Framingham
A city of 69,000 that was founded in 1700, Framingham, Massachusetts, is rated as one of the “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” by CNN Money Magazine. It is located just 20 miles west of Boston, so it is close to all of the big-city amenities. This is a town that celebrates its ethnic diversity, and there is plenty of opportunity here, as the unemployment rate is less than 5 percent. The town's major employers are in the retail sector, along with some smaller manufacturing and commercial services.
The downtown area of the town has recently been renovated, and shopping and dining options are now plentiful in the area. There is plenty of affordable housing here, from Victorian-style homes to large, multistory apartments. The schools here are high performers, and the town is home to three colleges, including Framingham State University and Massachusetts Bay Community College. There is an abundance of green space, lakes, and ponds in and around the town. Many beautiful parks are located here that the locals take full advantage of. All things considered, this is a great place to raise a family, with enough entertainment and nightlife options to appeal to singles and young people.