One of the first questions we ask home buyers when discussing location is, how much does proximity to Boston matter? For many buyers who work in the city, distance from Boston tops their priority list. We sit with clients who have spent years suffering through traffic jams or navigating complicated train transfers and they are ready for a change. It makes perfect sense–many studies have discussed the connection between quality of life and the daily work commute.

Luckily, we live in an area of Massachusetts that offers some fabulous suburban destinations which boast easy commutes combined with other benefits like charming downtown areas and highly ranked school districts. Read on to learn more about four of our most recommended North of Boston suburbs for our commuting clients:

Winchester

Winchester is located just 8 miles north of downtown Boston, making it one of the closest towns to the city, and also one of its most beautiful suburbs. For those looking for a quick commuter rail ride into North Station, it’s hard to beat the 17-minute trip from Winchester’s Wedgemere station on the Lowell Line. A fun fact we like to share with clients is that the small town of Winchester actually offers two commuter rail stations, both within walking distance of the town’s bustling center. The MBTA is in the final stages of a massive renovation project to improve Winchester Center’s train station, improving its accessibility and capacity, further enhancing the town’s commuting experience in the coming years.

For those who prefer to drive, Winchester is a quick, straight shot into Boston from Route 93. The drive into downtown Boston can take as little as 20 minutes, depending on traffic. We also recommend Winchester to buyers working outside of Boston in tech centers like Cambridge or Burlington, offering the potential for an easier reverse commute. Finally, Winchester boasts gorgeous tree-lined streets, picturesque New England architecture and award-winning schools. It’s worth noting that this desirability is reflected in higher housing costs and we work carefully with clients to evaluate inventory and find their dream home.

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Want to know more about communities North of Boston? Check out these other blogs next!

• What Are The Top North of Boston Suburbs?
• North of Boston Vs. South of Boston – Where Do I Buy?
• Which Boston Suburbs Are Best For Families?

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Arlington

Nestled just northwest of Boston, Arlington offers an ideal blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. Of the commuter-friendly suburbs we recommend, Arlington ranks as the community with the most “city feel,” being just steps from the city of Cambridge. Arlington’s bustling neighborhoods retain an urban feel, tightly packed with shops, restaurants and services. While Arlington doesn’t have its own MBTA subway stop, it’s well-served by public transit. Multiple bus routes connect Arlington to Cambridge and Boston, with express buses providing direct service to the city during peak hours. 

The Alewife Red Line station in nearby North Cambridge also offers quick trips into the city and many Arlington residents bike to the station. In fact, whenever we hear that a client loves to bike, we immediately think of Arlington, as it is truly a cyclist’s paradise. The Minuteman Bikeway runs through the heart of Arlington, offering a car-free route all the way to Cambridge. The town truly values their cycling community and continually strives to improve its bike infrastructure. For those who prefer to drive, Route 2 provides direct access to Boston. Typical driving time into the city is 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. We also make sure to update our clients about possible improvements, like the ongoing discussion about extending the Red Line to Arlington, which could further enhance its commuter-friendly status in the future. 

Belmont

Another hidden gem just 8 miles west of downtown Boston is the town of Belmont. We think that Belmont offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city accessibility. Similar to Winchester, Belmont boasts two MBTA Commuter Rail stations on the Fitchburg Line. These stations provide regular service to Boston’s North Station, with a travel time of about 20-25 minutes. Additionally, several MBTA bus routes serve Belmont, connecting it to nearby transit hubs. For example, the route 73 bus can transport passengers from Belmont to Harvard Square in Cambridge within minutes. 

If you prefer to drive, you can easily access Route 2 and Fresh Pond Parkway, which offers a quick connection to Storrow Drive and downtown Boston. A typical driving commute is 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Like Arlington, Belmont is increasingly bike-friendly. We especially love Belmont’s old-town charm and quiet residential atmosphere. After a busy day in the city, Belmont offers a peaceful retreat with tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a busy downtown shopping area. We definitely encourage our clients to spend an afternoon exploring Belmont when beginning their home search.

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Preparing to buy a home in the North of Boston market? Check out these other blog posts for helpful tips!

• 5 Reasons to Hire a Local Realtor
• A Home Buying Guide For Gen Z
• Answering the Most Common Home Buying Questions

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Melrose

Rounding out our list of the top commuter suburbs is the town of Melrose. Melrose may be a bit further north than Winchester, but it is also situated right near Rte. 93 and also boasts proximity to Rte. 1, heading toward Saugus. And we always remind clients that Melrose offers not one, not two, but three MBTA commuter rail stations on the Haverhill line. Commuters can access bus lines to Boston and the MBTA Orange Line stops (Oak Grove and Malden Center) are also located nearby. With all of these options, you can see what makes Melrose so appealing to commuters.

When discussing area suburbs, we make sure to highlight the diversity within Melrose’s housing options, from large historic Victorian homes to modern apartments. The town offers numerous parks and recreational areas, including the Middlesex Fells Reservation (which also abuts Winchester, our other pick). Easy access to hiking, biking and walking trails can provide a refreshing contrast to city life. Downtown Melrose is a bustling center of activity offering numerous amenities. Grab a cup of coffee from one of their fabulous shops and tour everything this quaint town has to offer!

Discover the Perfect Community

At Andersen Group Realty, we pride ourselves on really getting to know the communities we serve, and staying updated on community improvements so we can share the latest information with buyers. We don’t just sell in these towns, we spend time there, mingling with residents and exploring the newest shops and restaurants.

When a client tells us that one of the bigger factors they need to consider is commute time, we have our picks ready to go. Of course, we also understand that the bigger picture often includes other considerations like housing costs, school quality, and other local amenities. Each town we serve offers a unique blend of these features, so it’s important that we remain in the know. It’s equally valuable for clients to get in their car (or take the train, or ride the bus) and visit for themselves. You truly can’t go wrong with the incredible suburbs located just outside of Boston!

Have questions about real estate or looking to buy a home? We can help. Click here to send us an email or call 781-729-2329 to get started.