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Lifestyle & Community, Local GuidesWith a new school year right around the corner, many families are also weighing big decisions like where to live. Choosing the right suburb in Greater Boston can feel like a lot to juggle between school rankings, home prices, commutes, and community life. The good news is that several towns combine excellent schools with family-friendly amenities. Use the comparison chart to get oriented, then dive into the quick guides for each town.
This guide references Niche 2025 school grades, state accountability data, regional school rankings, and recent monthly market snapshots. If transit fits your routine, consider MBTA options alongside the drive times listed below.
| Suburb | Niche grade (2025) | Median home price | Drive time to downtown | Everyday feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | A+ | $1.86M | 25 to 35 min off-peak | Tree-lined streets, enrichment options, community traditions |
| Newton | A+ | $1.65M | 15 to 25 min off-peak | Eleven village centers, parks, easy access to Boston |
| Brookline | A+ | $1.21M | 15 to 20 min off-peak | Walkable, Green Line convenience, busy weekends |
| Belmont | A+ | $1.25 to $1.47M | 20 to 25 min off-peak | Calm, close-knit, quick hop to Cambridge |
| Winchester | A+ | $1.54M | 20 to 25 min off-peak | Classic New England feel, town events, access to the Fells |
| Needham | A+ | $1.68M | 20 to 30 min off-peak | Lively downtown, youth sports, very community focused |
| Wellesley | A+ | $2.15 to $2.20M | 25 to 35 min off-peak | Traditions, town pride, high-achieving schools |
| Arlington | A | $1.11M | 15 to 25 min off-peak | Walkable main street, lots of young families, quick to Cambridge |
Niche grades are from 2025 reports. Median prices are recent snapshots and will change with the market. Drive times are approximate off-peak estimates to the downtown core. Consider MBTA options where they fit your routine.
Lexington, MA: Top Schools and Family Living
Lexington is known for its history and top-ranked schools. Families enjoy tree-lined streets, active youth programs, and a strong sense of community.
Schools: Lexington High consistently places in Boston Magazine’s top public high schools, and district accountability scores sit at the top of state ranges.
Home prices: Median around $1.86M. See Lexington homes for sale.
Newton, MA: Schools, Parks, and Village Life
Newton offers excellent schools and a city-suburb balance with eleven distinct village centers. Playgrounds, local shops, and short commutes keep daily life simple.
Schools: Newton South and Newton North both appear in regional top rankings with strong district performance in state data.
Home prices: Median around $1.65M. See Newton homes for sale.
Brookline, MA: Walkability and Top Academics
Brookline blends walkability with top-tier schools. Families love its playgrounds, cultural amenities, and Green Line access.
Schools: Brookline High performs in the region’s top tier and meets state performance targets.
Home prices: Median around $1.21M. See Brookline homes for sale.
Belmont, MA: Quiet Streets and a Modern High School
Belmont offers quiet neighborhoods, updated school facilities, and a close-knit feel. It is a popular choice for families who want suburban calm with quick access to Cambridge.
Schools: Belmont High’s newer campus and steady results make it a reliable pick.
Home prices: Median around $1.25 to $1.47M. See Belmont homes for sale.
Winchester, MA: Classic New England With Trails and Town Events
Winchester delivers a classic New England experience with excellent schools and easy access to the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
Schools: Winchester High ranks among the region’s top programs with very strong district metrics.
Home prices: Median around $1.54M. See Winchester homes for sale.
Needham, MA: Lively Downtown and Strong K to 12
Needham has a lively downtown, strong community ties, and well known youth sports. Many families find the day to day rhythm easy here.
Schools: Needham High sits in the region’s top band with solid outcomes across the district.
Home prices: Median around $1.68M. See Needham homes for sale.
Wellesley, MA: High Achievement and Town Traditions
Wellesley is synonymous with academic excellence and community involvement. You will find beautiful neighborhoods and a lot of school spirit.
Schools: Wellesley High regularly appears in the regional top ten and the district reports strong state outcomes.
Home prices: Median around $2.15 to $2.20M. See Wellesley homes for sale.
Arlington, MA: Walkable, Creative, and Close to Cambridge
Arlington is a favorite for young families thanks to its walkable neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and quick access to Cambridge and Boston.
Schools: Arlington High’s modern campus and consistent district performance make it a solid all-around choice.
Home prices: Median around $1.11M. See Arlington homes for sale.
How to choose what fits your family
- Start with commute and routine. Map school drop off to your work route. If the daily drive is stressful, the grade will not make up for it.
- Confirm school zones. Elementary assignments can depend on the street. Double check boundaries before you commit to a house.
- Visit at kid hours. Go between 3 and 6 p.m. Notice traffic, after school programs, and where families gather.
- Walk the main streets. Look for playgrounds, libraries, fields, and a grocery stop that fits your routine.
- Ask beyond averages. Explore special education services, arts, world languages, and supports for new learners.
Next steps
If you are deciding between Lexington, Newton, Brookline, Belmont, Winchester, Needham, Wellesley, or Arlington, our team can help you compare school zones, commute times, and micro neighborhoods, then line that up with current inventory and price trends.
Set up a quick consult to narrow your list with real data and on the ground insight.
