Illustrated by Javi Aznarez: Boston Globe’s 2025 Guide to Greater Boston’s Top Spots to Live
Boston Globe Magazine's Annual Housing Roundup
Each year, The Boston Globe Magazine surveys the shifting landscape of Greater Boston’s real estate market to publish its highly anticipated “Top Spots to Live” list.
The 2025 edition, brought to life through the vibrant illustrations of Javi Aznarez, offers a data-informed and visually engaging guide to 36 communities across the region that are drawing homebuyers in record numbers.
Since 2022, rising interest rates and historically low inventory have reshaped the housing market. Median monthly mortgage payments have jumped, inventory has constricted, and sellers have been hesitant to give up the ultra-low rates secured in 2020. Yet in 2024, the tide began to shift. Interest rates dipped below 7%, single-family sales ticked upward by 4%, and the number of listings increased by 7.1%.
As Sarah Gustafson, president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, notes, “There’s a bit of spring fever” and early signs of stabilization.
While prices remain high, more listings and longer times on market hint at relief on the horizon—if only modestly.
📍 The 2025 Top Communities — By Region and Price
The Globe’s editorial team categorized neighborhoods into three price brackets and grouped them geographically for accessible comparisons.
NORTH OF BOSTON
Under $750K: Lawrence is the top pick, praised for transformation, arts programming, and strong community initiatives. Merrimac and Gloucester follow for their scenic settings and local charm.
$750K–$1M: Newbury offers stunning marshlands and a quiet, nature-rich lifestyle across three distinct villages.
Over $1M: Newburyport continues its reign with a mix of historic character and revitalized commerce. Andover and Somerville round out the tier with strong schools and cultural vibrancy.
WEST OF BOSTON
Under $750K: Northborough stands out with its mix of local businesses, great schools, and a welcoming small-town feel.
$750K–$1M: Bolton blends classic New England beauty with civic-mindedness. Acton and Harvard offer natural beauty and academic prestige.
Over $1M: Medfield leads, buoyed by a strong community spirit, top schools, and new cultural initiatives. Sudbury and Brookline are also favored for their balance of tradition and livability.
SOUTH OF BOSTON
Under $750K: Kingston is noted for its accessibility and steady growth, while Plymouth offers diversity and history.
$750K–$1M: Marion shines with seaside serenity and academic influence from Tabor Academy. Marshfield and Sharon bring affordability to the coastal lifestyle.
Over $1M: Duxbury, with its coastal New England charm and family appeal, tops the luxury list. Norwell and Cohasset follow, combining rural calm with high-end living.
BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Under $750K: Hyde Park is emerging as a rare affordable pocket in the city, with commuter access and local character. Roslindale and Dorchester round out the group for their community energy.
$750K–$1M: Charlestown holds strong with its historic roots and tight-knit pride. West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain offer space and soul.
Over $1M: Riverside, one of Cambridge’s most in-demand districts, boasts soaring prices and unmatched location near Harvard Square. Downtown Boston and Cambridgeport represent the heart of urban luxury.
To build the list, the Globe analyzed median home price data from 2019 to 2024 across different tiers. Suburbs were evaluated using The Warren Group’s single-family data, and urban areas used Redfin’s condo and house metrics. Communities had to have at least 50 annual sales to qualify.
Editorial “May We Suggest” picks provided subjective but thoughtful additions, often spotlighting places just below the top price jumps but rich in livability.
Spanish illustrator Javi Aznarez’s artwork elevates this year’s guide with whimsical, story-rich images for each section. Known for his collaborations with Wes Anderson, Aznarez brings warmth, humor, and an imaginative lens to what could otherwise be dry data—helping readers connect emotionally with the communities featured.
Whether you're seeking suburban tranquility, urban buzz, or coastal charm, the 2025 Top Spots to Live guide is both a roadmap and a reflection of what matters most: community, opportunity, and livability.
As the market evolves, these towns and neighborhoods stand out as more than just places to buy—they’re places to belong.
