Affordable Places to Live Near Boston: From historic brownstones, impressive museums, and sprawling parks to cobbled streets, Boston has it all. It also offers access to both mountains and the ocean and is home to around 50 universities and colleges, drawing many to take up residence here.
The city has a promising job market and quality healthcare facilities. Its lively entertainment, nightlife, and dining scenes further add to its desirability.
But with 7 million people calling the city home, living costs have been on the rise, with rent prices moving up by more than 70% in the last few years.
However, if you want easy access to the incredible offerings of the city without breaking the bank, there are many affordable places nearby that’ll be perfect to call home.
Wondering where to begin?
We’ve got you covered with our list of affordable places to live near Boston: –
Worcester #1
Located in Central Massachusetts, Worcester is well connected to many other parts of the state including Boston.
It’s New England’s second-largest city and boasts excellent healthcare facilities and a vibrant dining scene. From art enthusiasts to nature lovers, the city offers something for everyone.
From watching a Broadway play at Hanover Theatre, grooving at a concert in Mechanics Hall, to strolling in the beautiful Elm Park and exploring Worcester’s EcoTarium, there is something here for everyone.
It also has “Little Italy”, a vibrant underground music scene, and numerous retro lunch car diners.
The city’s 20th-century homes and tree-lined streets elevate its charm. The median home price here is around $423K and the average rent is around $1,635 per month.
Salem #2
Around a 40-minute drive away from Boston, Salem is another affordable gem in the region. It’s known for its infamous Salem Witch Trials and is home to many historic sites that draw visitors and tourists alike.
From exploring the Witch History Museum, and shopping at modern witchcraft shops to enjoying an artsy afternoon at the Peabody Essex Museum, there is a plethora of activities and attractions to explore here.
The coastal city also has many scenic parks, lighthouses, and historic homes.
The median home price here is around $436K and the average rent is around $1,990 per month.
Beverly #3
Around half an hour’s drive from LA lies this charming coastal town. It features beautiful New England landscapes and is home to many scenic parks and beaches that offer plenty of outdoor recreational activities.
One of the most notable highlights of the town is Lynch Park which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has a 95-year-old rose garden.
For entertainment, locals love to visit its downtown area which is chock full of local businesses, and restaurants and hosts many community events throughout the year.
It also features Beverly Public Library and the Beverly Farmers Market.
What’s more?
If you work in Boston, you can enjoy accessibility through commuter rail. Couple that with numerous excellent public schools.
The median home price here is around $673K and the average rent is around $2,432 per month.
Bolton #4
If you’re looking for a tranquil rural vibe with access to Boston’s entertainment scene, Bolton may be the perfect choice.
A 45-minute drive away from Downtown Boston, Bolton exudes a community vibe.
It has a charming downtown area with a park, a coffee shop, a library, and numerous local businesses. If you’re planning to raise a family, the town is home to many highly-rated schools.
One of its notable highlights is Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center, which offers tours and sessions on wildlife.
The average home price in Bolton is $825K and the average monthly rent is around $1,500.
Danvers #5
One of the most popular Boston suburbs, Danvers offers plenty of shopping and dining options. It has a history related to the Salem Witch trials and features a memorial dedicated to the victims.
The town also has a rich agricultural history and features many lush open areas, stunning beaches, and the Danvers River.
One of the most notable outdoor recreation areas is Endicott Park which offers plenty of outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, fishing, and sledding amongst others.
The town is also known for being home to the Water Park of New England which draws visitors and locals alike for a fun outing.
Couple that with good schools and affordable housing options. The median home price here is around $655K and the average rent is around $2,629 per month.
Wakefield #6
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a party person, this vibrant city won’t disappoint. One of its most popular attractions is Lake Quannapowitt, which has a 3.5-mile scenic loop around it, perfect for jogging, cycling, and dog walking.
From here, it’s within walking distance to downtown Wakefield which features many restaurants, and shops.
The Common District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features historic architecture along Common St and Main St. While Wakefield may not be the cheapest suburb of Boston, it offers relatively affordable housing options.
The median home price here is around $750K and the average rent is around $2,600 per month.
Lynn #7
Lynn offers easy access to both Boston and the beach and comes with relatively affordable housing options.
With Nahant Bay, Broad Sound, Lynn Woods, and numerous scenic parks, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
It also has an impressive downtown area with plenty of shopping, dining options, live music venues, and elegant brick structures.
The city also has many cultural and historical sites.
Some parts of the city are safer than others so keep that in mind while choosing a neighbourhood here.
The median home price is around $560K and the average rent is around $1,925 per month.
Ayer #8
One of the best places to live near Boston, Ayer comes with plenty of attractive offerings. It is home to a historic downtown and numerous country clubs.
If you’re a nature lover or an adventure junkie, there are excellent places for outdoor recreation such as the Sandy Pond Beach and the Spacious Skies Campgrounds.
What’s more?
You can enjoy easy access to the bustling entertainment scene of Boston via the Fitchburg line of the MBTA commuter rail.
Relocating with family?
There are many good schools here. The median home price is around $530K and the average rent is around $1,560 per month.
Peabody #9
Peabody is another excellent alternative to Boston. Only a 30-minute drive from Boston, this city exudes a quintessential New England vibe.
It is home to the region’s largest shopping mall and also has plenty of parks.
One of the most notable highlights here is a 275-acre working farm and conservation area that draws many for a tranquil outing amidst nature.
The city also has an industrial park with many technology and medical companies. Couple that with good schools.
It’s also well-connected to many other areas in the region through Yankee Division Highway and U.S. Route 1, and I-95. The median home price is $635K and the average rent is $2,610.
Woburn #10
A 20-minute drive away from downtown Boston, Woburn is relatively more affordable than Boston.
There is a plethora of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here with places like the Middlesex Canal Trail, the Horn Pond Recreation Area, and a cranberry bog conservation.
If you’re a book lover, the Woburn Public Library has an impressive collection and also organises book events regularly.
The town is also served by the MBTA commuter rail. The median home price is $670K and the average rent is $2,710 per month.
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil vibe or a bustling entertainment scene, you can find a Boston suburb that ticks off every box on your checklist.
So, pick the one that attracts you the most and get ready to begin the next chapter of your life in your brand-new home.
Follow us for more such insights!
FAQs:-
Q. Where is the cheapest place to live outside of Boston?
Danvers is one of the cheapest places to live outside of Boston.
Q. Is it expensive to live outside of Boston?
Many Boston suburbs have more affordable living costs as compared to Boston.
Q. Can you live cheaply in Boston?
Living in Boston can be a challenge since it has extremely high housing costs. However, you can save some money by cooking at home, shopping from thrift stores, using public transportation, and splitting rent with roommates.