Best Places to Live in Massachusetts: Where History Meets Modern Living

A stroll through the artistic walls of Northampton, a rush to the legacy of Ivy League brilliance of Cambridge, and the best places to live in Massachusetts welcome everyone. The State unfurls into a perfect umbrella of urban, suburban, and rural areas, all thriving in cultural diversity.

Did you know Newton's schools rank among the national top 2%, and Nantucket real estate is so rare that vacant land costs more than a private aeroplane? Whether you like to pursue academic status, suburban tranquility, beachside luxury, or the allure of artistic community, Massachusetts has it all—and more. 

Ready to discover your ideal place in the Commonwealth? We’ve got you covered with this list of great places to live in Massachusetts.

Best Places to Live in Massachusetts

Draped in academic excellence and scenic towns, Massachusetts is truly a paradise for all folks alike. Be it the historical Quincy or the suburban Pembroke, here are the best places to live in Massachusetts:

1. Boston

Average Rent: $3,040/month
Crime Rate: 6.5/1,000 residents
Total Population: 6,73,000

Boston reflects a mix of colonial charm and modern-day innovation, keeping you in the best of both worlds simultaneously. The Boston Massachusetts neighborhoods are the hub of economic and cultural experience in New England and a home to world-class institutions like Harvard, Boston University, Northeastern University, and MIT, making student housing in Boston both essential and abundant.

It's among the good places to live in Massachusetts for those who want a lively, walkable city rich in history, hurtling toward the future. From cobblestone streets in Beacon Hill to the Seaport District's high-tech vibe, the best neighborhoods Boston MA have something for everyone. 

2. Cambridge

Average Rent: $3,600/month
Crime Rate: 35.66/1,000 residents
Total Population: 1,51,000

Standing tall with the legacy of academic brilliance and home to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge is a starry dream. Being one of the best places to live in Massachusetts, Cambridge beautifully merges academic excellence with a wide range of student housing in Cambridge further enhancing its appeal to learners from across the globe.

With a population of more than 118,000, Cambridge has an extremely educated population, with 82.7% having a bachelor's degree or a higher academic qualification. The average household income is $134,307, which depicts the city's strong economy based on education, tech, and biotech sectors. 

Cambridge has a distinct combination of city and suburban life, and lucky for you, it also houses some of the best cafes in Boston. Its neighborhoods include Harvard Square and Kendall Square, filled with the best thrift shops and bookstores.

3. Amherst

Average Rent: $1,752/month
Crime Rate: 9/1,000 residents
Total Population: 39,263

Home to a number of world-renowned institutions, Amherst is characterized by its massive number of higher education institutions that it harbors under its wing, such as the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and Hampshire College. 

What makes Amherst the best area to live in Massachusetts is its lively downtown district with independently owned bookstores, cafes, and art museums. The town's cultural attractions include the Emily Dickinson Museum, honoring the life of the celebrated poet, and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, dedicated to the iconic children's book author and illustrator. 

Residents have a range of recreational opportunities, from hiking in the nearby Mount Holyoke Range to attending local farmers' markets and community events. The dedication to sustainability and local farming is reflected in the town's many farm-to-table restaurants and environmental programs.

4. Worcester 

Average Rent: $2,000/month
Crime Rate: 17.13/1,000 residents
Total Population: : 2,11,000

Commonly deemed as the “Heart of the Commonwealth”,  Worcester isn’t just arguably the best area to live in Massachusetts, but also one of the snowiest cities in the USA. Worcester has a reputation for brilliant post-secondary education, with eight colleges and universities circling the periphery of the place, such as the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Clark University, and Worcester State University.

Worcester is rich in its cultural life, with institutions such as the Worcester Art Museum and the Hanover Theatre providing varied forms of art experience. The diverse food here is to die for, mirroring the multicultural demography, another factor that makes it one of the great places to live in Massachusetts.

5. Northampton

Average Rent: $1,428/month
Crime Rate: 14.91/1,000 residents
Total Population: 29,571

Located in the scenic view of Pioneer Valley, Northampton is one of the best places live Massachusetts with its jubilance and progressive values. Affectionately called the "Paradise City," Northampton has a distinctive mix of small-town character and cultural vastness, making it one of the good places to live in Massachusetts. 

Northampton is also home to Smith College, an elite liberal arts school that infuses the city with an intellectual vibe. The average income levels in most households differ depending on different census tracts, with some of them having incomes reaching up to $97,375. 

The city is thriving with all things artistic, with many festivals and events occurring annually. The Academy of Music Theatre, established in 1891, is a cultural center that provides a variety of performances ranging from theater to music.

6. Charlestown

Average Rent: $3,511/month
Crime Rate: 28.79/1,000 residents
Total Population: 20,397

Being the oldest neighbourhood of Boston, Charlestown is also one of the great places to live in Massachusetts. Charlestown was founded in 1628, serving as an important zone during the American Revolution, specifically as the location of the Battle of Bunker Hill. 

Charlestown is the best area to live in Massachusetts, providing its residents with a special combination of colonial homes, waterfront locations, and a close-knit community culture. The local economy receives support from the proximity to Boston's financial and technology centers, with most residents being employed in these industries.

Charlestown, one of the best neighborhoods Boston MA, has a rich cultural environment, and sites like the Bunker Hill Monument and USS Constitution Museum, which majorly attract history buffs and anyone with a longing for art.

Residents have a range of dining options, ranging from old-fashioned New England seafood to international cuisines, all owing to the multicultural population of the area.

Safe Off-Campus Student Housing in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a place that students grow to call home. Student-friendly neighborhoods like Allston, Fenway, Dorchester, and Back Bay are popular for their proximity to major universities, vibrant culture, and great public transport. 

Whether you’re moving to Boston, Cambridge, or nearby suburbs, finding the right off-campus housing can make your academic journey more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable.

Amber has got you covered; whether you are looking for a studio, a shared apartment, or a dorm, we have it all to suit your personalized needs. We make the process of getting student housing in Massachusetts a streamlined process with simple steps and continued support. Here are some of our top choices for student housing in Massachusetts:

1. June Homes 02134, Boston 
2. Imprint, Dorchester 
3. 1047 Commonwealth, Boston 
4. The Tremont, Boston