Metro Boston

Metropolitan Boston extends well beyond Boston proper and is made up of a collection of historic cities and towns that ring the urban core, each with its own character, architecture, and story.

To the north, Malden, Melrose, Winchester, and Arlington, Belmont and Burlington offer traditional town centers, commuter rail access, and a mix of Victorian, Colonial, and mid-century homes. Lexington and Concord, slightly farther west, are among the most historically significant towns in the country, marking the opening battles of the American Revolution. Their preserved town greens, historic homes, and literary connections to Emerson and Thoreau make them cultural landmarks.

West of Boston, Natick, Wellesley, Weston, Newton, Needham, Wayland and Waltham combine suburban living with strong commercial corridors. Newton is uniquely organized into 13 villages and features a wide range of housing, from stately Colonials to modern new construction. Waltham, known as the “Watch City,” played a major role in early American manufacturing and now hosts a growing tech and life sciences presence.

South of Boston, Quincy, Milton, Dedham, Braintree, Cohasset and Hingham blend coastal history with suburban charm. Quincy is the birthplace of John Adams and John Quincy Adams and home to Adams National Historical Park. Many South Shore towns feature classic Cape-style homes, waterfront Colonials, and former shipbuilding areas.

Metropolitan Boston’s many communities include America’s first public beach (Revere Beach), one of the oldest subway systems in the world, and some of the highest-educated communities in the U.S. Together, these towns form a region rich in history, architectural variety, and enduring New England character.