The bustling city of Framingham is a fantastic place to call home, offering a strong sense of community and a variety of recreational and cultural activities.

Framingham is rated as #24 most diverse place to live in Massachusetts and #40 best suburb for young professionals by Niche.com. For decades, Framingham had the honor of being the “largest town in America”. About 5 years ago, the residents of the town voted to become a city, getting rid of  the Town Meeting and Board of Selectmen and replacing them with a mayor and a city council.

Manufacturing has been a foundation to the Framingham economy; General Motors opened an automobile production center in 1945, and companies such as Bose and Avery-Dennison continue to play a large role in the economy. Framingham is now a retail center for the region.

Population and Location

Framingham is a small city, with a population of approximately 72,000 residents. The city is surrounded by towns such as Ashland, Natick, Sudbury, and Marlborough.

Framingham is just about 35-50 minutes (20 Miles) drive from both the city of Boston (via Rt 9, which separates the two sides of the city), and from the second largest city in Ma, Worcester (27 miles). 

Framingham is well-connected to the surrounding area via major highways, including Route 9, the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), and Route 30. This makes it easy for residents to travel to nearby towns and cities, or to commute to work in Boston or Worcester. The city is served by the MBTA commuter rail, with stops at Framingham Station and West Natick. There are also several bus routes that serve the area. 

Jobs

Framingham is a hub for several large companies, including Bose Corporation, TJX Companies, and Staples HQ, providing numerous job opportunities for residents in the tech, retail, and life sciences industries. Framingham is also home to several top-rated hospitals, including MetroWest Medical Center.

Education

The Framingham Public School system provides a strong educational foundation for students, with top-ranked schools such as Framingham High School, which was ranked as #107 out of 378 in the state by US News High School rankings. Framingham State University is 93rd in Regional Universities North.

Entertainment

Framingham offers a variety of entertainment options for its residents, with some favorites including the AMC Dine-In, Launch Entertainment Park Framingham, and Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company. Launch Entertainment Park is a state-of-the-art park designed for fun for all ages, featuring trampolines, obstacle courses, and laser tag. For a more “adult” experience be sure to check out Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company, a brewery and taproom in the town, offering a comfortable atmosphere with live entertainment and delicious brews. The AMC Dine-In is a unique combination of a restaurant and a movie theater.

Health and Fitness

Framingham received an A- grade in health & fitness and A+ for outdoor activities from  Niche.com. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor exercise, Framingham has you covered with its numerous health and wellness options, including fitness centers like Gold's Gym, Club Metro USA, and Equinox. Framingham also has a Central Rock Gym for rock climbing and fitness classes.

Framingham Parks and Recreation

The city of Framingham has several beautiful parks and lakes to enjoy. Callahan State Park and Saxonville Beach are popular destinations for residents who love scenic views and outdoor recreation. Lake Cochituate provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Framingham Community Events

Framingham is known for its strong sense of community and regularly hosts events throughout the year to bring residents together. The Framingham Farmers Market and the Framingham Summer Concert Series are just a few examples of the exciting events that take place in the town. These events provide an opportunity for residents to connect with their neighbors, enjoy local food, music, and other festivities

Framingham Housing Market

The housing market in Framingham is competitive, with a Single Family Median price of $645,000 ($359.46 per sq ft). The home prices have gone up by 18.35% year over year

2022 - $545,000 (333.15 per sq ft). Although it is a more affordable option compared to some other towns in the Boston area, the demand for housing in Framingham remains high due to its strong economy, thriving food scene, and numerous parks and recreational opportunities.

So, to recap, here are the pros

Pros

1. a vibrant, diverse, and family-friendly town that provides a high quality of life. 
2. Above average public schools 
3. There is always something going on in the town to keep residents of all ages entertained. 
4. It is a great town for commuters with its close proximity and transportation to Boston and Worcester, providing plenty of employment opportunities.
5. Many amazing parks and paths for outdoor experiences
6. Huge Shoppers World and Natick Mall, many supermarkets and grocery stores for ease of shopping. And, I have to say, not every Boston suburb enjoys shopping like this. 
7. Multiple local businesses
8. Many Italian, Chinese, Thai, Brazilian restaurants 
9. Farmers markets on the town center, a seasonal flower shop "Rivers Edge," and fabulous food at the quaint "Lloyd's Diner”
10. Downtown area is going through major improvements
11. It has an emerging arts community and a great energy.
12. has two wonderful libraries that offer activities for children, and a YMCA with summer camps.

Cons

1. Framingham is more congested and crowded compared to other suburbs in the area, traffic can be a challenge for some. 
2. Not much of a nightlife.
3. The High school is overcrowded. 

Framingham is a growing city, offering a lot to its residents!

If you are considering buying or selling in Framingham, reach out to Noune Karapetian, who has a really good understanding of the area. Watch the video about  Framingham