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Massachusetts Has 11 Of The Top Small Cities In The U.S.A.

Smaller can be better When it comes to the best small cities in the U.S.A. Massachusetts has scored very high with 11 in the top 100 ranking. That’s means more…

Lexington Minute Men

LEXINGTON, MA – APRIL 17: Re-enactors of the Battle of Lexington dressed as British soldiers march in formation after battling the Minute Men April 17, 2006 in Lexington, Massachusetts. The…

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Smaller can be better

When it comes to the best small cities in the U.S.A. Massachusetts has scored very high with 11 in the top 100 ranking. That's means more than 10% of the best are located in our state. That's good news, because for some folks sometimes smaller is better.

If you prefer to reside in a smaller city rather than being in the Hub of everything, than you will enjoy these stellar little cities. The best part about these places is they offer you a lot of the benefits of Big City living without some of the stress and hassle that comes with it.

Wallet Hub says;

According to Wallet Hub; not everyone craves the bright lights and crowded spaces of big cities. In fact, almost one third of Americans (31%) say they would prefer to live in the suburbs, compared to 16% for urban areas and 24% for rural communities. Small-city life can be best for those who appreciate more wiggle room, fewer degrees of separation and shorter commutes, to name just a few of its advantages. Granted, these little urban areas demand some tradeoffs, too, such as fewer restaurant options or shorter business hours.

Some of the criteria

The scoring was based on five factors, 1) Affordability, this was about all the factors being considered, such as, the cost of housing, taxes and overall price indexes. 2) Economic Health, what is the overall health of the city? Do the schools need to be updated? How about the health of the City Services like Police and Fire?  3) Education and Health, the study looked at the quality of both to determine what shape the small city is in and how are the schools? Are they well ranked in quality of education?  4) Quality of life, does the city have well cared for parks and recreation facilities, does the city have culture and a variety of food and shopping possibilities? How are the main streets? Are they robust and vibrant? Lastly number 5) Safety. This should be on the top of the list when you consider the quality of a small city. Do you feel safe? What is the crime level? Do the police and fire department keep watchful eyes out for the residents.

11. Randolph (pop) 35,000

It possesses the comforts and tranquility of a small New England town and the vibrant fabric of a diverse community with great access to transportation networks.

10. Waltham (pop) 65,000

With its close proximity to Boston, thriving dining and cultural scene and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, it's clear why Boston magazine recently named Waltham, Massachusetts, a top place to live.

9. Belmont (pop) 27,000

Belmont is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Belmont offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Belmont there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

8. Medford (pop) 60,000

Medford, Massachusetts is a nice place to live, filled with equally nice people. Though the real estate is expensive, it is worth it to live in a beautiful town with easy access to Boston and plenty to do inside Medford.

7. Burlington (pop) 26,500

With delicious restaurants, great shopping destinations, and unique things to do. Yet before you start moving to Burlington, you should learn more about living in Burlington. Here's what you should know about this special town.

6. Reading (pop) 25, 500

Reading is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Reading offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Reading there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

5. Newton (pop) 89,000

Newton is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Newton offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Newton there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Newton

4. Arlington (pop) 46,400

Living in Arlington offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Arlington there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

3. Melrose (pop) 30,000

From its excellent schools and outdoor recreation opportunities to its vibrant downtown and easy access to Boston, there's something for everyone in Melrose.

2. Milton (pop) 29,000

Living in Milton offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Milton there are a lot of parks.

1. Lexington (pop) 34,500

The first battle of the American Revolution took place in Lexington on April 19, 1775 and the town has long been known as "The Birthplace of American Liberty". With it's proximity to Boston and it's awesome array of culture, history and great restaurants, Lexington is a great Small City and the best in Massachusetts in this survey.

Bob is a native New Englander, growing up (sorta) in Maine where his love for radio started at a young age. While in high school he hosted radio shows on a local radio station, and he has never looked back. Bob joined the US Navy and served onboard the Sixth Fleet Flagship as a radio and TV host. After serving for 3 years, it was off to Emerson College in Boston. Bob hosted shows in Boston on WMEX, WVBF and WSSH in the 80’s and 90’s before heading to radio stations in Raleigh, NC, Manchester, NH, and New York City. Bob has been married for almost 25 years to Carolyn, a Woburn gal and they have 3 daughters, Nicole, Taylor, and Bridget. Bob and Carolyn are proud first-time grandparents to baby Caroline, who they plan to spoil every chance they get! “I started my career in New England and could not be happier to come back to Boston where I can root for all the Boston sports teams and eat lots of lobster rolls and clam chowder (okay not lots)… It is an honor to host the WROR morning show with LBF and wake up the World’s Greatest City!” Bob writes about recipes and restaurants, pop culture and trending topics.