We’re highlighting surrounding towns that are close enough to Boston so that you can still commute on public transportation for work and enjoy some breathing room outside of the city. Looking to check out the neighboring cities of Boston and lighten the load on your bank account? You’re in the right place. These areas are affordable, accessible, and worthy of exploration:
1) Quincy
Quincy is considered an affordable alternative to living in Boston. Originally, Quincy was an industrial giant in granite. However, this coastal city is undergoing a massive transition. Located just a few miles south of Boston, it sits on the MBTA Red Line, with stops at North Quincy, Wollaston, Quincy Center, and Quincy Adams. Quincy also has a commuter rail stop in Quincy Center. Quincy has one of the largest coastlines in Massachusetts and many people walk/run along Wollaston Beach.
Massive waterfront condos at Marina Bay, small beach homes alongside Wollaston Beach, and single-family homes are popular places in Quincy for Bostonians to rent when they’re looking for affordability and proximity to Boston. A few neighborhoods to choose from include: Wollaston, North Quincy, Merrymount, Houghs Neck, Adams Shore, The Historic Homestead District and Squantum Point/Marina Bay.
2) Medford
Only about 15-minute drive from Boston, Medford offers an urban suburban mix and there are a lot of public parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. Home to Tufts University, Medford tends to be much more affordable than living in Boston. The MBTA Orange Line subway and commuter rail stop here, as well as several buses. Trails along the Mystic River and the Middlesex Fells Reservation provide natural beauty for Medford’s residents to enjoy.
Italian food dominates the dining scene in Medford, so if Italian is your style try Nappi’s Restaurant, Amici’s classic pizza parlor, or Salvatore’s to get a taste of what Medford eateries have to offer. However, Medford is adjacent to Somerville – which boasts its own nightlife with a selection of dive bars with live music and ethnic restaurants.
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3) Waltham
Less than 12 miles from Boston, Waltham’s easy commute is a huge plus for the city. This suburban oasis is an in-demand option for those looking for more space. There’s a commuter rail option as well as bus accessibility. Waltham is home to Bentley and Brandeis universities and big-name companies like Raytheon and AstraZeneca, making it a bustling education and job hub.
In downtown Waltham, Moody Street is packed with a wide range of restaurant varieties and nightlife. In this strip of bars and cafes, you can find everything from taco bowls to sushi rolls. Waltham is a city of about 62,000, large enough to support the restaurant and nightlife scene on Moody Street. For the outdoorsy types, Charles River Path in Waltham is about a 4-mile walk alongside the river. A few hidden treasures in Waltham include: Embassy Cinema, Gore Place, Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation, Rose Art Museum, and Prospect Hill Park.
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