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Town Finder Calculator

Find your perfect Greater Boston town based on YOUR priorities. Two powerful tools: customize weights or answer simple questions.

๐Ÿ“– Read the Complete Guide First

These calculators are based on our comprehensive analysis of 86 Greater Boston towns. For detailed insights, data sources, and strategic recommendations, read the full guide:

Read the Complete Guide

Optimization Matrix Calculator

Adjust the sliders to reflect YOUR priorities. The weights must total 100%.

โšกQuick Start: Choose Your Priority

Select a preset to auto-adjust the sliders, then fine-tune as needed.

Your Priorities (Weights)

Adjust each slider to reflect how important that factor is to you. All weights must total exactly 100%. Higher percentage = more important in your decision.

30%
District education quality - Higher is better academics. What is GreatSchools?
25%
Historical CAGR % - Higher means faster property value growth
20%
Drive time to Boston - Shorter commute scores higher
15%
Price per quality ratio - Better deals score higher
5%
Character, amenities, culture fit - User perception
Based on community votes
5%
Market stability & resilience - Lower volatility scores higher
Estimated from market data
Total: 100% โœ“ Ready to rank!

Your Personalized Rankings

Calculating...

Why These Rankings?

Towns are scored based on YOUR priorities: School Quality (30%), Appreciation (25%), Commute (20%), Value (15%), Community (5%), Risk & Stability (5%). Each town's final score is a weighted average based on these priorities.

๐Ÿฅ‡
Norwell

$1.13M median

8.3
/ 10.0
๐ŸŽฏ Perfect match! Excels in your top priority (appreciation potential), with strong performance in schools.
Schools:8/10
Appreciation:10/10
Commute:7/10
Value:7.7/10
Community:7.7/10
Risk:10/10
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๐Ÿฅˆ
Duxbury

$1.05M median

7.6
/ 10.0
โญ Strong contender. Particularly excels in schools, which accounts for 30% of your priorities.
Schools:9/10
Appreciation:7.5/10
Commute:5/10
Value:8.2/10
Community:6.4/10
Risk:10/10
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๐Ÿฅ‰
Weymouth

$620K median

7.3
/ 10.0
โญ Strong contender. Particularly excels in appreciation potential, which accounts for 25% of your priorities.
Schools:5/10
Appreciation:10/10
Commute:6.4/10
Value:7/10
Community:9.4/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
4.
Brookline

$1.02M median

7.2
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9/10
Appreciation:3.7/10
Commute:8.4/10
Value:7.5/10
Community:5.5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
5.
Watertown

$805K median

7.2
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.2/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:8.2/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:9.5/10
Risk:10/10
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6.
Westwood

$1.28M median

7.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.2/10
Appreciation:3.2/10
Commute:7.6/10
Value:7.4/10
Community:7.4/10
Risk:10/10
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7.
Arlington

$1.01M median

7.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.5/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:7.6/10
Value:8/10
Community:9.4/10
Risk:10/10
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8.
Natick

$820K median

7.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.7/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:8.9/10
Community:6.2/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
9.
Melrose

$825K median

7.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8/10
Appreciation:3.2/10
Commute:8.6/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
10.
Lexington

$1.49M median

7.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.8/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:8/10
Value:6.4/10
Community:4.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
11.
Medford

$824K median

7.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.8/10
Appreciation:3.3/10
Commute:7.6/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:9.3/10
Risk:10/10
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12.
Milton

$1.00M median

7.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.5/10
Appreciation:3.3/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:8.2/10
Community:7.4/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
13.
Winchester

$1.26M median

6.9
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.2/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:7.6/10
Value:7.2/10
Community:7.2/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
14.
Reading

$845K median

6.9
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.5/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:7.8/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
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15.
Lynnfield

$875K median

6.9
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.6/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
16.
Stoneham

$741K median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:3.2/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:9.1/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
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17.
Bedford

$1.17M median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.8/10
Appreciation:3.3/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:7.5/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
18.
Medway

$725K median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.2/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:7.2/10
Value:9.3/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
19.
Needham

$1.59M median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.1/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:6.1/10
Community:8.6/10
Risk:10/10
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20.
Newton

$1.77M median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.4/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:8/10
Value:5.4/10
Community:6.2/10
Risk:10/10
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21.
Wellesley

$1.87M median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.9/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:8.2/10
Value:4.9/10
Community:4.9/10
Risk:10/10
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22.
Wakefield

$775K median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:7.6/10
Value:8.9/10
Community:9/10
Risk:10/10
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23.
Weston

$2.15M median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.7/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:8.6/10
Value:4.8/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
24.
Belmont

$1.37M median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:7.8/10
Value:6.8/10
Community:5.2/10
Risk:10/10
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25.
Hingham

$1.21M median

6.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.1/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:7.6/10
Community:6.8/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
26.
Somerville

$1.05M median

6.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:3.4/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:7.8/10
Community:9.4/10
Risk:10/10
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27.
Waltham

$779K median

6.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7/10
Appreciation:3.2/10
Commute:8.4/10
Value:7.8/10
Community:9.4/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
28.
Burlington

$825K median

6.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.8/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:8.8/10
Community:6.9/10
Risk:10/10
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29.
Boston

$1.80M median

6.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8/10
Appreciation:3.3/10
Commute:10/10
Value:4.5/10
Community:6/10
Risk:10/10
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30.
Canton

$875K median

6.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:8.6/10
Community:9.3/10
Risk:10/10
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31.
Wilmington

$765K median

6.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:9/10
Community:9.5/10
Risk:10/10
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32.
Sharon

$850K median

6.6
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.2/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:6/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:9.3/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
33.
Andover

$1.20M median

6.6
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.5/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:7.5/10
Community:7.7/10
Risk:10/10
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34.
Woburn

$719K median

6.6
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6.5/10
Appreciation:3.3/10
Commute:8.2/10
Value:8/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
35.
Medfield

$950K median

6.6
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:5.4/10
Value:8.5/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
36.
North Reading

$795K median

6.5
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.9/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:8.9/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
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37.
Dedham

$746K median

6.5
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.2/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:7.2/10
Value:8/10
Community:9.4/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
38.
Peabody

$639K median

6.5
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6.8/10
Appreciation:3.2/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:8.4/10
Community:9.2/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
39.
Chelmsford

$920K median

6.5
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.5/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:6/10
Value:8.6/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
40.
North Andover

$750K median

6.5
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.4/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:5.4/10
Value:9.2/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
41.
Wayland

$1.40M median

6.5
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:6/10
Value:6.9/10
Community:7.2/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
42.
Swampscott

$850K median

6.4
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:6/10
Value:8.6/10
Community:9.2/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
43.
Acton

$950K median

6.4
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.8/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:5/10
Value:8.4/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
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44.
Braintree

$659K median

6.4
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:7/10
Value:8.3/10
Community:7.3/10
Risk:10/10
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45.
Everett

$575K median

6.4
/ 10.0
Lower rank due to weaker performance in your top priority (schools). Consider if trade-offs align with your needs.
Schools:5.2/10
Appreciation:3.9/10
Commute:9/10
Value:7.2/10
Community:9/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
46.
Westford

$825K median

6.4
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.7/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:4.6/10
Value:8.9/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
47.
Hanover

$775K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:7/10
Value:7.9/10
Community:9.2/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
48.
Sherborn

$1.35M median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.4/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:5/10
Value:7.1/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
49.
Rockland

$508K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6/10
Appreciation:4.3/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:7.8/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
50.
Sudbury

$1.50M median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:5.4/10
Value:6.6/10
Community:7.3/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
51.
Norwood

$675K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:6.4/10
Value:8.3/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
52.
Framingham

$639K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6.8/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:8.3/10
Community:5.2/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
53.
Billerica

$618K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.2/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:6.8/10
Value:8.6/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
54.
Salem

$592K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6.2/10
Appreciation:3.4/10
Commute:7.4/10
Value:7.4/10
Community:9.5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
55.
Dover

$2.40M median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.6/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:6/10
Value:4.9/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
56.
Hopkinton

$925K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.9/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:4/10
Value:8.6/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
57.
Scituate

$892K median

6.3
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:5/10
Value:8.5/10
Community:7.5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
58.
Holliston

$725K median

6.2
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:4.6/10
Value:9.3/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
59.
Marblehead

$1.10M median

6.2
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:6/10
Value:7.7/10
Community:5.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
60.
Concord

$1.95M median

6.2
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9.3/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:5.4/10
Value:5.2/10
Community:5.5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
61.
Westborough

$725K median

6.2
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.1/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:4/10
Value:9.3/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
62.
Cambridge

$1.04M median

6.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:2.3/10
Commute:8.8/10
Value:6.7/10
Community:1.2/10
Risk:10/10
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63.
Northborough

$775K median

6.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.2/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:4/10
Value:9.1/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
64.
Kingston

$525K median

6.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:5.4/10
Value:8.9/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
65.
Tewksbury

$675K median

6.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:5/10
Value:9.4/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
66.
Franklin

$675K median

6.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.8/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:4/10
Value:9.4/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
67.
Danvers

$625K median

6.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.3/10
Appreciation:2.5/10
Commute:6/10
Value:8.6/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
68.
Cohasset

$1.40M median

6.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:9/10
Appreciation:2.2/10
Commute:5/10
Value:6.7/10
Community:5.6/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
69.
Ashland

$594K median

6.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.8/10
Appreciation:2.8/10
Commute:4/10
Value:9.6/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
70.
Randolph

$625K median

6.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6.5/10
Appreciation:2.5/10
Commute:7/10
Value:8.6/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
71.
Abington

$565K median

6.0
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:7.5/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
72.
Stoughton

$600K median

5.9
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6.8/10
Appreciation:2.6/10
Commute:6/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
73.
Harvard

$875K median

5.9
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.4/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:3/10
Value:8.8/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
74.
Quincy

$656K median

5.8
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6/10
Appreciation:2.9/10
Commute:6.4/10
Value:7/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
75.
Malden

$705K median

5.8
/ 10.0
Lower rank due to weaker performance in your top priority (schools). Consider if trade-offs align with your needs.
Schools:5.8/10
Appreciation:3.3/10
Commute:6.2/10
Value:6.9/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
76.
Pembroke

$620K median

5.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:6/10
Value:7.3/10
Community:9.4/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
77.
Chelsea

$554K median

5.7
/ 10.0
Lower rank due to weaker performance in your top priority (schools). Consider if trade-offs align with your needs.
Schools:5/10
Appreciation:3.8/10
Commute:6/10
Value:7.3/10
Community:9.3/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
78.
Beverly

$830K median

5.7
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7.5/10
Appreciation:3/10
Commute:3.2/10
Value:8.7/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
79.
Revere

$650K median

5.7
/ 10.0
Lower rank due to weaker performance in your top priority (schools). Consider if trade-offs align with your needs.
Schools:5.5/10
Appreciation:3.1/10
Commute:6/10
Value:7.1/10
Community:9.3/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
80.
Hanson

$570K median

5.6
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:5.4/10
Value:7.4/10
Community:9.3/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
81.
5.5
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:8.5/10
Appreciation:3.4/10
Commute:3/10
Value:5/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
82.
Gloucester

$594K median

5.4
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7/10
Appreciation:2.7/10
Commute:3/10
Value:8.5/10
Community:5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
83.
Marshfield

$1.12M median

5.1
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:7/10
Appreciation:0/10
Commute:6/10
Value:6.6/10
Community:6.7/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
84.
Lynn

$572K median

5.1
/ 10.0
Lower rank due to weaker performance in your top priority (schools). Consider if trade-offs align with your needs.
Schools:4.5/10
Appreciation:1.6/10
Commute:6.6/10
Value:7.1/10
Community:9.1/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
85.
Plymouth

$825K median

4.8
/ 10.0
Lower rank due to weaker performance in your top priority (schools). Consider if trade-offs align with your needs.
Schools:5/10
Appreciation:2.3/10
Commute:4/10
Value:6.2/10
Community:9.4/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’
86.
Hull

$632K median

4.2
/ 10.0
Solid option with balanced performance. Strongest in schools but doesn't dominate in your highest priorities.
Schools:6/10
Appreciation:0.5/10
Commute:3/10
Value:7.2/10
Community:1.5/10
Risk:10/10
View Full Profile โ†’

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Click the share icon above to get a unique URL with your custom weights. Send it to your partner or real estate agent!

How to Use These Tools

Matrix Calculator

Perfect for analytical buyers who want precise control. Adjust 6 weighted criteria to see how towns rank based on YOUR priorities. Total must equal 100%. Share your custom results via URL.

Decision Tree

Perfect for buyers who want quick guidance. Answer 3-4 simple questions about your constraints and priorities. Get instant recommendations with explanations.

Data Sources

Based on Zillow/ATTOM sales data (2020-2025), GreatSchools ratings, Google Maps commute times, and on-the-ground community research. See the complete guide for detailed methodology and references.

๐Ÿ’ก Understanding Your Priorities

The Matrix Calculator uses 6 weighted criteria. Here's how to think about each one and what the weights mean:

๐ŸŽ“ School Quality (Default: 30%)

What it measures: GreatSchools rating from 7.5 to 9.0 (0-10 scale internally)

Set this HIGH (40-50%) if: You have school-age kids or plan to within 3-5 years. Elite schools are non-negotiable for you.

Set this LOW (10-20%) if: Your kids are grown, you don't plan to have children, or you're considering private school.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Appreciation Potential (Default: 25%)

What it measures: Historical CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) from 3.0% to 7.2%

Set this HIGH (35-45%) if: You view this as an investment. You plan to hold 7-10 years and want maximum ROI.

Set this LOW (10-15%) if: You're focused on lifestyle quality. This is your "forever home" and appreciation is a bonus.

๐Ÿš— Commute Time (Default: 20%)

What it measures: Drive time to Boston (26-45 min range, shorter = higher score)

Set this HIGH (30-40%) if: You're commuting 4-5 days/week to downtown Boston. Every 10 minutes matters.

Set this LOW (5-10%) if: You're fully remote, work locally, or only commute 1-2 days/week.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Value Positioning (Default: 15%)

What it measures: Price-to-quality ratio ($/sqft relative to school quality)

Set this HIGH (25-35%) if: You're budget-conscious. You want the best schools/quality per dollar spent.

Set this LOW (5-10%) if: Budget is flexible. You're willing to pay premium for proven quality.

๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Community Character (Default: 5%)

What it measures: Town vibe, amenities, culture, downtown charm (subjective 0-10)

Set this HIGH (15-25%) if: You want a strong sense of place. Walkable downtown, community events matter.

Set this LOW (0-5%) if: You mostly stay home. Town character is nice but not essential.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Risk & Resilience (Default: 5%)

What it measures: Market stability, liquidity, volatility (0-10, higher = safer)

Set this HIGH (10-15%) if: You're risk-averse. You need to be able to sell easily if circumstances change.

Set this LOW (0-3%) if: You're confident in long-term hold. Short-term volatility doesn't concern you.

๐Ÿ’ญ Example Scenarios

Young family, both commuting: Schools 40%, Commute 35%, Appreciation 15%, Value 10%
Remote workers with kids: Schools 45%, Community 25%, Appreciation 20%, Value 10%
Investment-focused buyers: Appreciation 40%, Value 30%, Schools 20%, Risk 10%
Empty nesters downsizing: Community 35%, Value 30%, Commute 25%, Risk 5%, Schools 5%

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Setting everything high: You must make tradeoffs. The tool forces you to be honest about priorities.
  • Ignoring your actual lifestyle: Don't weight commute 40% if you're remote 4 days/week.
  • Copying someone else's weights: Your partner, agent, or friend have different priorities than you.
  • Not discussing with your partner: Run separate analyses, then compromise on a shared set.