Let the numbers do the talking.
Boston, MA vs Westborough, MA
Boston, MA vs Westborough, MA: What the data shows
Boston, MA is in Boston, MA while Westborough, MA is in Westborough, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Westborough, MA is the more affordable option at $530,000 median — $472,700 less than Boston, MA's $1,002,700. WYLT rates Boston, MA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Westborough, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Westborough, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Boston, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Westborough, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Boston, MA has Low flood risk and Westborough, MA has Low flood risk.
Boston, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Boston, MA scores 65/100 (somewhat walkable) versus Westborough, MA's 6/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Boston, MA has the higher school rating — Boston, MA rates 7.5/10 and Westborough, MA rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Boston, MA | Westborough, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Settle here |
| Median Price | $1M | $530K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $74K | $108K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 65/100 ✓ More walkable | 6/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 30/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 34/100 |
| Commute | 7 min ✓ Shorter commute | 79 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | Young professionalsStudentsFood enthusiasts | Families with young childrenThose seeking a traditional suburban lifestyleCommuters to Boston with a car |
Bottom line
If you're a young professional with a high income and prioritize transit options, think twice about Boston's 02118 area due to its high cost of living. For a more affordable and traditional suburban lifestyle with good schools, consider settling in Westborough. However, if you value convenience and don't mind higher expenses, Boston might be the better fit for a short-term or single-person residency.
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