So, You Want to Live in Burlington, Massachusetts?
Just 15 miles northwest of Boston, this tech-forward suburb blends historical charm with a bustling modern core.
Photo by Alex Tran. Listed by Joanna Schlansky, Elite Realty Experts.
1. Pick Your Price Point
The median home price in Burlington is around $830,000, and homes typically sell in three weeks, often after receiving multiple offers. Buyers seeking smaller spaces can find condos in the $400,000 range—some with amenities such as pools and tennis courts—while newer single-family homes are commanding upward of $2.5 million.
2. Plot Your Commute
Though Burlington lacks a commuter-rail stop, the 354 bus runs from various stops along Cambridge Street to downtown Boston in about an hour. The 350 bus connects to Alewife for Red Line access. Driving to Boston takes about 25 minutes without traffic, but rush hour can double that time. A major employment hub for the tech, pharma, and banking industries, Burlington also draws daily commuters from elsewhere.
Courtesy of Osteria Nino
Photo by Jonathan Sachs
3. Take in the Vibe
Burlington is a shopper’s dream: The Burlington Mall, the Wayside complex, and 3rd Ave are all close together, offering everything from national retailers to local boutiques. (Fun fact: Paul Blart: Mall Cop was filmed at the Burlington Mall.) After some retail therapy, grab a steak at the Bancroft or handmade pasta at Osteria Nino. The town also boasts plenty of green space, including Mary Cummings Park and the Landlocked Forest.
Photo by Jonathan Sachs
4. Check out the Culture
Since 1855, the Center School has been a pillar of community life, serving as a school, library, and police station before becoming the Burlington Historical Museum. For a more whimsical outing, the Burlington Sculpture Park displays a dozen quirky outdoor pieces around the Burlington Common—think dragons, life-size cherries, and more—all crafted by local artists.
5. Scope out the Schools
Burlington’s public school system includes four elementary schools, a middle school, and Burlington High, ranked 66 on Boston magazine’s 2025 Top Public High Schools list. Private options include Fusion Academy, offering personalized one-on-one instruction for grades 6–12, and Mount Hope Christian School, serving preschool through fifth grade.
This article was first published in the print edition of the December 2025/January 2026 issue with the headline: “So you Want to Live in…Burlington.”
