Framingham is a city of about 73,000 people in MetroWest, roughly 20 miles west of Boston, and it is one of the most practical places to land if you want more space without losing access to the city. Homes cost far less than in Boston’s inner suburbs, with a median home value of about $627,300 and median rent of about $2,033 a month. The city has a commuter rail station downtown, quick access to the Mass Pike and Route 9, and a large base of local employers. To move smoothly, choose a neighborhood that fits your commute, book early for summer, and plan a morning start so the truck stays ahead of westbound Mass Pike traffic.
Stark Moving and Storage is based in the Boston area and moves households to Framingham, Natick, and the rest of MetroWest every season. We handle local and long-distance moves, packing, storage, and piano and fine art moving. This guide covers what it costs to live in Framingham, the best neighborhoods, schools, safety, and how to plan your move.
Framingham by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Framingham QuickFacts:
| Measure | Framingham |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 73,021 |
| Median household income | About $107,419 |
| Median home value | About $627,300 |
| Median rent | About $2,033 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 55 percent |
| Average commute | About 30 minutes |
Why People Move to Framingham
More Home for the Money
Framingham’s home prices sit well below Newton, Wellesley, and Brookline. Many buyers get a yard and a garage here for what a condo costs closer to Boston. If you are weighing the closer-in option, our guide to moving to Newton covers it.
Jobs Close to Home
Framingham is home to large employers, including the headquarters of TJX, along with offices and retail along Route 9. Many residents work in MetroWest and skip the Boston commute entirely.
Getting to Boston
The Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line stops downtown and runs to South Station. By car, the Mass Pike reaches Boston in about 30 minutes without traffic.
Parks and Water
Callahan State Park, Lake Cochituate, and the Sudbury River give the city trails, boating, and green space.
Best Neighborhoods in Framingham
| Neighborhood | What it is like | Move notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Apartments, restaurants, commuter rail | Building rules and street parking |
| Framingham Centre | Historic homes near the town common | Older homes with narrow stairs |
| Saxonville | Village feel on the north side | Single-family homes and driveways |
| Nobscot | Quiet, wooded, residential | Larger lots and longer driveways |
| South Framingham | Close to downtown, more affordable | Multi-family homes |
Cost of Living in Framingham
The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Middlesex County, which includes Framingham:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $28,402 |
| Food, one adult | $5,118 |
| Transportation, one adult | $8,013 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $70,707 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $176,193 |
Middlesex County includes Cambridge and Newton, so Framingham’s housing costs usually run below these county averages.
Weather in Framingham
| Measure | Framingham | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 83 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 15 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 48 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 49 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 198 | 205 |
These BestPlaces averages show colder winter nights than Boston. Plan for snow on driveways from December through March.
Schools in Framingham
Framingham Public Schools serves about 9,100 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 12 to 1. Niche gives the district an overall grade of B. Framingham High School is the city’s public high school, and Framingham State University is in town.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Framingham | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 3.3 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 10.7 | About 18 |
Both rates are below the national median. As in any city, conditions vary by street, so visit at different times of day before you commit.
Planning Your Move to Framingham
A move from Boston is about 20 miles, so it is usually a local move billed by the hour plus travel time. Our guide to Boston moving costs shows typical ranges by home size.
- Start early to beat Mass Pike and Route 9 traffic
- Reserve the elevator if you are moving into a downtown building
- Book six to eight weeks ahead for June through August
Tip: Framingham homes often have basements and garages. Clear them before the estimate so your quote reflects what is actually moving.
Our guide on booking movers ahead covers lead times. If you are also comparing cities further west, our guide to moving to Worcester covers the next big stop on the Pike.
Pros and Cons of Living in Framingham
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower home prices than inner suburbs | Route 9 traffic and congestion |
| Commuter rail to South Station | Long rail ride for daily commuters |
| Major local employers | Colder winter nights than Boston |
| Parks, lakes, and trails | Schools rated below top suburbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Framingham, MA a good place to live?
For many people, yes. It offers lower home prices than closer suburbs, local jobs, and rail access to Boston.
How far is Framingham from Boston?
About 20 miles west. The drive takes about 30 minutes without traffic.
Is Framingham safe?
Violent and property crime rates are both below the national median, according to NeighborhoodScout.
How much is rent in Framingham?
The median gross rent is about $2,033 a month, according to the Census Bureau.
Can I commute from Framingham to Boston by train?
Yes. The commuter rail runs from downtown Framingham to South Station.
What are the best neighborhoods in Framingham?
Saxonville and Nobscot suit families who want quiet streets, while downtown suits renters who want rail access.
Moving to Framingham
Many Boston residents move to Framingham for more space and a calmer pace, and our guide to moving out of Boston shows how it compares with other options.
Stark Moving and Storage handles local and long distance moves, packing and unpacking, storage, crating, and piano and fine art moving across greater Boston, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Washington DC. Our Framingham moving company is BBB accredited and work on honesty, transparency, and efficiency. Call (866) 656-6028 for an estimate on your move to Framingham.