Best Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts in 2025

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Leominster is a suburban community of just over 40,000 people, located approximately 90 minutes from Boston. In terms of affordability, Leominster boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to other Massachusetts cities and features a family-friendly vibe. It’s much cheaper to buy in Leominster than many other Massachusetts towns, which could be ideal for first-time homebuyers. There’s plenty of variety, including single-family homes, condos, and townhouses.

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Adams could be ideal for people who are seeking a small-town experience. In terms of its appeal beyond the low cost of living, Adams is family-friendly, with plenty of nature trails and outdoor spaces, though it also attracts its fair share of retirees.

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Westfield is located near the Springfield area. With a population around 40,000, it’s a bustling city. While Westfield is a bit further afield from Boston, there’s still plenty to do here for young families and the students who attend Westfield State University. The cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average but still lower than many other Massachusetts cities and towns.

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Springfield is the largest city in the Western New England region and attracts plenty of young families, who are often drawn to its well-rated schools. Despite there being a seller’s market, housing is still highly affordable. The area’s median sale price at the end of 2024 was still less than $300,000.

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Stoneham is located just a few miles north of Boston and has earned a reputation for being one of the friendliest towns in Massachusetts. Families might choose to move here for its combination of good schools and convenient access to the city.

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Families will appreciate the well-ranked schools here. This quiet bedroom community is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts for families in search of a pleasant environment in which to raise children. As a smaller town, it offers fewer amenities. However, it’s close to Boston, which is great for commuting or planning family outings on the weekend. Home prices here are on the high side, and some buyers will need to look into jumbo home loans when eyeing a pricier property.

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Wakefield is a smaller suburb of Boston that’s home to a number of young professionals. The local crowd here is both highly educated and diverse. About a quarter of residents are between 20 and 39 years of age. If you are looking to purchase a home, you may want to explore first-time homebuyer programs in Massachusetts to potentially make the process easier and/or more affordable.

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Waltham is located approximately 30 minutes from Boston and is a bustling suburban community for young professionals who want to stay close to the metro area. The population is young, with a median age of 35. There are plenty of jobs to be had with both larger and smaller companies. In addition, young professionals will find a variety of things to do after work hours and on weekends, including restaurants, clubs, and even a circus school where adventurous students can learn acrobatics. Understanding the mortgage preapproval process can help if you are preparing to start your hunt for a house.

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Malden is a diverse town and can be a good place for young adults to launch their careers. Job growth is a bit slower in Malden, but the fact that it’s less than 30 minutes from Boston makes it easier for residents to cast a wide net when seeking employment. Glow-in-the-dark mini golf and a craft brewery provide local entertainment. Of the various suburbs around Boston, Malden proves to be one of the most affordable for young professionals based on rent and housing prices.

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North Adams has one of the lowest costs of living in the state, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts for retirees who may be on a fixed income. It’s small, but not so small as to lack all of the basic amenities you’d expect in retirement, including access to health care. Almost 25% of the population is over age 65. The North Adams Council on Aging offers numerous programs and services to support older residents, including transportation services, wellness and fitness programs, and assistance with applying for public benefits.

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Pittsfield is another Western Massachusetts locale that’s ideally suited to retirees who are looking for an affordable cost of living. Around 20% of residents are 65 and over, and there are a significant number of single seniors here, which could make it ideal for older people who are interested in making personal connections. In addition to outstanding health care, Pittsfield offers access to the arts, dining, and shopping. One more upside to living in Pittsfield as a retiree: The public transit system makes it easy to get around.

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Framingham is a college town, but there are a sizable number of older adults and retirees who make their home here. The city is unique in that it blends some of the best elements of both urban and suburban living, with plenty of things for retirees to do along with access to excellent health care. Boston is less than a 40-minute drive, making it convenient enough for outings. Checking out a home loan help center can help you know how to navigate the buying process.

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New Bedford is located in the South Coast region, which may be perfect for homebuyers and renters who prefer to live near the water. The city has a rich history and a highly walkable downtown, with the town of Dartmouth and its zoo, wineries, and nature preserves just a 10-minute drive away. Overall, it’s a highly affordable pick for people who’d prefer to live in a larger city.

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For those who want to be close to the water, Yarmouth deserves a look. It’s one of the oldest towns on Cape Cod and boasts a shoreline that spans Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. The area is a mix of historic sites and new developments, with the three villages of West Yarmouth, South Yarmouth, and Yarmouth Port attracting visitors. If you’re looking for things to do, there’s Whydah Pirate Museum and the Edward Gorey House, not to mention numerous nature trails.

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Gloucester is on Cape Ann, part of the North Shore area. Some of the best beaches in the state are located here, and vacationers frequently rub elbows with locals during the summer months. Gloucester is home to a mix of families, retirees, and young professionals who prefer the slower pace of beach living with the amenities of a larger suburban town.