Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the cities and towns of Massachusetts! Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this page is designed to provide you with valuable information about the diverse cities and towns in the Bay State. From historical landmarks to bustling urban centers, Massachusetts offers a range of vibrant communities to explore.
Massachusetts is home to numerous cities that showcase the state’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the capital city of Boston, known for its iconic landmarks like the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park, to the charming city of Salem, famous for its witch trials and maritime history, there is no shortage of fascinating destinations to discover.
Beyond the cities, Massachusetts boasts a collection of charming towns that offer a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. Towns like Concord, Lexington, and Marblehead are renowned for their historic significance and picturesque New England charm. These towns provide a glimpse into the state’s colonial past and offer a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
With a population of over 6 million people, Massachusetts is a densely populated state that offers a blend of urban excitement and small-town charm. The population is diverse and reflects a rich mix of cultures and backgrounds. The cities and towns of Massachusetts are known for their strong education systems, thriving arts and culture scenes, and a wide range of employment opportunities.
List of Cities in Massachusetts
| Municipality | Type | County | Population (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abington | Town | Plymouth | 17,062 |
| Acton | Town | Middlesex | 24,021 |
| Acushnet | Town | Bristol | 10,559 |
| Adams | Town | Berkshire | 8,166 |
| Agawam | City [a] | Hampden | 28,692 |
| Alford | Town | Berkshire | 486 |
| Amesbury | City | Essex | 17,366 |
| Amherst | City [a] [5] | Hampshire | 39,263 |
| Andover | Town | Essex | 36,569 |
| Aquinnah | Town | Dukes | 439 |
| Arlington | Town | Middlesex | 46,308 |
| Ashburnham | Town | Worcester | 6,315 |
| Ashby | Town | Middlesex | 3,193 |
| Ashfield | Town | Franklin | 1,695 |
| Ashland | Town | Middlesex | 18,832 |
| Athol | Town | Worcester | 11,945 |
| Attleboro | City | Bristol | 46,461 |
| Auburn | Town | Worcester | 16,889 |
| Avon | Town | Norfolk | 4,777 |
| Ayer | Town | Middlesex | 8,479 |
| Barnstable | City [a] | Barnstable (seat) | 48,916 |
| Barre | Town | Worcester | 5,530 |
| Becket | Town | Berkshire | 1,931 |
| Bedford | Town | Middlesex | 14,383 |
| Belchertown | Town | Hampshire | 15,350 |
| Bellingham | Town | Norfolk | 16,945 |
| Belmont | Town | Middlesex | 27,295 |
| Berkley | Town | Bristol | 6,764 |
| Berlin | Town | Worcester | 3,158 |
| Bernardston | Town | Franklin | 2,102 |
| Beverly | City | Essex | 42,670 |
| Billerica | Town | Middlesex | 42,119 |
| Blackstone | Town | Worcester | 9,208 |
| Blandford | Town | Hampden | 1,215 |
| Bolton | Town | Worcester | 5,665 |
| Boston | City | Suffolk (seat) | 675,647 |
| Bourne | Town | Barnstable | 20,452 |
| Boxborough | Town | Middlesex | 5,506 |
| Boxford | Town | Essex | 8,203 |
| Boylston | Town | Worcester | 4,849 |
| Braintree | City [a] | Norfolk | 39,143 |
| Brewster | Town | Barnstable | 10,318 |
| Bridgewater | City [a] | Plymouth | 28,633 |
| Brimfield | Town | Hampden | 3,694 |
| Brockton | City | Plymouth (seat) | 105,643 |
| Brookfield | Town | Worcester | 3,439 |
| Brookline | Town | Norfolk | 63,191 |
| Buckland | Town | Franklin | 1,816 |
| Burlington | Town | Middlesex | 26,377 |
| Cambridge | City | Middlesex (seat) | 118,403 |
| Canton | Town | Norfolk | 24,370 |
| Carlisle | Town | Middlesex | 5,237 |
| Carver | Town | Plymouth | 11,645 |
| Charlemont | Town | Franklin | 1,185 |
| Charlton | Town | Worcester | 13,315 |
| Chatham | Town | Barnstable | 6,594 |
| Chelmsford | Town | Middlesex | 36,392 |
| Chelsea | City | Suffolk | 40,787 |
| Cheshire | Town | Berkshire | 3,258 |
| Chester | Town | Hampden | 1,228 |
| Chesterfield | Town | Hampshire | 1,186 |
| Chicopee | City | Hampden | 55,560 |
| Chilmark | Town | Dukes | 1,212 |
| Clarksburg | Town | Berkshire | 1,657 |
| Clinton | Town | Worcester | 15,428 |
| Cohasset | Town | Norfolk | 8,381 |
| Colrain | Town | Franklin | 1,606 |
| Concord | Town | Middlesex | 18,491 |
| Conway | Town | Franklin | 1,761 |
| Cummington | Town | Hampshire | 829 |
| Dalton | Town | Berkshire | 6,330 |
| Danvers | Town | Essex | 28,087 |
| Dartmouth | Town | Bristol | 33,783 |
| Dedham | Town | Norfolk (seat) | 25,364 |
| Deerfield | Town | Franklin | 5,090 |
| Dennis | Town | Barnstable | 14,674 |
| Dighton | Town | Bristol | 8,101 |
| Douglas | Town | Worcester | 8,983 |
| Dover | Town | Norfolk | 5,923 |
| Dracut | Town | Middlesex | 32,617 |
| Dudley | Town | Worcester | 11,921 |
| Dunstable | Town | Middlesex | 3,358 |
| Duxbury | Town | Plymouth | 16,090 |
| East Bridgewater | Town | Plymouth | 14,440 |
| East Brookfield | Town | Worcester | 2,224 |
| East Longmeadow | City | Hampden | 16,430 |
| Eastham | Town | Barnstable | 5,752 |
| Easthampton | City | Hampshire | 16,211 |
| Easton | Town | Bristol | 25,058 |
| Edgartown | Town | Dukes (seat) | 5,168 |
| Egremont | Town | Berkshire | 1,372 |
| Erving | Town | Franklin | 1,665 |
| Essex | Town | Essex | 3,675 |
| Everett | City | Middlesex | 49,075 |
| Fairhaven | Town | Bristol | 15,924 |
| Fall River | City | Bristol | 94,000 |
| Falmouth | Town | Barnstable | 32,517 |
| Fitchburg | City | Worcester | 41,946 |
| Florida | Town | Berkshire | 694 |
| Foxborough | Town | Norfolk | 18,618 |
| Framingham | City | Middlesex | 72,362 |
| Franklin | City [a] | Norfolk | 33,261 |
| Freetown | Town | Bristol | 9,206 |
| Gardner | City | Worcester | 21,287 |
| Georgetown | Town | Essex | 8,470 |
| Gill | Town | Franklin | 1,551 |
| Gloucester | City | Essex | 29,729 |
| Goshen | Town | Hampshire | 970 |
| Gosnold | Town | Dukes | 70 |
| Grafton | Town | Worcester | 19,664 |
| Granby | Town | Hampshire | 6,110 |
| Granville | Town | Hampden | 1,538 |
| Great Barrington | Town | Berkshire | 7,172 |
| Greenfield | City [a] | Franklin (seat) | 17,768 |
| Groton | Town | Middlesex | 11,315 |
| Groveland | Town | Essex | 6,752 |
| Hadley | Town | Hampshire | 5,325 |
| Halifax | Town | Plymouth | 7,749 |
| Hamilton | Town | Essex | 7,561 |
| Hampden | Town | Hampden | 4,966 |
| Hancock | Town | Berkshire | 757 |
| Hanover | Town | Plymouth | 14,833 |
| Hanson | Town | Plymouth | 10,639 |
| Hardwick | Town | Worcester | 2,667 |
| Harvard | Town | Worcester | 6,851 |
| Harwich | Town | Barnstable | 13,440 |
| Hatfield | Town | Hampshire | 3,352 |
| Haverhill | City | Essex | 67,787 |
| Hawley | Town | Franklin | 353 |
| Heath | Town | Franklin | 723 |
| Hingham | Town | Plymouth | 24,284 |
| Hinsdale | Town | Berkshire | 1,919 |
| Holbrook | Town | Norfolk | 11,405 |
| Holden | Town | Worcester | 19,905 |
| Holland | Town | Hampden | 2,603 |
| Holliston | Town | Middlesex | 14,996 |
| Holyoke | City | Hampden | 38,238 |
| Hopedale | Town | Worcester | 6,017 |
| Hopkinton | Town | Middlesex | 18,758 |
| Hubbardston | Town | Worcester | 4,328 |
| Hudson | Town | Middlesex | 20,092 |
| Hull | Town | Plymouth | 10,072 |
| Huntington | Town | Hampshire | 2,094 |
| Ipswich | Town | Essex | 13,785 |
| Kingston | Town | Plymouth | 13,708 |
| Lakeville | Town | Plymouth | 11,523 |
| Lancaster | Town | Worcester | 8,441 |
| Lanesborough | Town | Berkshire | 3,038 |
| Lawrence | City | Essex (seat) | 89,143 |
| Lee | Town | Berkshire | 5,788 |
| Leicester | Town | Worcester | 11,087 |
| Lenox | Town | Berkshire | 5,095 |
| Leominster | City | Worcester | 43,782 |
| Leverett | Town | Franklin | 1,865 |
| Lexington | Town | Middlesex | 34,454 |
| Leyden | Town | Franklin | 734 |
| Lincoln | Town | Middlesex | 7,014 |
| Littleton | Town | Middlesex | 10,141 |
| Longmeadow | Town | Hampden | 15,853 |
| Lowell | City | Middlesex (seat) | 115,554 |
| Ludlow | Town | Hampden | 21,002 |
| Lunenburg | Town | Worcester | 11,782 |
| Lynn | City | Essex | 101,253 |
| Lynnfield | Town | Essex | 13,000 |
| Malden | City | Middlesex | 66,263 |
| Manchester-by-the-Sea | Town | Essex | 5,395 |
| Mansfield | Town | Bristol | 23,860 |
| Marblehead | Town | Essex | 20,441 |
| Marion | Town | Plymouth | 5,347 |
| Marlborough | City | Middlesex | 41,793 |
| Marshfield | Town | Plymouth | 25,825 |
| Mashpee | Town | Barnstable | 15,060 |
| Mattapoisett | Town | Plymouth | 6,508 |
| Maynard | Town | Middlesex | 10,746 |
| Medfield | Town | Norfolk | 12,799 |
| Medford | City | Middlesex | 59,659 |
| Medway | Town | Norfolk | 13,115 |
| Melrose | City | Middlesex | 29,817 |
| Mendon | Town | Worcester | 6,228 |
| Merrimac | Town | Essex | 6,723 |
| Methuen | City [a] | Essex | 53,039 |
| Middleborough | Town | Plymouth | 24,245 |
| Middlefield | Town | Hampshire | 385 |
| Middleton | Town | Essex | 9,779 |
| Milford | Town | Worcester | 30,379 |
| Millbury | Town | Worcester | 13,831 |
| Millis | Town | Norfolk | 8,460 |
| Millville | Town | Worcester | 3,174 |
| Milton | Town | Norfolk | 28,630 |
| Monroe | Town | Franklin | 118 |
| Monson | Town | Hampden | 8,150 |
| Montague | Town | Franklin | 8,580 |
| Monterey | Town | Berkshire | 1,095 |
| Montgomery | Town | Hampden | 819 |
| Mount Washington | Town | Berkshire | 160 |
| Nahant | Town | Essex | 3,334 |
| Nantucket | Town | Nantucket (seat) | 14,255 |
| Natick | Town | Middlesex | 37,006 |
| Needham | Town | Norfolk | 32,091 |
| New Ashford | Town | Berkshire | 250 |
| New Bedford | City | Bristol | 101,079 |
| New Braintree | Town | Worcester | 996 |
| New Marlborough | Town | Berkshire | 1,528 |
| New Salem | Town | Franklin | 983 |
| Newbury | Town | Essex | 6,716 |
| Newburyport | City | Essex | 18,289 |
| Newton | City | Middlesex | 88,923 |
| Norfolk | Town | Norfolk | 11,662 |
| North Adams | City | Berkshire | 12,961 |
| North Andover | Town | Essex | 30,915 |
| North Attleborough | City [a] | Bristol | 30,834 |
| North Brookfield | Town | Worcester | 4,735 |
| North Reading | Town | Middlesex | 15,554 |
| Northampton | City | Hampshire (seat) | 29,571 |
| Northborough | Town | Worcester | 15,741 |
| Northbridge | Town | Worcester | 16,335 |
| Northfield | Town | Franklin | 2,866 |
| Norton | Town | Bristol | 19,202 |
| Norwell | Town | Plymouth | 11,351 |
| Norwood | Town | Norfolk | 31,611 |
| Oak Bluffs | Town | Dukes | 5,341 |
| Oakham | Town | Worcester | 1,851 |
| Orange | Town | Franklin | 7,569 |
| Orleans | Town | Barnstable | 6,307 |
| Otis | Town | Berkshire | 1,634 |
| Oxford | Town | Worcester | 13,347 |
| Palmer | City [a] | Hampden | 12,448 |
| Paxton | Town | Worcester | 5,004 |
| Peabody | City | Essex | 54,481 |
| Pelham | Town | Hampshire | 1,280 |
| Pembroke | Town | Plymouth | 18,361 |
| Pepperell | Town | Middlesex | 11,604 |
| Peru | Town | Berkshire | 814 |
| Petersham | Town | Worcester | 1,194 |
| Phillipston | Town | Worcester | 1,726 |
| Pittsfield | City | Berkshire (seat) | 43,927 |
| Plainfield | Town | Hampshire | 633 |
| Plainville | Town | Norfolk | 9,945 |
| Plymouth | Town | Plymouth (seat) | 61,217 |
| Plympton | Town | Plymouth | 2,930 |
| Princeton | Town | Worcester | 3,495 |
| Provincetown | Town | Barnstable | 3,664 |
| Quincy | City | Norfolk | 101,636 |
| Randolph | City [a] | Norfolk | 34,984 |
| Raynham | Town | Bristol | 15,142 |
| Reading | Town | Middlesex | 25,518 |
| Rehoboth | Town | Bristol | 12,502 |
| Revere | City | Suffolk | 62,186 |
| Richmond | Town | Berkshire | 1,407 |
| Rochester | Town | Plymouth | 5,717 |
| Rockland | Town | Plymouth | 17,803 |
| Rockport | Town | Essex | 6,992 |
| Rowe | Town | Franklin | 424 |
| Rowley | Town | Essex | 6,161 |
| Royalston | Town | Worcester | 1,250 |
| Russell | Town | Hampden | 1,643 |
| Rutland | Town | Worcester | 9,049 |
| Salem | City | Essex (seat) | 44,480 |
| Salisbury | Town | Essex | 9,236 |
| Sandisfield | Town | Berkshire | 989 |
| Sandwich | Town | Barnstable | 20,259 |
| Saugus | Town | Essex | 28,619 |
| Savoy | Town | Berkshire | 645 |
| Scituate | Town | Plymouth | 19,063 |
| Seekonk | Town | Bristol | 15,531 |
| Sharon | Town | Norfolk | 18,575 |
| Sheffield | Town | Berkshire | 3,327 |
| Shelburne | Town | Franklin | 1,884 |
| Sherborn | Town | Middlesex | 4,401 |
| Shirley | Town | Middlesex | 7,431 |
| Shrewsbury | Town | Worcester | 38,325 |
| Shutesbury | Town | Franklin | 1,717 |
| Somerset | Town | Bristol | 18,303 |
| Somerville | City | Middlesex | 81,045 |
| South Hadley | Town | Hampshire | 18,150 |
| Southampton | Town | Hampshire | 6,224 |
| Southborough | Town | Worcester | 10,450 |
| Southbridge | City [a] | Worcester | 17,740 |
| Southwick | Town | Hampden | 9,232 |
| Spencer | Town | Worcester | 11,992 |
| Springfield | City | Hampden (seat) | 155,929 |
| Sterling | Town | Worcester | 7,985 |
| Stockbridge | Town | Berkshire | 2,018 |
| Stoneham | Town | Middlesex | 23,244 |
| Stoughton | Town | Norfolk | 29,281 |
| Stow | Town | Middlesex | 7,174 |
| Sturbridge | Town | Worcester | 9,867 |
| Sudbury | Town | Middlesex | 18,934 |
| Sunderland | Town | Franklin | 3,663 |
| Sutton | Town | Worcester | 9,357 |
| Swampscott | Town | Essex | 15,111 |
| Swansea | Town | Bristol | 17,144 |
| Taunton | City | Bristol (seat) | 59,408 |
| Templeton | Town | Worcester | 8,149 |
| Tewksbury | Town | Middlesex | 31,342 |
| Tisbury | Town | Dukes | 4,815 |
| Tolland | Town | Hampden | 471 |
| Topsfield | Town | Essex | 6,569 |
| Townsend | Town | Middlesex | 9,127 |
| Truro | Town | Barnstable | 2,454 |
| Tyngsborough | Town | Middlesex | 12,380 |
| Tyringham | Town | Berkshire | 427 |
| Upton | Town | Worcester | 8,000 |
| Uxbridge | Town | Worcester | 14,162 |
| Wakefield | Town | Middlesex | 27,090 |
| Wales | Town | Hampden | 1,832 |
| Walpole | Town | Norfolk | 26,383 |
| Waltham | City | Middlesex | 65,218 |
| Ware | Town | Hampshire | 10,066 |
| Wareham | Town | Plymouth | 23,303 |
| Warren | Town | Worcester | 4,975 |
| Warwick | Town | Franklin | 780 |
| Washington | Town | Berkshire | 494 |
| Watertown | City [8] | Middlesex | 35,329 |
| Wayland | Town | Middlesex | 13,943 |
| Webster | Town | Worcester | 17,776 |
| Wellesley | Town | Norfolk | 29,550 |
| Wellfleet | Town | Barnstable | 3,566 |
| Wendell | Town | Franklin | 924 |
| Wenham | Town | Essex | 4,979 |
| West Boylston | Town | Worcester | 7,877 |
| West Bridgewater | Town | Plymouth | 7,707 |
| West Brookfield | Town | Worcester | 3,833 |
| West Newbury | Town | Essex | 4,500 |
| West Springfield | City [a] | Hampden | 28,835 |
| West Stockbridge | Town | Berkshire | 1,343 |
| West Tisbury | Town | Dukes | 3,555 |
| Westborough | Town | Worcester | 21,567 |
| Westfield | City | Hampden | 40,834 |
| Westford | Town | Middlesex | 24,643 |
| Westhampton | Town | Hampshire | 1,622 |
| Westminster | Town | Worcester | 8,213 |
| Weston | Town | Middlesex | 11,851 |
| Westport | Town | Bristol | 16,339 |
| Westwood | Town | Norfolk | 16,266 |
| Weymouth | City [a] | Norfolk | 57,437 |
| Whately | Town | Franklin | 1,607 |
| Whitman | Town | Plymouth | 15,121 |
| Wilbraham | Town | Hampden | 14,613 |
| Williamsburg | Town | Hampshire | 2,504 |
| Williamstown | Town | Berkshire | 7,513 |
| Wilmington | Town | Middlesex | 23,349 |
| Winchendon | Town | Worcester | 10,364 |
| Winchester | Town | Middlesex | 22,970 |
| Windsor | Town | Berkshire | 831 |
| Winthrop | City [a] | Suffolk | 19,316 |
| Woburn | City | Middlesex | 40,876 |
| Worcester | City | Worcester (seat) | 206,518 |
| Worthington | Town | Hampshire | 1,193 |
| Wrentham | Town | Norfolk | 12,178 |
| Yarmouth | Town | Barnstable | 25,023 |
Source and more Table details on List of municipalities in Massachusetts
Cities in Massachusetts Map
To help you navigate through the cities and towns of Massachusetts, we’ve included an interactive map that highlights their locations across the state. This map will assist you in planning your travels, discovering new destinations, or simply exploring the various communities within Massachusetts.
Whether you’re interested in history, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or a vibrant city lifestyle, Massachusetts has something to offer for everyone. So, dive into our list of cities and towns to uncover the unique characteristics and hidden gems that make Massachusetts a truly captivating place to live or visit.
Cities in Massachusetts Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major cities in Massachusetts?
The major cities in Massachusetts include:
- Boston: As the capital and largest city of Massachusetts, Boston is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, prestigious universities, and world-class cultural institutions. It offers a bustling downtown, historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay, and iconic landmarks such as Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail.
- Worcester: Located in central Massachusetts, Worcester is the second-largest city in the state. It is known for its thriving healthcare and biotechnology industries, as well as its vibrant arts and cultural scene. Worcester is also home to several esteemed colleges and universities.
- Springfield: Situated in western Massachusetts, Springfield is the third-largest city in the state. It is renowned for its history as the birthplace of basketball and as the hometown of famous author Dr. Seuss. The city boasts a variety of museums, parks, and attractions, including the Springfield Museums and Forest Park.
- Cambridge: Although technically not a city, Cambridge is a prominent municipality in Massachusetts. It is home to two renowned universities, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Cambridge is known for its intellectual and innovative atmosphere, with a vibrant arts scene and a diverse community.
- Lowell: Located in northeastern Massachusetts, Lowell was once a prominent center of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is recognized for its historic mills and canals, as well as its vibrant arts community. Lowell National Historical Park showcases the city’s industrial heritage.
These cities offer a range of amenities, cultural attractions, and economic opportunities, making them significant hubs within the state of Massachusetts.
What is the biggest city in Massachusetts?
The biggest city in Massachusetts is Boston. As the capital and largest city of the state, Boston is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 700,000 residents. It serves as a major economic, cultural, and educational center, attracting millions of visitors each year. Boston is known for its rich history, world-class universities, vibrant arts scene, and diverse neighborhoods. It is home to iconic landmarks such as Fenway Park, the Freedom Trail, and the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Boston’s size and significance make it a vibrant and influential city in the state of Massachusetts.
How many cities are there in Massachusetts?
There are 351 cities and towns in the state of Massachusetts. These include a mix of urban cities, suburban towns, and rural communities. Each city and town has its own unique character, attractions, and amenities, offering residents and visitors a wide range of experiences. From the bustling streets of Boston to the charming coastal towns of Cape Cod, Massachusetts showcases a diverse array of communities, each with its own history, culture, and charm. Whether you prefer a vibrant city atmosphere or a peaceful small-town setting, Massachusetts has a city or town to suit different preferences and lifestyles.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live?
Massachusetts is often regarded as a great place to live. The state offers a high quality of life with excellent educational opportunities, a strong economy, and a rich cultural scene. Massachusetts is home to renowned universities and colleges, such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), making it a hub for academic and research institutions. The state’s strong job market, particularly in sectors like healthcare, technology, and finance, provides residents with ample career opportunities.
In addition, Massachusetts boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural heritage. The state is known for its picturesque coastal towns, charming rural landscapes, and bustling cities like Boston. Residents can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, from exploring historical sites to hiking in beautiful state parks or relaxing on the beaches of Cape Cod. Massachusetts also has excellent healthcare facilities, and the state consistently ranks highly in terms of healthcare access and quality.
However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in Massachusetts can be relatively high, particularly in cities like Boston and its surrounding areas. Housing, transportation, and certain goods and services may be more expensive compared to other parts of the country. It’s essential to consider individual financial circumstances and preferences when evaluating whether Massachusetts is a suitable place to live.
Ultimately, the decision of whether Massachusetts is a good place to live depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and career goals. Many people find the state’s rich history, cultural offerings, educational opportunities, and strong job market appealing, while others may prioritize factors such as cost of living or climate.
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