Yes, Lynn, MA can be a good place to live, especially for those seeking affordability near Boston. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living with waterfront access, cultural diversity, and strong community amenities such as.
Pros of living in Lynn MA:
- Close to Boston with commuter rail access - Newburyport/Rockport Line operated by MBTA + 12 bus routes.
- More affordable housing than nearby cities - Nearby 20% more affordable than Boston, according to their Cost of Living Indexes.
- Scenic beaches, parks, and ocean views - 3.3 miles from Nahant Beach.
- Vibrant arts, dining, and cultural scene - Home to the Lydia Pinkham Building, which hosts more than 100 studios from varying artists.
- Diverse and family-friendly community - Young median age and diverse racial and ethnic makeup.
Cons:
- The cost of living is still higher than the U.S. average
- Safety varies by neighborhood
Overall, Lynn is a popular choice for those who want a coastal city lifestyle near Boston without the high price tag of Beantown. We explore all the things suburban living in this area offers, and we’re confident you will be eager to make Lynn your new home in the near future.
Before we get into all the reasons you should move to Lynn, let’s dive into the history of Lynn, MA! It was settled in 1635 and was incorporated as a city in 1850. While it was initially called Saugus, the community finally decided on Lynn, after the English town, King’s Lynn. In the early 19th and 20th centuries, it became a hub of shoe production, later earning a reputation as the “Shoe Capital of the World.”
What Is Lynn MA Known for?
Lynn, Massachusetts, is known as the "City of Firsts," famous for building the first U.S. jet airplane engine in 1942. The city is also recognized for its historic and culturally diverse community, vibrant downtown, and scenic public parks like Lynn Woods Reservation and Lynn Shore Reservation. Notable landmarks include High Rock Tower, Lynn Heritage State Park, and Lynn Auditorium, while the city’s rich industrial past and strong immigrant presence contribute to its unique character north of Boston.
Where Is Lynn Massachusetts?
Located in Essex County, within Greater Boston's urban inner core, Lynn offers proximity to larger cities and the small-town charm of a quaint suburb.
How Far Is Lynn MA From Boston MA? - Overview of Public Transit
It’s 13.2 miles from Lynn MA from Boston MA, and will take about 22 minutes by car via MA-107, which is ultra convenient for people living in Lynn MA. Cambridge is also just 11.7 miles away. The city’s wide range of public transportation options makes commuting to The Cradle of Liberty easy. For example, MBTA Commuter Rail, MBTA Bus, and the Lynn Ferry are all great options.
What Is the Population of Lynn MA?
The Lynn population is 101,250, spanning 10.7 square miles, resulting in a population density of 9,428.3 people per square mile. The median age is 38.7, and 25% of the population is under the age of 19, reflecting that most Lynn households are families.
The city has a median household income of $73,723, but it’s also more affordable (which we discuss below). The mean travel time to work is 33.9 minutes, suggesting that most Lynn residents likely commute to Boston’s large economy. Of the 38,898 housing units, 52% are owned, whereas 48% are rented, reflecting Lynn’s competitive housing market. The median home value is $524,800.
Lynn is also racially and ethnically diverse:
- White: 44.57%
- Other race: 21.84%
- Two or more races: 14.73%
- Black or African American: 12.10%
- Asian: 6.00%
- Native American: 0.64%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.11%
Most notably, its foreign-born population is 39.3%.
Additional demographics of people living in Lynn MA:
- Educational attainment:
- 81.3% are high school graduates
- 25.3% have bachelor's degrees or higher
- Veteran population 3.2%
- 51% male to 49% females
- Person below poverty: 12.1%
- Number of households: 36,403 (59% married couples)
How neat would it be to live in a city as diverse as this one? While diversity is important, determining a city’s overall safety is also vital for relocating.
Is Lynn MA Safe?
According to the FBI, the crime rate in Lynn is 32.6% above the state average, but 20.6% below the national average. Considering Massachusetts is one of the safest states in the country and Essex County is known for boasting low crime activity, these figures are still good!
- Lynn crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,846
- Massachusetts crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,392
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
- Violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 655
- Massachusetts' violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 322
- US violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
- Property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,190
- Massachusetts property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,070
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
Although Lynn struggles with high rates of certain crimes, the city and police department work in tandem to decrease crime and inequality in the city limits. For more information on their ongoing crime prevention initiatives or neighborhood watch programs, look to the Lynn Police Department.
What Is the Cost of Living in Lynn MA?
Is Lynn, MA, a wealthy town? Lynn, Massachusetts, has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 131, which is 31% higher than the national average. Considering Massachusetts has the second-highest living costs in the country, with a COLI of 145.9, Lynn is a comparatively more affordable option if residing in The Bay State is a must.
One of the main concerns when relocating is the cost of living. You want to ensure your chosen destination has a cost of living similar to your current one, or that your new salary will make up for the inflated living costs. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four needs an income of $136,942 a year to live comfortably in Essex County. If you have children, you can expect to pay around $30,381 in childcare for two kids, and budget for a total tax bill of around $22,405.
Understanding your daily expenditures is a way to get a step ahead of your budget. When living in Lynn MA, here’s what you can expect to spend on groceries, gym memberships, utilities, etc.
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.80
- Loaf of white bread: $2.78
- Dozen eggs: $4.90
- Pound of white rice: $2.78
- Pound of chicken fillets: $6.15
- Gallon of gas: $3.46
- Fitness club (monthly): $85.07
- Utilities: $199.40
Sources: Numbeo. Note that the above statistics are for Boston, which has a COLI of 146, meaning prices in Lynn may be slightly lower. Before knowing if living in Lynn MA is for you, explore its real estate market and determine your budget.
Lynn MA Real Estate - What Are the Housing Costs?
The Lynn real estate is very competitive and slightly more expensive than the average American city. For example, the median home price here is $600,000, compared to the US median of $410,800. Houses for sale in Lynn MA, typically sell within 21 days, 65.5% going above their listing price. Homes closer to the coast tend to go for more, while more affordable housing options are found on the southwest and northeast ends.
With 48% of the population renting, you won’t be alone if you decide to lease after moving to Lynn. 57% of housing structures here are multi-unit, whereas 43% are single-family homes. This creates a generally competitive rental market. Apartments.com has over 800 homes and apartments for rent in Lynn MA, and RentCafe says the median rent for a 963-square-foot rental is only $2,410. Nearby Swampscott’s is $3,311 for a similar-sized property.
Lynn MA Neighborhoods
The city of Lynn, MA, has three main areas: Wyoma, West Lynn, and East Lynn. The eastern side is for people seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Homes in this region are often waterfront (or blocks away), and are priced in the $900,000-plus range. Residents are active, enjoy the region’s vibrant art scene, and appreciate the various dining and shopping centers.
The central east area is very renter-dense, with various prominent apartment complexes, such as The Landing at Vinnin Square and Breakwater North Harbor, offering luxurious oceanfront living without the high price tag purchasing entails.
West Lynn is for those seeking more affordable housing that’s further from the coastal elements that sometimes wreak havoc on properties. The west side is home to the beautiful Lynn Woods Reservation, and home prices are in the low $600,000s. If you love golfing, you will have plenty of options when residing on this side of town.
Wyoma of Lynn is home to Broadway Street and Chestnut, both lined with delicious dining options and fun activities, including Fraser Field and Lazy Dog Sports Bar.
Regardless of which side of town you choose, we think you’ll be very happy living in Lynn MA!
Lynn MA Weather
The weather in Lynn is pleasant most of the year, though a few months are very cold in winter. You will experience all four seasons here, thanks to its humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfa).
Even in the thick of summer (July through August), the daily average remains enjoyable, between 79-80 °F. However, winter days range from 34 to 42 °F, with some days reaching lows of 23 °F.
Lynn experiences roughly 43.8 inches of snow annually and 45 inches of rain. The best time to visit is Spring (March through May), so you can get a mix of cool and warm temperatures while enjoying the blooms of Hellebore, Witch Hazel, and Daffodils.
Things to Do in Lynn MA
Lynn is home to coffee shops, shopping malls, and natural attractions galore. Not to mention the activities with historical significance, ideal for history buffs or for people with young children looking for mentally stimulating activities.
Lynn Woods Reservation is one of the top outdoor activities in Lynn, with cross-country skiing, various hiking trails, and three large ponds. There is plenty of exploration to be done at this expansive park.
106 Pennybrook Rd, Lynn, MA 01905, (781) 477-7123
High Rock Tower
This 170-foot historic landmark offers panoramic views of the Boston skyline, Nahant, and Swampscott.
30 Circuit Ave, Lynn, MA 01902, (781) 586-6770
One of the most fun things to do in Lynn is visit the city’s history museums and arts center, which showcase a rich display of the region's past, including the Revolutionary War and the Prohibition Era. It has rotating exhibitions, ensuring there is always something new to see.
590 Washington St, Lynn, MA 01901, (781) 581-6200
Nearby Things to Do in Lynn MA
The city of Lynn MA boasts a dedicated parks and recreation department, which maintains its 2,200 acres of park space.
Lynn Restaurants
Lynn is home to countless delicious dining options; check out the top places to eat in Lynn below.
April’s is a long-standing Lynn restaurant with delicious menu items such as eggs Benedict and seafood mofongo. Customers like the speedy service and low prices.
41 Buffum St, Lynn, MA 01902, (781) 780-9986
Ciao is a casual Italian eatery with authentic favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parmigiano, but they’re most famous for their pizzas.
41 Sutton St, Lynn, MA 01901, (781) 682-2220
The Blue Ox is more upscale, offering handcrafted cocktails and decadent seafood dishes such as oysters and tuna tartare. If you prefer your protein from the land, their hanger steak and pork chops are well-reviewed.
191 Oxford St, Lynn, MA 01901, (781) 780-5722
Jobs in Lynn MA
Prospective residents should explore the city’s economy to ensure it can support their current lifestyle.
The economy of Lynn, MA is driven by healthcare, retail, and hospitality, with growing investment in waterfront redevelopment and downtown revitalization. The city supports economic growth through rezoning, faster permitting, and efforts to attract businesses in creative industries, restaurants, and tourism. These efforts are believed to increase tourism revenue and the median value of homes, while also promoting cultural development.
With a diverse workforce, over 100 acres of oceanfront land for mixed-use projects, and a strong immigrant community fueling entrepreneurship, Lynn is positioning itself as a vibrant economic hub north of Boston.
The streets are lined with small local businesses eager to pave their way in one of Massachusetts' fastest-growing cities. While the city does boast tons of incentives to support local business owners, there are great career options for those who seek the stability of being on payroll. If you’re moving to Lynn and want to apply to the city’s largest employers, here are your options:
What Is the Average Hourly Wage in Lynn MA?
What do people living in the Lynn area earn? According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate is $25.32, and the annual average wage is $52,657.
Educational Opportunities
Do you have children or plan to advance your education when living in Lynn MA? You will love the wide range of knowledge pathways. From public education to trade institutes to colleges, you will certainly find a way to advance your knowledge upon moving here.
Lynn Public Schools
There is a mix of schools in the Lynn Public Schools district; for example, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute and Classical High School are ranked among the best in the state. While the district has residency-based enrollment, out-of-district applications are allowed for certain specialized or vocational schools (like Lynn Tech/LVTI).
Lynn Tech provides a unique curriculum in culinary arts, cosmetology, health technology, and more. Whereas other schools within the district provide a more traditional approach to teaching, ensuring the needs of all residents are met.
The best way to determine which schools serve your potential new neighborhood is to check the district’s website or call the front office at (781) 593-1680.
Colleges
North Shore Community College (NSCC) and Salem State University are great options if you plan to work towards an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree when living in Lynn MA.
Additional Resources
The Lynn Public Library offers unique incentives to cardholders, including a museum pass program that provides free admission to numerous regional museums. There are more than 120,000 volumes to check out, including a robust children's department of 30,000.
Relocation Tips
If you’re moving to Lynn, do your research into the area's top real estate agents first. You should also take the necessary steps to change your address and update all your monthly subscriptions.
Lynn Statistics & Information
- Lynn MA county: Essex County
- Lynn MA area: 13.52 square miles
- Lynn MA zip code(s): 01901–01905
- Lynn MA area code(s): 339/781
- Lynn MA elevation: 30 feet
- Lynn MA time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Lynn MA: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is 10 miles from Lynn
Map of Lynn MA
Explore more to do with this Lynn Massachusetts map.
Moving to Lynn With Preferred Moving
As you can see, living in Lynn MA is great for business professionals, college students, and growing families alike. If you think residing here is for you, call Preferred Movers, the best Lynn movers at (351) 888-3987 for a free estimate.
