The Greater Boston Geography Guide: Navigating the Regions, Belts, and ‘Bridge’ Neighborhoods

“What are the Boston suburbs called?” This is a question that sounds simple to a local but can feel like a riddle to someone relocating. In Boston, we don’t just have “the suburbs”; we have a complex system of cardinal directions, “belts,” and personality types.

When I moved to Medfield after two decades in the city, I realized that understanding the taxonomy of our suburbs is the first step in finding where you actually belong.

Here is the breakdown of what the Boston suburbs are called and how to navigate the local lingo.

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1. The “Inner Core” (The City-Suburbs)

These are technically cities or high-density towns that feel like an extension of Boston. They are often T-accessible and have that “urban-suburban” hybrid vibe I talk about often.

• The Big Three: Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline.
• The “Bridge” Neighborhoods: These are actually in Boston proper but feel suburban, specifically Roslindale and West Roxbury. Think leafy streets, detached single-families (like the Capes on Poplar St), and driveways—but with a 617 area code.

2. “MetroWest”

This is the most popular region for professionals leaving the city. It’s defined by its proximity to the Mass Pike (I-90) and Route 9.

• The Towns: Newton, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham, and Medfield (where I live!).
• The Vibe: Top-rated schools, historic town centers, and a “House Whisperer’s” dream of Colonial and Victorian architecture.

3. The “North Shore”

If you want ocean breezes, grit, and a shorter commute to Logan Airport, you head North.

• The Towns: Salem, Beverly, Marblehead, Danvers, and the “Route 1 corridor” (Saugus/Peabody).
• The Vibe: Coastal, historic, and slightly more eclectic than the interior suburbs.

4. The “South Shore”

Historically known for being home to “Irish Riviera” commuters, this area is defined by the coast south of the city.

• The Towns: Quincy, Weymouth, Hingham, Cohasset, and Scituate.
• The Vibe: Water views, community-centric, and served heavily by the Red Line and the Commuter Rail.

5. The “Belts” (Route 128 vs. I-495)

Locals often categorize suburbs by which “ring” they fall into.

• The 128 Belt (The Inner Ring): Towns like Needham, Dedham, and Waltham. This is the “Goldilocks” zone—close enough for a quick Uber into the city, but far enough for a yard.
• The 495 Belt (The Outer Ring): Towns like Hopkinton, Franklin, and Westborough. These offer the most bang for your buck in terms of acreage and square footage, but they require a Commuter Rail strategy if you still work in town.

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Why the Name Matters

As an agent who has navigated over 160 transactions across these regions, I know that each label comes with a different set of smart numbers. The property taxes in a MetroWest town like Westwood are a different beast than the resident-exempt taxes you’ll find in the “City-Suburbs” of Roslindale.

My job is to help you translate these names into a lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for the “good bones” of a mid-century ranch in Norwood or a historic estate in Sherborn, I help you look past the regional labels to find the home that works for your transition.

Ready to find your “Belt”? I’ve spent over 20 years learning these streets so you don’t have to. Check out my town-by-town deep dives at katebostonrealestate.com or subscribe to my Substack for my latest market takes.