Looking to live in the Boston metro area, but not sure which neighborhood is right for you? No worries, we’re here to help. Here is a look at a few cities around Boston that are worth checking out, some with the option to work with Boston home builders.

Worcester, MA

Named after Worcestershire, England—Worcester is the second-most populous city in New England after Boston. While it initially developed as an industrial city, that side of it died down after World War II, along with much of Worcester until the early 1990’s. Then a wave of immigration hit and an increased interest in higher education, medicine, and biotechnology. Today, the city is known for its diversity, with an immigration population of over 20 percent—and an overall population that reached an all-time high in 2020.

Home to eight separate colleges and universities, including Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and Clark University, Worcester serves as a center of higher education. In terms of livability, the new homes in Worcester offer access to a variety of cultural and recreational activities throughout the year. During the colder months, families can head outdoors to the ice skating rink at the Worcester Common Oval, or in warmer months check out the many outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and nearly 60 plus parks.

Sudbury, MA

Incorporated in 1639, the boundaries of Sudbury once included what is now Wayland, parts of Marlborough, Stow, Maynard, and Framingham, MA. Wayland's North Cemetery once served as the town center, forcing citizens to make a troubled trek during the winter for church and town meetings. This was not corrected until 1846, after Wayland split off

If you’re looking to travel back in time, residents and guests can pay a visit to Wayside Inn, a historic landmark that claims to be the country's oldest operating inn. Built and run by the Howe family for many generations, it was also referenced by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Tales of a Wayside Inn, a book of poems published in 1863.

Today, because of zoning bylaws, living in Sudbury offers residents a rural feel. Most residents own their homes and there is a reasonable variety of coffee shops, local restaurants, and parks to frequent in the area. Public schools in Sudbury are also highly rated, with the area having an overall liberal leaning.

If you are in search of new home builders in the Boston area, you might consider Preston at Cold Brook Crossing, located in Sudbury.  A rare opportunity to own a new construction home in the area, Preston at Cold Brook Crossing offers two-story townhomes that include flex rooms, plenty of storage, and open concept layouts with personalization options to make your house feel like home.

Westborough, MA

Another town outside of Boston that you should consider is Westborough, particularly if you are looking to retire in the Boston, MA area. Located a short distance from Framingham, MA—Westborough has a small town feel with a mix of urban and suburban areas. It was ranked as one of the best places to live in Massachusetts with highly rated schools, a wide range of options for coffee, local dining, and parks and - most surprising - a history that goes way back--all the way to 7,000 BC when the area served as a settlement for indigenous people.

With a number of new construction communities in Westborough, like Chauncy Lake, a 55+ community by Del Webb, this quaint New England town has a lot to offer.

This is just a small list of charming places to live with access to new home builders around the Boston area. But there are plenty of other options in the state to consider—from Framingham, MA, first established in 1647—to Northborough, Belmont, and Brookline. But no matter where you end up, the early colonization of the area lends to a rich history in almost any spot that is bound to lead to the discovery of everyday, hidden treasures. And from famous historical sights to the best Boston area spots frequented by locals—there is always something to do in the Boston area.

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Published 11.23.2021