Elite Analysis

Boston Prestige Index

The definitive ranking of prestige across Greater Boston's elite communities. Discover which towns command the highest social capital and why. Complete analysis of all 100 Greater Boston communities.

Data-Driven Rankings4-Pillar Analysis100 CommunitiesElite Tiers
#1
Weston
98.8
Top BPI Score
$2.1M
Median Price
15
Archetypes
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Showing 101 of 101 communities(Complete 100-community dataset)

#1

Weston

The archetype of understated, old-money exclusivity, defined by pastoral landscapes and extreme wealth.

BPI Score
98.8
Median Price
$2.1M
Old Money Enclave
1-10
#2

Lexington

The nexus of American historical significance and modern academic supremacy.

BPI Score
97.1
Median Price
$2.1M
Academic Powerhouse
1-10
#3

Dover

A rural sanctuary for the ultra-affluent, prized for its privacy, equestrian culture, and top-tier regional schools.

BPI Score
96.5
Median Price
$1.6M
Rural Sanctuary
1-10
#4

Wellesley

The quintessential high-achieving executive suburb, balancing elite education with a vibrant, upscale town center.

BPI Score
95.9
Median Price
$2.4M
Executive Suburb
1-10
#5

Brookline

The ultimate fusion of urban accessibility and suburban prestige, offering a dynamic, intellectual environment.

BPI Score
94.2
Median Price
$1.7M
Urban-Suburban Fusion
1-10
#6

Winchester

A classic, affluent commuter suburb combining architectural charm with consistently high-performing schools.

BPI Score
92.8
Median Price
$1.7M
Classic Commuter Suburb
1-10
#7

Needham

A premier family-oriented community known for its outstanding schools and strong civic engagement.

BPI Score
92.1
Median Price
$1.6M
Family-Oriented Community
1-10
#8

Concord

The intellectual and cultural heart of historic New England, where literary legacy meets contemporary affluence.

BPI Score
91.5
Median Price
$1.8M
Intellectual Crucible
1-10
#9

Hingham

The crown jewel of the South Shore, offering a unique blend of coastal living, historic charm, and elite status.

BPI Score
90.7
Median Price
$1.7M
Coastal Elite
1-10
#10

Sudbury

A historic MetroWest town that combines expansive properties and a pastoral feel with a powerful, high-achieving school system.

BPI Score
89.9
Median Price
$1.2M
Historic MetroWest Powerhouse
1-10
#11

Sherborn

Partnered with Dover in one of the state's most elite regional school districts, prized for equestrian farms and open land.

BPI Score
89.5
Median Price
$1.4M
Rural Academic Partner
11-25
#12

Wayland

Defining characteristic is extraordinary safety; one of the safest communities in the nation with top-10 school district.

BPI Score
88.8
Median Price
$1.3M
Safety Champion
11-25
#13

Belmont

Affluent "town of homes" known for strong academic culture and excellent schools, located just west of Cambridge.

BPI Score
88.2
Median Price
$1.5M
Academic Town of Homes
11-25
#14

Newton

Often called "The Garden City," composed of 13 distinct villages, each with its own character and two highly-ranked high schools.

BPI Score
87.9
Median Price
$1.4M
Garden City
11-25
#15

Hopkinton

Famous as starting point of Boston Marathon, transformed into education-driven powerhouse with top-5 school district.

BPI Score
87.1
Median Price
$1.2M
Education Powerhouse
11-25
#16

Acton

A family-oriented community with excellent schools and strong community engagement, known for its commitment to education.

BPI Score
86.5
Median Price
$1.1M
Education-Focused Suburb
11-25
#17

Arlington

A historic suburb with strong community character, excellent schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
85.8
Median Price
$1.1M
Historic Suburban Hub
11-25
#18

Medfield

A quintessential New England town with historic charm, excellent schools, and strong community values.

BPI Score
85.2
Median Price
$980,000
Classic New England Town
11-25
#19

Milton

A historic South Shore community with excellent schools, beautiful architecture, and strong community character.

BPI Score
84.7
Median Price
$950,000
Historic South Shore Gem
11-25
#20

Natick

A thriving MetroWest community with excellent amenities, good schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
84.1
Median Price
$920,000
MetroWest Hub
11-25
#21

Reading

A classic North Shore community with strong schools, historic charm, and excellent community engagement.

BPI Score
83.6
Median Price
$880,000
North Shore Classic
11-25
#22

Wakefield

A well-established North Shore community with good schools, historic character, and strong community values.

BPI Score
83.1
Median Price
$850,000
North Shore Suburb
11-25
#23

Melrose

A historic suburban city with excellent schools, beautiful architecture, and strong community engagement.

BPI Score
82.7
Median Price
$820,000
Historic Suburban City
11-25
#24

Stoneham

A solid North Shore community with good schools, historic character, and strong community values.

BPI Score
82.2
Median Price
$790,000
North Shore Community
11-25
#25

Woburn

A city with industrial heritage that has transformed into a solid suburban community with good schools and amenities.

BPI Score
81.8
Median Price
$760,000
Industrial Heritage City
11-25
#26

Framingham

A diverse MetroWest city with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
80.5
Median Price
$720,000
Diverse MetroWest City
26-50
#27

Watertown

A unique urban-suburban mix with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
80.1
Median Price
$690,000
Urban-Suburban Mix
26-50
#28

Braintree

A solid South Shore suburb with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
79.8
Median Price
$660,000
South Shore Suburb
26-50
#29

Quincy

A historic South Shore city with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
79.4
Median Price
$630,000
Historic South Shore City
26-50
#30

Waltham

A city with industrial heritage that has transformed into a solid suburban community with good amenities.

BPI Score
79.1
Median Price
$600,000
Industrial Heritage City
26-50
#31

Cohasset

A picturesque coastal town on the South Shore, Cohasset's prestige comes from its stunning harbor, small-town New England charm, and high-performing schools.

BPI Score
86.6
Median Price
$1.7M
Coastal Elite
26-50
#32

Carlisle

A small, rural, and very wealthy town adjacent to Concord, Carlisle is known for its commitment to land conservation and its peaceful, natural setting.

BPI Score
86.0
Median Price
$1.3M
Rural Conservation Enclave
26-50
#33

Medfield

A historic town in Norfolk County, Medfield has a strong reputation for its excellent schools and high quality of life.

BPI Score
85.4
Median Price
$1.1M
Historic Academic Town
26-50
#34

Westwood

With a top-tier regional high school and a median household income over $200,000, Westwood is a high-performing suburb that offers a quieter, more residential alternative.

BPI Score
84.9
Median Price
$1.0M
Executive Suburb
26-50
#35

Acton

The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is a consistent top performer, making Acton a highly desirable destination for education-focused families.

BPI Score
84.1
Median Price
$1.1M
Education-Focused Suburb
26-50
#36

Westford

Located northwest of Boston, Westford has built a strong reputation for its excellent schools, offering a blend of suburban convenience and a more rural feel.

BPI Score
83.5
Median Price
$950,000
Technology Corridor Suburb
26-50
#37

Sharon

Sharon is known for its academic rigor, cultural diversity, and beautiful natural setting around Lake Massapoag.

BPI Score
82.9
Median Price
$900,000
Academic Excellence Suburb
26-50
#38

Lincoln

Similar to its neighbor Weston, Lincoln is an affluent town that values conservation and a rural atmosphere, home to the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.

BPI Score
82.5
Median Price
$1.9M
Cultural Conservation Enclave
26-50
#39

Duxbury

A historic coastal town on the South Shore, Duxbury is known for its beautiful beaches, classic homes, and affluent residents.

BPI Score
82.0
Median Price
$2.4M
Historic Coastal Elite
26-50
#40

Andover

Home to the prestigious Phillips Academy, Andover also boasts a strong public school system and a vibrant, historic downtown.

BPI Score
81.6
Median Price
$1.1M
Historic Academic Hub
26-50
#41

Boxford

A rural suburban enclave known for its open spaces, excellent schools, and affluent residents seeking a quieter lifestyle.

BPI Score
80.5
Median Price
$950,000
Rural Suburban Enclave
26-50
#42

Southborough

A well-established MetroWest suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
79.9
Median Price
$900,000
MetroWest Suburb
26-50
#43

Harvard

A rural academic town known for its excellent schools, historic charm, and commitment to education.

BPI Score
79.2
Median Price
$1.1M
Rural Academic Town
26-50
#44

Lynnfield

A well-established North Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
78.8
Median Price
$1.0M
North Shore Suburb
26-50
#44

Medway

A historic MetroWest town with strong schools, community spirit, and excellent value for families seeking suburban charm.

BPI Score
78.5
Median Price
$725,000
Historic MetroWest Town
26-50
#46

Marblehead

A historic coastal town known for its maritime heritage, beautiful harbor, and strong community character.

BPI Score
78.1
Median Price
$1.2M
Historic Coastal Town
26-50
#46

Arlington

A historic suburb with strong community character, excellent schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
77.5
Median Price
$1.1M
Historic Suburban Hub
26-50
#47

North Andover

A well-established Merrimack Valley suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
76.9
Median Price
$850,000
Merrimack Valley Suburb
26-50
#48

Norwell

A well-established South Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
76.2
Median Price
$800,000
South Shore Suburb
26-50
#49

Natick

A thriving MetroWest community with excellent amenities, good schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
75.8
Median Price
$920,000
MetroWest Hub
26-50
#50

Westborough

An education-focused suburb known for its excellent schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
75.1
Median Price
$800,000
Education-Focused Suburb
26-50
#51

Marshfield

A coastal community on the South Shore known for its beaches, good schools, and family-friendly atmosphere.

BPI Score
66.2
Median Price
$879,000
Coastal Community
51-100
#52

Wakefield

A well-established North Shore suburb with good schools, historic character, and strong community values.

BPI Score
65.8
Median Price
$750,000
North Shore Suburb
51-100
#53

Melrose

A historic suburban city with excellent schools, beautiful architecture, and strong community engagement.

BPI Score
65.1
Median Price
$849,000
Historic Suburban City
51-100
#54

Braintree

A solid South Shore suburb with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
64.7
Median Price
$739,900
South Shore Suburb
51-100
#55

Stoneham

A solid North Shore community with good schools, historic character, and strong community values.

BPI Score
64.0
Median Price
$700,000
North Shore Community
51-100
#56

Dedham

A historic suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
63.5
Median Price
$750,000
Historic Suburb
51-100
#57

Norwood

A suburb with industrial heritage that has transformed into a solid community with good schools and amenities.

BPI Score
62.9
Median Price
$650,000
Industrial Heritage Suburb
51-100
#58

Burlington

A technology corridor suburb with good amenities, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
62.2
Median Price
$900,000
Technology Corridor Suburb
51-100
#59

Plymouth

A historic coastal town known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and strong community character.

BPI Score
61.8
Median Price
$600,000
Historic Coastal Town
51-100
#60

Watertown

A unique urban-suburban mix with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
61.1
Median Price
$690,000
Urban-Suburban Mix
51-100
#61

Weymouth

A well-established South Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
60.6
Median Price
$650,000
South Shore Suburb
51-100
#62

Pembroke

A South Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
60.0
Median Price
$600,000
South Shore Suburb
51-100
#63

Kingston

A South Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
59.5
Median Price
$580,000
South Shore Suburb
51-100
#64

Waltham

A city with industrial heritage that has transformed into a solid suburban community with good amenities.

BPI Score
58.9
Median Price
$600,000
Industrial Heritage City
51-100
#65

Quincy

A historic South Shore city with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
58.2
Median Price
$630,000
Historic South Shore City
51-100
#66

Peabody

A North Shore city with good amenities, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
57.7
Median Price
$550,000
North Shore City
51-100
#67

Hanson

A South Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
57.1
Median Price
$550,000
South Shore Suburb
51-100
#68

Abington

A South Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
56.6
Median Price
$570,000
South Shore Suburb
51-100
#69

Wilmington

A North Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
56.0
Median Price
$600,000
North Shore Suburb
51-100
#70

Rockland

A South Shore suburb with good schools, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
55.4
Median Price
$520,000
South Shore Suburb
51-100
#71

Medford

A historic suburban city with good amenities, improving schools, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
54.9
Median Price
$895,000
Historic Suburban City
51-100
#72

Somerville

A vibrant urban-suburban mix with excellent amenities, diverse culture, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
54.1
Median Price
$750,000
Urban-Suburban Mix
51-100
#73

Woburn

A suburb with industrial heritage that has transformed into a solid community with good amenities.

BPI Score
53.6
Median Price
$650,000
Industrial Heritage Suburb
51-100
#74

Salem

A historic coastal city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and improving schools.

BPI Score
53.0
Median Price
$600,000
Historic Coastal City
51-100
#75

Boston

The urban hub of Greater Boston with world-class amenities, excellent schools, and vibrant culture.

BPI Score
52.5
Median Price
$850,000
Urban Hub
51-100
#76

Framingham

A MetroWest hub with good amenities, diverse community, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
51.9
Median Price
$650,000
MetroWest Hub
51-100
#77

Hull

A coastal community on the South Shore known for its beaches, good schools, and family-friendly atmosphere.

BPI Score
51.2
Median Price
$650,000
Coastal Community
51-100
#78

Revere

A coastal suburb with good amenities, convenient location, and strong community values.

BPI Score
48.7
Median Price
$550,000
Coastal Suburb
51-100
#79

Malden

An urban suburb with good amenities, diverse community, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
47.9
Median Price
$700,000
Urban Suburb
51-100
#80

Lynn

A city with industrial heritage that has transformed into a solid community with good amenities.

BPI Score
46.5
Median Price
$550,000
Industrial Heritage City
51-100
#81

Everett

An urban suburb with good amenities, diverse community, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
45.8
Median Price
$650,000
Urban Suburb
51-100
#82

Chelsea

An urban suburb with good amenities, diverse community, and convenient access to Boston.

BPI Score
43.2
Median Price
$600,000
Urban Suburb
51-100
#83

Hamilton

A rural suburb with limited data available for comprehensive analysis.

BPI Score
0.0
Median Price
$0
Rural Suburb
51-100
#84

Stow

A rural suburb with limited data available for comprehensive analysis.

BPI Score
0.0
Median Price
$0
Rural Suburb
51-100
#85

Newbury

A rural suburb with limited data available for comprehensive analysis.

BPI Score
0.0
Median Price
$0
Rural Suburb
51-100
#86

Walpole

A rural suburb with limited data available for comprehensive analysis.

BPI Score
0.0
Median Price
$0
Rural Suburb
51-100
#87

Littleton

A rural suburb with limited data available for comprehensive analysis.

BPI Score
0.0
Median Price
$0
Rural Suburb
51-100
#88

Manchester-by-the-Sea

A coastal suburb with limited data available for comprehensive analysis.

BPI Score
0.0
Median Price
$0
Coastal Suburb
51-100
#89

Ashland

A rural suburb with limited data available for comprehensive analysis.

BPI Score
0.0
Median Price
$0
Rural Suburb
51-100
#90

Weir Village

Small community within Taunton with modest appeal.

BPI Score
48.9
Median Price
$500,000
Small Community
51-100
#91

Middleton

Small North Shore town with rural character and solid schools.

BPI Score
68.2
Median Price
$800,000
North Shore Town
51-100
#92

Topsfield

Affluent rural community with excellent schools and country charm.

BPI Score
75.3
Median Price
$950,000
Affluent Rural Community
51-100
#93

Essex

Small coastal North Shore town with historic appeal.

BPI Score
63.1
Median Price
$650,000
Coastal North Shore Town
51-100
#94

Gloucester

Historic fishing city with coastal character and tourism.

BPI Score
58.5
Median Price
$600,000
Historic Fishing City
51-100
#95

Rockport

Picturesque coastal artist community with unique charm.

BPI Score
64.7
Median Price
$750,000
Coastal Artist Community
51-100
#96

Ipswich

Historic North Shore town with beaches and colonial heritage.

BPI Score
67.3
Median Price
$750,000
Historic North Shore Town
51-100
#97

Hamilton

Affluent rural community sharing Hamilton-Wenham schools.

BPI Score
73.6
Median Price
$900,000
Affluent Rural Community
51-100
#98

Wenham

Small rural town partnered with Hamilton for excellent schools.

BPI Score
72.9
Median Price
$850,000
Small Rural Town
51-100
#99

Manchester-by-the-Sea

Quintessential coastal New England village with charm and affluence.

BPI Score
76.8
Median Price
$1.1M
Coastal New England Village
51-100
#100

Gloucester

Working-class coastal city with fishing heritage and affordability.

BPI Score
49.2
Median Price
$525,000
Working-Class Coastal City
51-100

W-Town Analysis

Dive deep into the 15 "W" towns with our comprehensive comparison chart. Plot pretentiousness, schools, commute, and value across Weston, Wellesley, Winchester, and all the other W towns in the Boston Metro area.

Tax Rate Analysis

Compare property tax rates across Greater Boston communities. See how tax burden impacts affordability and investment potential in different towns and cities.

Methodology: Boston Prestige Index (BPI)

A proprietary, multi-factor model that quantifies prestige through four weighted pillars

Economic Standing

40%
  • • Median Household Income
  • • Per Capita Income
  • • Median Home Sale Price
  • • Wealth Concentration

Educational Excellence

35%
  • • Composite High School Ranking
  • • Overall School District Grade
  • • College Readiness Metrics
  • • Academic Resources

Quality of Life & Safety

15%
  • • Violent Crime Rate
  • • Property Crime Rate
  • • Community Safety Index
  • • Public Services

Cultural Capital

10%
  • • Historical Significance
  • • Cultural Institutions
  • • Community Character
  • • Social Prestige

The Prestige Feedback Loop

High-earning professionals prioritize elite education and pay premiums for top-ranked school districts. This drives up property values, generating a large tax base that funds superior schools, reinforcing elite status and attracting more affluent buyers—creating a self-perpetuating cycle of prestige.

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