Buyer ProfilesTown DemographicsWork From HomeCommute PatternsBoston SuburbsReal Estate MarketBuyer PersonasCensus DataTop 30 TownsMarket AnalysisGreater BostonEntertainment
Who Lives Here: Buyer Profiles for Greater Boston's Top 30 Towns
Data-driven buyer profiles revealing who's attracted to each town—from work-from-home tech executives to daily commuters, horse owners to coastal lifestyle seekers
December 6, 2025
60 min read
Boston Property Navigator Research Team•Market Intelligence & Buyer Demographics Analysis
Before you buy, know who you're buying next to. This comprehensive guide profiles the typical buyer and resident for each of Greater Boston's top 30 towns, using Census data, economic profiles, and market analytics. Discover whether you're a Cambridge tech worker, a Lexington education-maximizer, a Dover equestrian enthusiast, or a Quincy first-time buyer—and find your perfect town match.
💡
Before You Buy, Know Who You're Buying Next To
This guide profiles the typical buyer and resident for each of Greater Boston's top 30 towns, using real Census data, economic profiles, and market analytics. Discover whether you're a Cambridge tech worker, a Lexington education-maximizer, a Dover equestrian enthusiast, or a Quincy first-time buyer—and find your perfect town match.
Important: These profiles are data-driven generalizations based on Census 2022 data, town profiles, and market analytics. They describe trends, not individuals. Use them for insight and entertainment, not as absolute truth.
Important: These profiles are data-driven generalizations based on Census 2022 data, town profiles, and market analytics. They describe trends, not individuals. Use them for insight and entertainment, not as absolute truth.
📊Methodology: How We Determine 'Who Lives Here'
Each town profile is built from multiple data sources:
- •Census ACS 2022 5-year data: Work-from-home percentages, commute patterns, professional worker concentration, income distribution
- •Town economic profiles: 63 of 92 towns have complete economic data including remote work %, transit usage, and professional worker %
- •Market analytics: Search volumes, user interest patterns, and engagement data
- •Town profiles: Character descriptions, best_for/avoid_if indicators, and lifestyle markers
- •Prestige rankings: BPI scores and cultural capital indicators
⚠️
Data Limitations & Caveats
Census data is from 2022—work patterns may have shifted post-COVID. Some towns (29 of 92) lack full Census data because they're not classified as Census 'places.' For those towns, we use available town profile data and estimates. Profiles describe trends, not individuals. Towns evolve—demographics change, especially post-COVID. Use this for insight and entertainment, not as absolute truth or financial advice.
💻Work-From-Home Paradise Towns
These towns have 30%+ work-from-home rates, making them ideal for remote workers who prioritize space, broadband access, and lifestyle over commute convenience:
- •Medfield: 33.1% WFH (highest in our top 30)
- •Andover: 32.5% WFH
- •Dover: Estimated 30%+ (Census data not available, but equestrian/rural character suggests high WFH)
- •Lexington: 28.1% WFH
- •Hingham: 28.3% WFH
- •Wellesley: 28.2% WFH
🚆The Daily Commuter Towns
These towns have <15% WFH and high transit usage—residents commute to Boston regularly:
- •Cambridge: 25.1% WFH but 21.3% transit (mixed—many work locally)
- •Brookline: 23.4% WFH, 22.3% transit (urban-suburban hybrid)
- •Quincy: 15.1% WFH, 19.5% transit (Red Line commuters)
- •Revere: 7.1% WFH, 22% transit (Blue Line commuters)
- •Hopkinton: 15% WFH, 1.6% transit (car-dependent commuters)
🐴The Horse Country Elite
Dover and Sherborn are equestrian enclaves where horse owners can ride on their own land:
- •Dover: $2.4M median, 9.6/10 schools, multi-acre estates, equestrian culture
- •Sherborn: $1.35M median, 9.4/10 schools (Dover-Sherborn district), horse farms, rural luxury
🏘️Town-by-Town Buyer Profiles: The Top 30
🎓Cambridge - Where MIT nerds and Harvard snobs reluctantly share coffee shops
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: High-income professionals who need to commute to Boston 5+ days per week (transit 21.3%)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 25.1% (vs. 18.5% state average) +6.6%
- •Public transit usage: 21.3% (vs. 12% average) +9.3%
- •Professional workers: 78.9% (vs. 45% average) +33.9%
- •Median income: $163,207
- •Typical commute: 26.2 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 33.6% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 92.8%
You'll Fit If...
- You work in tech, biotech, or academia; you value walkability and culture over space; you're comfortable with a condo lifestyle; you bike or take transit to work; you don't need a car (or parking is optional); you're okay with student neighbors (26% of population are students)
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need a yard or garage; you want stable, long-term neighbors; you think $1M+ for a condo is unreasonable; you're car-dependent; you prefer suburban quiet
🚇Brookline - Brooklyn of Boston but you'll pay Manhattan prices
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: High-income professionals who need to commute to Boston 5+ days per week (transit 22.3%)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 23.4% (vs. 18.5% state average) +4.9%
- •Public transit usage: 22.3% (vs. 12% average) +10.3%
- •Professional workers: 81.6% (vs. 45% average) +36.6%
- •Median income: $191,952
- •Typical commute: 28.6 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 46.4% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 95.2%
You'll Fit If...
- You want urban-suburban hybrid; you prioritize walkability and top schools; you prefer the T over traffic; you're okay with 54% renters; you work near Longwood Medical Area or downtown
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need affordable housing or street parking; you want a quiet suburban cul-de-sac with a big yard; you're not comfortable with high rental population
🎯Lexington - Where the Revolution started and every kid goes to MIT
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Knowledge economy workers (79.4% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 28.1% (vs. 18.5% state average) +9.6%
- •Public transit usage: 5.4% (vs. 12% average) -6.6%
- •Professional workers: 79.4% (vs. 45% average) +34.4%
- •Median income: $285,965
- •Typical commute: 31.2 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 82.7% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 97.1%
You'll Fit If...
- Top schools are non-negotiable; you value historical significance; you're comfortable with academic pressure culture; you have $1.5M+ budget; you prioritize education excellence
You Might Not Fit If...
- You want diversity (less diverse than many suburbs); you hate HOA rules; you're not into perfection; you prefer more casual communities
🌳Newton - Thirteen villages, one ridiculously good school system
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: High-income professionals who commute to Boston regularly (73.3% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 25.5% (vs. 18.5% state average) +7.0%
- •Public transit usage: 9.6% (vs. 12% average) -2.4%
- •Professional workers: 73.3% (vs. 45% average) +28.3%
- •Median income: $261,423
- •Typical commute: 27.1 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 70.4% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 96.1%
You'll Fit If...
- You want excellent schools with village diversity; you value suburban amenities; you have $1.7M+ budget; you're okay with traffic; you want multiple neighborhood options
You Might Not Fit If...
- You're on a budget; you want walkability (car-dependent); you hate traffic; you prefer one cohesive community over 13 villages
🏛️Winchester - Suburban perfection where every house has a golden retriever
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Knowledge economy workers (75.6% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 27.2% (vs. 18.5% state average) +8.7%
- •Public transit usage: 7.0% (vs. 12% average) -5.0%
- •Professional workers: 75.6% (vs. 45% average) +30.6%
- •Median income: $269,480
- •Typical commute: 32.3 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 83.3% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 94.3%
You'll Fit If...
- You prioritize family-friendly suburbs; you want top schools; you value suburban lifestyle; you're making a long-term investment; you love youth sports
You Might Not Fit If...
- You want nightlife; you're under 30; you hate minivans; you prefer urban energy
💎Wellesley - Where every house has a wine cellar and every kid has a tutor
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: High-income professionals who commute to Boston regularly (73.2% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 28.2% (vs. 18.5% state average) +9.7%
- •Public transit usage: 6.4% (vs. 12% average) -5.6%
- •Professional workers: 73.2% (vs. 45% average) +28.2%
- •Median income: $309,421
- •Typical commute: 28.7 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 84.4% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 95.5%
You'll Fit If...
- You have ultra-luxury budget ($1.8M+); you prioritize #1 schools; you value prestige and status; you want country club culture; you're ready for $50K property taxes
You Might Not Fit If...
- You're not ready for ultra-high costs; you want diversity; you hate keeping up with Joneses; you prefer casual communities
💰Weston - Where billionaires go to hide from millionaires
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Education-maximizing families prioritizing top schools above all else
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $335,706
- •Typical commute: 22.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You have $2M+ budget; you prioritize privacy and land; you want ultimate exclusivity; you value old money culture; you don't need walkability
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need walkability; you want diversity; you're not worth $10M+; you prefer neighborly communities
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🔒Belmont - So safe they call it 'Town of Homes' not 'Town of Homes with Alarms'
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Knowledge economy workers (75.7% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 24.8% (vs. 18.5% state average) +6.3%
- •Public transit usage: 12.2% (vs. 12% average) +0.2%
- •Professional workers: 75.7% (vs. 45% average) +30.7%
- •Median income: $225,652
- •Typical commute: 30.0 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 63.5% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 95.2%
You'll Fit If...
- You prioritize safety above all; you want excellent schools; you value quiet suburban life; you're safety-conscious; you want community involvement
You Might Not Fit If...
- You want excitement; you're under 35; you like spontaneity; you prefer vibrant downtowns
🏡Arlington - Not quite Cambridge prices, almost Cambridge schools
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Knowledge economy workers (74.8% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 26.3% (vs. 18.5% state average) +7.8%
- •Public transit usage: 14.0% (vs. 12% average) +2.0%
- •Professional workers: 74.8% (vs. 45% average) +29.8%
- •Median income: $169,209
- •Typical commute: 32.4 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 60.7% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 94.0%
You'll Fit If...
- You want Cambridge proximity without Cambridge prices; you value good schools; you're budget-conscious; you want balanced lifestyle; you're a first-time buyer
You Might Not Fit If...
- You want luxury; you need quick Boston access; you hate middle-of-the-road; you prefer extremes
📚Concord - Thoreau wrote Walden here, now tech execs pretend to read it
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Knowledge economy workers (78.8% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 23.0% (vs. 18.5% state average) +4.5%
- •Public transit usage: 4.3% (vs. 12% average) -7.7%
- •Professional workers: 78.8% (vs. 45% average) +33.8%
- •Median income: $223,655
- •Typical commute: 32.8 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 57.3% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 95.9%
You'll Fit If...
- You're a history buff; you love nature and conservation; you're literary-minded; you value privacy; you have $1.9M+ budget
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston access; you want nightlife; you hate tourists at Walden Pond; you prefer urban convenience
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Car-dependent—public transit usage is minimal
👨👩👧👦Needham - Family-friendly without the snobbery of Wellesley
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: High-income professionals who commute to Boston regularly (72.2% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 25.4% (vs. 18.5% state average) +6.9%
- •Public transit usage: 8.7% (vs. 12% average) -3.3%
- •Professional workers: 72.2% (vs. 45% average) +27.2%
- •Median income: $264,622
- •Typical commute: 29.5 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 85.8% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 94.7%
You'll Fit If...
- You're a growing family; you prioritize school quality; you want suburban lifestyle; you value community involvement; you want welcoming atmosphere
You Might Not Fit If...
- You want urban amenities; you're on a tight budget; you hate driving; you prefer edgier communities
⛵Hingham - South Shore's answer to the North Shore's snobbery
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Coastal lifestyle seekers who value waterfront access and sailing culture
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 28.3% (vs. 18.5% state average) +9.8%
- •Public transit usage: 18.9% (vs. 12% average) +6.9%
- •Professional workers: 60.3% (vs. 45% average) +15.3%
- •Median income: $242,949
- •Typical commute: 42.3 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 79.3% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 95.8%
You'll Fit If...
- You love coastal lifestyle; you're a sailing enthusiast; you're family-focused; you're a South Shore commuter; you value historic charm
You Might Not Fit If...
- You work in Cambridge; you want quick Boston access; you hate boats; you prefer urban convenience
🌲Sudbury - Rural luxury—where tech money buys horses and acreage
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $210,000
- •Typical commute: 38.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You're a wealthy family seeking privacy and land; you want top schools with rural feel; you value conservation; you're willing to commute for space
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need urban amenities or walkability; you want quick Boston access (40+ min); you prefer neighborly density over isolation
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🎨Somerville - Brooklyn of Boston but cheaper (for now)
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $148,803
- •Typical commute: 28.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You're a young professional; you're an artist or creative; you're a first-time buyer; you want growth investment; you value excellent restaurants
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need parking; you want suburban quiet; you hate gentrification; you prefer established communities
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🐴Dover - Ultra-exclusive horse country—where privacy costs $2.4M
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Horse owners and equestrian enthusiasts who want to ride on their own land
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $285,000
- •Typical commute: 35.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You have $2M+ budget; you're an equestrian family; you prioritize privacy and land; you're old money; you want horse farms
Subscribe to Market Pulse
Get weekly Boston suburban real estate insights delivered to your inbox.
You Might Not Fit If...
- You're not ready for $2.4M median; you want walkability or neighbors; you prefer modern amenities over land
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🦌Sherborn - Dover's partner in rural luxury—horse farms and top schools
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Horse owners and equestrian enthusiasts who want to ride on their own land
The Data Tells Us:
- •Typical commute: 40.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You have $1.3M+ budget; you're an equestrian family; you want top schools (9.4/10); you prefer rural luxury lifestyle
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need urban amenities; you want quick Boston access (40 min); you prefer neighborhood density
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🏘️Wayland - MetroWest's family favorite—Lexington schools without the price tag
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $205,000
- •Typical commute: 35.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You're obsessed with school quality; you want Lexington-caliber schools for less; you're an education-focused professional
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston commute (35+ min); you want urban walkability; you prefer diverse architecture
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🏃Hopkinton - Boston Marathon starts here—runners, schools, and sports culture
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 15.0% (vs. 18.5% state average) -3.5%
- •Public transit usage: 1.6% (vs. 12% average) -10.4%
- •Professional workers: 54.3% (vs. 45% average) +9.3%
- •Median income: $162,000
- •Typical commute: 36.2 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 77.9% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 64.8%
You'll Fit If...
- You're a marathon enthusiast or runner; you prioritize excellent schools (8.9/10); you're sports-oriented; you work in MetroWest
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston access (45 min); you want historic character over modern; you avoid sports-focused communities
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Car-dependent—public transit usage is minimal
🍂Acton - MetroWest's best-kept secret—excellent schools in rural setting
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $168,000
- •Typical commute: 40.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You're school-focused and willing to commute; you're a nature lover; you want community engagement; you use commuter rail
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston access (40+ min); you want urban amenities; you prefer walkable downtowns
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🎓Andover - Phillips Academy prestige meets North Shore sophistication
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Horse owners and equestrian enthusiasts who want to ride on their own land
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 32.5% (vs. 18.5% state average) +14.0%
- •Public transit usage: 2.7% (vs. 12% average) -9.3%
- •Professional workers: 73.1% (vs. 45% average) +28.1%
- •Median income: $187,000
- •Typical commute: 35.9 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 95.1% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 97.3%
You'll Fit If...
- You want top public schools; you value prestige and history; you work Route 128/495 corridor; you're education-focused
You Might Not Fit If...
- You want urban walkability; you need quick Boston access (30+ min); you prefer casual beach towns
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Car-dependent—public transit usage is minimal
🏛️Milton - Elite schools at 25% discount - Blue Hills access, car-dependent reality
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $198,350
- •Typical commute: 28.0 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 84.3% (vs. ~62% state average)
You'll Fit If...
- You prioritize schools and nature; you have dual-car household with $200K+ income; you're an outdoor enthusiast; you want value vs. Newton/Brookline
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need reliable T access (trolley unreliable); you want urban walkability; your budget is under $850K
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🛍️Natick - Where everyone goes to the mall but pretends they don't
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $178,944
- •Typical commute: 28.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You love shopping; you work in MetroWest; you're a practical suburbanite; you want value + schools
You Might Not Fit If...
- You hate traffic; you want prestige; you despise malls; you prefer curated downtowns
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🏛️Medfield - Southwest charmer with top schools and historic downtown
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Work-from-home professionals (WFH 33.1% vs 18.5% state average)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 33.1% (vs. 18.5% state average) +14.6%
- •Public transit usage: 4.6% (vs. 12% average) -7.4%
- •Professional workers: 61.8% (vs. 45% average) +16.8%
- •Median income: $165,000
- •Typical commute: 33.8 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 83.3% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 94.4%
You'll Fit If...
- You prioritize school quality (9.0/10); you love historic downtowns; you want safe family neighborhoods
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston access; you want urban amenities; you prefer modern over historic
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Car-dependent—public transit usage is minimal
🚆Westwood - Top-20 schools plus elite commuter rail at 30% off Winchester prices
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Education-maximizing families prioritizing top schools above all else
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $171,000
- •Typical commute: 27.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You're a train commuter working in Boston 3-5 days/week; you prioritize elite schools at value pricing; you have $300-400K household income
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need walkable downtown (4.4 walkability score); you want diversity (79.5% white); you hate academic pressure culture
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
💎Cohasset - Elite South Shore seaside village with stunning ocean vistas
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Coastal lifestyle seekers who value waterfront access and sailing culture
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $185,000
- •Typical commute: 40.0 minutes to Boston
You'll Fit If...
- You're high-net-worth seeking coastal exclusivity; you value prestige and privacy; you want excellent schools by the ocean
You Might Not Fit If...
- You're not ready for $1.4M+ median; you need quick Boston access; you want urban convenience
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
🎓Duxbury - South Shore's best-kept secret with exceptional schools
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Coastal lifestyle seekers who value waterfront access and sailing culture
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 20.8% (vs. 18.5% state average) +2.3%
- •Public transit usage: 6.0% (vs. 12% average) -6.0%
- •Professional workers: 64.1% (vs. 45% average) +19.1%
- •Median income: $171,000
- •Typical commute: 43.1 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 97.7% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 100.0%
You'll Fit If...
- You're education-focused and affluent; you want top schools with coastal access; you seek appreciation and exclusivity
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston access (40+ min); you're on a budget under $1M; you want urban amenities
🌈Sharon - Diverse South Shore suburb where everyone gets along
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Knowledge economy workers (70.3% professional workers)
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 25.1% (vs. 18.5% state average) +6.6%
- •Public transit usage: 10.4% (vs. 12% average) -1.6%
- •Professional workers: 70.3% (vs. 45% average) +25.3%
- •Median income: $152,000
- •Typical commute: 34.7 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 90.8% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 96.7%
You'll Fit If...
- You seek diversity and inclusion; you prioritize excellent schools; you want safe suburban environment; you're multi-cultural
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston access (35+ min); you want urban walkability; you prefer coastal living
🚆Reading - Commuter rail gem with solid schools at Winchester-lite prices
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 22.2% (vs. 18.5% state average) +3.7%
- •Public transit usage: 5.6% (vs. 12% average) -6.4%
- •Professional workers: 67.9% (vs. 45% average) +22.9%
- •Median income: $135,000
- •Typical commute: 31.7 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 83.9% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 94.0%
You'll Fit If...
- You're a commuter rail family seeking value; you're school-focused on a budget; you want community engagement
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need luxury or prestige; you want urban walkability; you prefer coastal living
🌳Lynnfield - Quiet excellence north of Boston—top schools without the scene
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Work-from-home: 21.6% (vs. 18.5% state average) +3.1%
- •Public transit usage: 2.0% (vs. 12% average) -10.0%
- •Professional workers: 56.2% (vs. 45% average) +11.2%
- •Median income: $191,258
- •Typical commute: 31.8 minutes to Boston
- •Homeownership: 85.4% (vs. ~62% state average)
- •Broadband access: 94.1%
You'll Fit If...
- You're school-focused avoiding Winchester prices; you work Route 128 corridor; you want rural-suburban blend
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need T access (none); you want walkable downtown; you prefer diverse communities
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Car-dependent—public transit usage is minimal
🏛️Medway - MetroWest sweet spot—historic charm, excellent schools, great value
Who Lives Here
Primary Buyer Type: Mixed professional and family-oriented buyers
The Data Tells Us:
- •Median income: $179,869
You'll Fit If...
- You want historic charm and excellent schools (8.2/10); you're value-conscious; you want strong community spirit
You Might Not Fit If...
- You need quick Boston access; you want urban amenities; you prefer modern developments
ℹ️
The Reality Check
Census data not available for this town—work patterns estimated from town profile
⚖️Required Caveats & Disclaimers
⚠️
Important Limitations
1. Data is from 2022—Census ACS 5-year estimates may not reflect 2025 reality, especially post-COVID work pattern shifts
2. Generalizations: Profiles describe trends, not individuals. Your neighbor may be completely different.
3. Changing demographics: Towns evolve. Post-COVID, WFH rates may be higher. Gentrification changes neighborhoods.
4. Sample size: Some towns have limited data (29 towns lack full Census data).
5. Self-selection bias: People choose towns that match their values—correlation, not causation.
6. Entertainment value: This is for insight and entertainment, not absolute truth.
7. Not financial advice: Lifestyle matching, not investment guidance.
2. Generalizations: Profiles describe trends, not individuals. Your neighbor may be completely different.
3. Changing demographics: Towns evolve. Post-COVID, WFH rates may be higher. Gentrification changes neighborhoods.
4. Sample size: Some towns have limited data (29 towns lack full Census data).
5. Self-selection bias: People choose towns that match their values—correlation, not causation.
6. Entertainment value: This is for insight and entertainment, not absolute truth.
7. Not financial advice: Lifestyle matching, not investment guidance.
Use this guide to: Understand town character, identify potential lifestyle matches, see data-driven patterns, and narrow your search.
Don't use this to: Make final decisions without visiting, assume everyone fits the profile, or skip due diligence.
Need Custom Analysis?
Want deeper insights for a specific property or neighborhood? Get a custom research report tailored to your needs—from individual property analysis to comprehensive market overviews.
Request Custom Analysis