While the core of my business occurs in the city, I have always had clients in Greater Boston’s suburban communities. Aligned with what’s being reported in the news, my work in the suburbs has grown this year due to the ongoing pandemic and changing lifestyle needs. Clients making a change from city to the suburbs or city neighborhoods with a more suburban feel, are looking for more space and a single-family home, but aren’t necessarily ready to give up some of the conveniences and amenities of city life. Suburbs with downtown areas offering boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants and access to public transportation tend to be more desirable. Below is a small sample of towns I have toured and/or worked with clients on their next home, all of which area highly competitive.
Melrose
This suburb has been gaining a lot of attention from city dwellers as well as nationally making Realtor.com hottest zip code in the U.S. and most in-demand neighborhood lists. With a mix of urban and suburban vibes, a downtown area with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants, green space, and proximity to the city, it’s no surprise why.
Roslindale
Roslindale is not a suburb, per se, but it is one of Boston’s residential neighborhoods and definitely invokes a small town feel. Residents love the Main Street district with shops and farmers markets and the access to plenty of green space including the Arnold Arboretum which dips down from Jamaica Plain. There is even a brand new Target and bus lane to help ease the traffic whether you’re commuting in your car or via public transportation.
Manchester by the Sea
Further out of the city, on Cape Ann, is Manchester by the Sea, a quaint coastal town with notoriety thanks to the Hollywood film with the same name. Fun fact: The “by the Sea” inclusion began in recent years, 1989, as a way to differentiate from Manchester, N.H. Residents enjoy the local shops and restaurants along downtown as well as learning maritime history at the Trask House Museum. Most important of all is the ocean, most notable, Singing Beach which is named for the way the sand “sings” as you walk along with it.
Winchester
Winchester is your classic suburban town bedroom community. It’s family-centered with lots of outdoor activities thanks to the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Mystic Lake, and Wright-Locke Farm to name a few. There’s a vibrant downtown, with restaurants and shops, it’s two stops into Boston on the commuter rail, and offers easy access to 93.
Needham
Needham is a fantastic choice for city dwellers looking for more space, a community feel, but still close enough to the city via commuter rail or car. What was once a small farming community is now home to a citified retail scene with small boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants sure to please. For all these reasons, Needham is one of the hottest towns now.
Natick
Best known for its mall, there is so much more to this suburb west of Boston. It’s home to miles 8-12 of the Boston marathon, there’s more than one historic district and even an arts and culture district in the downtown area. Many corporations are also headquartered in Natick, making it a great place to live and work.
Andover
I’m not sure how many of you know this, but Andover is where I chose to raise my family. While I started my real estate career in the city of Boston, some of my first real estate clients came to me through my personal network in Andover. I’m humbled to say I still have the pleasure of working with some still today. The town offers a wonderful sense of community, access to swimming and boating via nearby lakes and ponds, parks, and more all within reasonable driving distance to the city and as well as commuter rail.
My goal is to help you achieve yours whether you are thinking about a transition from the suburbs to the city or from the city to the suburbs, whether you’re a seller, buyer or both. I pivot as necessary to my client’s interests and needs. Considering a move or want a market snapshot of a particular town or neighborhood of interest? Contact me for a confidential conversation.
