11 Best Places To Live In Massachusetts In 2025

Massachusetts is known for its stunning natural beauty, intriguing colonial history, and charming New England culture, the reasons why many people want to move into the state. Whether a senior citizen staring into retirement or a young professional looking to start a family, the Bay State presents an array of options, from big-city and suburban to village life.

However, the small towns are a choice destination for the mix of winning factors they offer. These are more affordable, have a slow pace of life with accommodating communities, and provide recreational opportunities amidst a rich natural setting while maintaining access to crucial social and health amenities. From the Berkshires' forested mountains to the soothing shores of the Atlantic Ocean, here are the best places to live in Massachusetts in 2025.

Dracut

This bustling borough in Middlesex County, about 45 minutes northwest of Salem, is known for its stunning outdoor scenery. Moving into Dracut guarantees adequate room for your recreation, given the ready access to green spaces like Beaver Brook Farm. The site offers 1.5 miles of scenic trails perfect for stretching your legs. Meanwhile, the East Richardson Preserve features a serene oasis with water access where locals can enjoy a secluded picnic to be one with nature.

The downtown area has a delectable collection of shops and restaurants, with Yujo Sushi & Asian Cuisine serving delicious Asian-inspired dishes. Dracut's median home price is about $449,500, lower than the state average.

Ashburnham

Ashburnham is a relaxed municipality in Worcester County with natural treasures and provides comfortable rural living. There are many reasons to get outside, including hiking the scenic Watatic Mountain Trails. These lead to the summit of Mount Watatic, from where you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of the surroundings. For new residents curious about the area's past, the Ashburnham Historical Society houses a terrific collection of exhibits detailing the town's evolution dating back to the beginning.

Ashburnham's highly rated education system comprises the Cushing Academy, a private boarding school. Lastly, the average home in the community is cheaper than in most places in the state, and you need about $467,000 to afford it.

Granby

Quintessential rural life awaits potential residents in this Hampshire County village, known for its agricultural heritage and lush natural areas. This guarantees a constant supply of fresh groceries from Dickinson Farm and Greenhouse, which also doubles as a gathering hub where townfolk socialize. Dufresne Park beckons residents of all ages to take advantage of its recreational opportunities. The family-friendly space features picnic pavilions, sports fields, playscapes, and a fishing pond to ensure everyone has a great time.

Granby is also a few miles from Springfield, which allows locals to access crucial urban amenities by commuting to the vibrant city. Finally, buying a decent real estate property in the town costs about $549,000.

Lee

Lee is another gem in the Berkshires with a mix of rural atmosphere and urban conveniences, promising the best of both worlds. It houses the sprawling October Mountain State Forest, which offers a 16,000-acre playground for hikers, campers, hunters, and nature explorers. The Appalachian Trail also cuts through its wilderness. On the other hand, downtown Lee is a vibrant corridor with many shops and restaurants. Lee Premium Outlets caters to all the retail therapy needs in the community by providing at least stores featuring nationally recognized brands.

Meanwhile, the Spectrum Playhouse is the area's cultural hub, hosting various performance art shows, concerts, and theatrical productions to entertain and educate the public. Also, the median home cost in Lee is $572,500.

Clinton

Clinton is a down-to-earth municipality in Worcester County with a pleasant history and admirable art scene. According to the Clinton Historical Society, the town was founded in 1850, and its enduring heritage has been captured through a diverse artifact collection inside the building. Meanwhile, the Icon Museum and Study Center blend history and the arts by showcasing relics and memorabilia from the Orthodox Christians. It stores over 1,000 icons and artifacts.

Residents enjoy their time outdoors at Fuller Field, reputed for being the world's oldest continually used baseball diamond. It is often filled with parents supporting the local baseball league. Lastly, a home in Clinton costs an average of $402,500.

Townsend

Those who prefer lush natural surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere will enjoy calling Townsend their new home. This Middlesex County borough is awash with raw nature spaces, highlighted by the 1,000-acre Pearl Hill State Park. It harbors a combination of isolated campsites and rugged mountain biking trails for complete outdoor immersion. There is more room for play across the 2,500 acres of Willard Brook State Forest, a great spot to admire native wildlife species.

Townsend also has a Recreation Center that brings the young and old together for a great time during essential community programs designed to foster a sense of camaraderie. When it comes to investing in a home, newcomers should know the median housing price is $488,800.

Cheshire

If you fancy waking up to the unmatched allure of the Berkshires, consider making this tiny town in western Massachusetts your new home. Cheshire promises endless outdoor opportunities throughout its pristine backcountry, home to the 2-mile Cheshire Cobble Trailhead. The route lets you soak up the iconic Cheshire Cobbles and provides access to the famous Appalachian Trail. Whitney's Farm Market and Garden Center is where locals meet to shop for fresh groceries and socialize in a friendly atmosphere.

Thanks to the Cheshire Community House, townsfolk bond over a range of recreational and social activities, resulting in a strong sense of place among them. Cheshire is also one of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts in 2025, considering its median home price of $312,000 is lower than the United States average.

West Boylston

This small community in Worcester County enjoys a relaxed, natural environment and fun recreational opportunities, which make it a prime destination to live and work. Its numerous open spaces include Goodale Park, which offers picnic areas, walking trails, and basketball and tennis courts for the public's amusement. The Old Stone Church is a vital historical landmark in the town. Built in the 19th century, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

West Boylston is also lucky to be a short drive from UMass Memorial Health Care one of New England's most trusted medical institutions. The local median housing cost of $525,000 is below the Massachusetts average.

Williamstown

Home to Williamstown College, this adorable town in the Berkshires enjoys access to a high-quality education system, hosting one of the highest-ranked liberal arts colleges in the country. Unsurprisingly, the local arts scene is pretty vibrant, and residents frequently converge inside the Williamstown Theatre Festival to support homegrown talent on stage. Escapes to the open spaces bring you to exciting nature areas, such as Taconic Trail State Park. The site has picturesque trails designed for unassuming hikes to enjoy the views and breathe fresh air.

Williams College is the major employer in the community, and it offers prime opportunities for academic and career progression. Finally, the average cost of a home in Williamstown is $585,000.

Wilbraham

Wilbraham is an agricultural community in Hampden County with a reputation for growing peaches. This Springfield suburb best suits people seeking rural life but with quick access to the urban center. Families with kids can let the young ones learn and play at the Wilbraham Children's Museum, which presents an interactive indoor environment with hands-on activities to stimulate their curiosity. Also, the Spectacle Pond Recreation Area is perfect for the general public and offers activities like fishing, camping, and picnicking.

Meanwhile, the Wilbraham Medical Center ensures the locals have ready access to reliable health services. A decent real estate property in Wilbraham costs around $499,000, cheaper than in places in the state.

Shirley

Situated approximately 30 miles from Boston, Shirley promises comfortable suburban living without the rigors of the city. It has a well-preserved New England town district with an intriguing backstory, which newcomers can learn about inside the Shirley Historical Society. The corridor is also dotted with restaurants, shops, and antique stores. The trendy Bull Run Restaurant is popular among residents for its delicious farm-to-table American dishes and quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.

Outdoor recreation is readily accessible at Farandnear Reservation, a secluded 89-acre park with nature trails and open fields that accommodate picnickers, hikers, and nature viewers. Lastly, Shirley's median home price is $490,000.

Final Thought

Settling down in the Bay State may just be the fresh start you need in life, and the best places to live in Massachusetts in 2025 promise you a comfortable time acclimatizing to your new environment. Each has its distinct charm and character, but the general consensus is that they provide a high-quality life, whether seeking a quiet suburb proximal to the many city job opportunities or a secluded rural community with undisturbed natural surroundings.