Commuter Rail Towns North of Boston: A Guide for Homebuyers
Want to move to the suburbs but not sit in traffic? Greater Boston has some of the worst commuter traffic around, so buying in one of the commuter rail towns north of Boston can make a huge difference in daily life.
Here is a guide to the MBTA Commuter Rail lines that run north from Boston’s North Station and the North Shore towns they serve. If you are also weighing schools and neighborhoods, see our guide to the best towns north of Boston for young families.
By Caroline & Jared Bramhall, Co-Founders of The Bramhall Team at Churchill Properties | Updated October 2026
Key Takeaways
- Three commuter rail lines serve most of the North Shore and nearby suburbs from North Station: Newburyport/Rockport, Haverhill, and Lowell.
- High-end coastal towns with stations include Manchester-by-the-Sea and Beverly Farms.
- Hamilton and Wenham share a station on the Newburyport branch.
- Melrose, Wakefield, Reading, and Andover are popular Haverhill Line towns.
Watch: Commuter Rail Towns Around Boston
Caroline maps out the commuter rail stations that extend from North Station and South Station.
Table of Contents
Newburyport/Rockport Line: Coastal Commuter Rail Towns
This line serves the coastal North Shore and splits in Beverly into two branches.
- Shared stops: Chelsea, Lynn, Swampscott, Salem, Beverly
- Rockport branch: Beverly Farms, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport
- Newburyport branch: Hamilton/Wenham, Ipswich, Rowley, Newburyport
Haverhill Line: Inland Train Towns
- Malden
- Melrose
- Wakefield
- Reading
- Andover
- Lawrence
- Haverhill
Want an Easy Commute Into Boston?
We will help you find a home near the right station for your schedule. Start with our free buyer’s guide.
Lowell Line Commuter Rail Towns
- Medford
- Winchester
- Woburn
- Wilmington
- Billerica
- Lowell
Best Commuter Rail Towns for High-End Buyers
Manchester-by-the-Sea and Beverly Farms
Coastal villages with estate homes, beaches, and stations within walking distance of town centers.
Hamilton and Wenham
Country living with large lots, horse farms, and a shared station on the Newburyport branch.
Melrose, Reading, and Winchester
Walkable downtowns, strong schools, and some of the shortest train rides to North Station.
Andover
A classic New England town with a strong school system and Haverhill Line service.
Tips for Buying Near a Commuter Rail Station
- Check current MBTA schedules and travel times for your station.
- Look at station parking availability and cost.
- Consider walking distance from your home to the station.
- Know how competitive your target town is. Our breakdown of how competitive the North Shore housing market is right now can help you plan your offer strategy.
- Remember that Lynnfield does not have its own station, but nearby Wakefield and Reading do.
The Bottom Line on Commuter Rail Towns North of Boston
Living near a commuter rail station can transform your daily routine. From Manchester-by-the-Sea and Beverly Farms on the coast to Melrose, Reading, and Andover inland, the North Shore offers great train towns at a range of price points. Check current MBTA schedules as you narrow your search, and search homes for sale near the station that fits your commute. Thinking about timing? Read our seasonal guide to buying in Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which North Shore towns have commuter rail stations?
North Shore towns with commuter rail include Swampscott, Salem, Beverly, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Rockport, Hamilton/Wenham, Ipswich, Rowley, Newburyport, Melrose, Wakefield, Reading, and Andover, among others.
Does Manchester-by-the-Sea have a train to Boston?
Yes. Manchester-by-the-Sea is on the Rockport branch of the Newburyport/Rockport Line with service to North Station.
Is there a commuter rail station in Wenham?
Hamilton and Wenham share the Hamilton/Wenham station on the Newburyport branch.
Does Lynnfield have commuter rail?
No. Lynnfield residents typically use nearby stations in Wakefield or Reading, or drive via Route 1, I-95, or Route 128.
Which commuter rail towns are closest to Boston?
Melrose, Malden, Medford, Winchester, Swampscott, and Wakefield offer some of the shortest train rides into North Station.
Find a Home Near the Train
The Bramhall Team helps buyers compare train towns across the North Shore.
Caroline & Jared Bramhall
Co-Founders of The Bramhall Team at Churchill Properties
(617) 398-0150