There’s no doubt why Boston is consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the U.S. –it offers a rich history, legendary sports teams and charming neighborhoods that offer a mix of incredible restaurants, arts and culture. City living can have its challenges too. If you’re starting a family or just craving more living space, Boston’s smaller dwellings, combined with soaring costs of living, can start to wear thin. That’s when many Bostonians start looking to the suburbs to upsize.

Northern suburbs like Winchester, Lexington or Arlington offer a great alternative for those seeking a move. Just a short drive from Boston, these towns (and many others like Burlington, Woburn or Medford) provide a suburban lifestyle with modern amenities and easy access to the city when you want it. But making the transition from urban dweller to suburbanite is a huge decision. In this blog post, we’ll cover key points to consider when moving to the suburbs North of Boston. Read on to discover tips on how to successfully make the leap from Boston to the suburbs:

Space for Your Money

The housing costs in the suburbs are generally lower than Boston proper. The further you travel from the city, the more bang for your buck you can get in terms of square footage. You’ll want to consider how often you’ll be visiting your old city stomping grounds. Closer suburbs like Medford and Winchester have commuter rail stations that get you to Boston in just minutes. If you don’t mind being further away, towns like Lexington, Belmont or Concord can offer lush green yards and quaint downtown areas. You may need to become accustomed to driving more but that adjustment might be offset by being able to park your car with ease, likely in your own driveway or garage. 

Top School Districts

For those moving with families, school district rankings mean a great deal. Boston is already considered one of the most educated cities in the country, home to world renowned universities like Harvard and MIT. North of Boston school systems consistently rank among the best in the state. It’s important to do your research by checking data like MCAS and SAT scores as well as course offerings like Advanced Placement classes. If your child has a special need or learning difference, it’s important to find out which systems best support your requirements. Jumping onto town social media forums, calling school administration offices and reaching out to friends in different towns can be great ways to gather important information. You can learn more about the school systems in the North of Boston communities that we serve on our website as well as on third party websites such as Niche.com and GreatSchools.org

Want to know more about the great schools in the North of Boston area? Check out these blog posts!

• Your Complete Guide to Schools in Winchester, MA
• What Are the Best School Districts in Arlington, MA?

Outdoor Life 

If you love walking through Boston Common or enjoying the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston, you’ll be thrilled to discover the endless opportunities for outdoor activity in the North of Boston suburbs. Local communities each offer their own recreational spaces, complete with parks, trails, playgrounds, and town commons. The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a breathtaking state park that covers over 2,000 acres and features hiking and biking trails that span multiple towns like Winchester, Melrose and Stoneham. Arlington and Lexington have vibrant bike paths and the Tri-Community Greenway follows the route of the Boston and Lowell railroad through three suburban towns.

Suburban Amenities

Some worry leaving the city means losing a sense of community and social life. Many suburbs are surprisingly lively. Look into town events or take a drive North on a Saturday afternoon to explore downtown retail areas and restaurants to see what’s a good fit. Many local suburbs feature farmer’s markets, town common concerts and family events like fairs and celebrations. Driving to towns you are interested in and chatting with the local residents is a great way to get a feel for the community. You can also research community events through local Chamber of Commerce chapters, Rotary Clubs or local parents organizations. Social media outlets like local Facebook groups can be a great source of information too. 

Curious about life in other North of Boston communities? Consider these other posts from our blog.

• What Are the Top North of Boston Suburbs?
• Should I Move to Lexington, MA?
• What Makes Winchester, MA a Great Place to Live?

Final Thoughts

So if you find yourself yearning for more space, proximity to good schools, and a sense of community, follow the lead of the many Bostonians who have taken the leap toward the suburbs. Jump in your car or take the commuter rail North to explore a plethora of quaint and diverse towns. Making the move from the city to the suburbs is a huge transition. But if your priority is more living space and family-friendly surroundings, upsizing to the North of Boston suburbs can be your ideal next step!

Looking to purchase the perfect family home in or around Boston? Discover Andersen Group Realty’s unparalleled buying and advisory services today. Click here to send us an email or call 781-729-2329 to get started.