and the first U.S. flag flown during the American Revolutionary War.

Springfield

The seat of Hampden County, Springfield, is located on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River. The population of this city is 154,562, which makes it the third-largest city in Massachusetts. It has several nicknames, such as the City of Firsts (because of many innovations), the City of Homes (because of the architecture), and Hoop City because basketball was invented in Springfield. Springfield also boasts fantastic higher education since it is home to Springfield College, Western New England University, American International College, and Springfield Technical Community College.

Northampton

Northampton is the seat of Hampshire County, with a population of 28,458. This town is located around 19 miles away from Springfield, and despite its size, it offers a broad range of educational, artistic, and cultural opportunities. Smith College, home to almost 3,000 students, is located in this town, which gives it one more advantage. Numerous points of interest will attract your attention and leave you fascinated, for example, the Elm Street/Round Hill Historic District, Look, Park, and Childs Park, as well as Mirage Studios, the creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now you know your child will definitely love this town.

Franklin

Franklin is a city but is officially known as the Town of Franklin. It is home to 33,397 people. The first library in the United States that contains even some books donated by Benjamin Franklin is located here and is among the things residents rightfully take pride in. There are six elementary, three middle, and one high school in Franklin. The Red Brick School is one of the oldest active one-room schools in the US. Across from the Franklin Public Library, Dean College is home to over 1,000 students.

Longmeadow

Located in Hampden County, Longmeadow is a neighbor of Springfield. The population of this town is 15,848. There are six public schools in this town: three K-5, two middle, and one high school. But there are also private schools. The music program is top-rated and of great quality, confirmed by numerous gold medals won at the MICCA competition and three national Grammy Awards. Many successful local wind ensemble performances and symphony orchestras in the most renowned halls across the country. Bay Path University is also located in this lovely town.

Wilmington

A neighbor of Bedford, Wilmington, is located in Middlesex County. It is home to around 23,791 Americans. Many local schools for children of all ages can give your child a great education and life-long friends. Places like Silver Lake, Camp Forty Acres, and Town Park can easily be your favorites when it comes to spending quality time with your family.

Winchester

One more town located in Middlesex County, Winchester, announces this county as the Massachusetts leader. This town is only 8 miles away from Boston and is a bedroom community for people working in and around Boston. The population of Winchester is 23,059. Apart from a great education, this town offers stunning recreation opportunities, such as the Winchester Boat Club, Swim and Tennis Club, and Myopia Club.

Lexington

Again, we have a town that is situated in Middlesex County. Lexington is one of the great value sites to American history since the Battle of Lexington of the Revolutionary War was fought here. This town is among the wealthiest small cities in the United States. It is also known for its multiculturalism and a great number of high-quality schools. The great economy and vibrant cultural scene make this town unique – Lexington Symphony, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and Cary Memorial Library give this place an invaluable air of a cultural center. The population is over 32,000 people.

Brookline

Brookline is situated in Norfolk County, and it is a part of the Greater Boston Area. The population is 59,233. One of the things that this town is famous for is that John F. Kennedy was born here. Art and culture for children are valued and nurtured in several museums and the Puppet Showplace Theater, one of the oldest puppet theaters in the US. Also, parks will make your kid want to play and run each day, giving them amazing scenery and spacious areas to enjoy – many higher education institutions, such as Boston College, Pine Manor College, Hellenic College, etc.

Those are the best ten places to raise a family in Massachusetts.

If you would like to suggest a city or town that we could include in our list, please post it in the comments below.

You can also send us original images of these 10 places! We will post them, and that way, your favorite place will look way better on our website.

Sources:

MEET THE AUTHOR

ElitePersonalFinance


Recommended Articles

AS SEEN ON