Living in Lynn, MA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Lynn, MA? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Lynn, MA

Located just 13 miles outside downtown Boston, it’s no wonder that so many people are moving to Lynn. Frederick Law Olmsted, the famous designer behind New York’s Central Park and Boston’s Emerald Necklace, was also the mastermind behind the creation of the Lynn Woods Reservation. This community gem is 2,200 acres and crisscrossed with 30 miles of trails for nature walks, cross-country skiing, running, mountain biking and more. There’s also an underground tunnel with pirate lore and a few reservoirs that look like ponds, which help set the scene in the outdoor space, the second-largest municipal park in the entire country! 

Amenities like the Lynn Woods Reservation, as well as beaches and landmarks, combine to make Lynn a great place to live for the 101,000 people who call the city home. And, as a suburb of Boston, the city also has a spectacular arts and culture scene and an energetic and inclusive cultural hub. Colorful murals turn the downtown into an open-air art gallery, and there are co-working and gallery spaces in the cultural district. The city also celebrates its diversity with gatherings like the Khmer Cambodian New Year.

Lynn is a coastal city nestled just 10 miles north of Boston, accessible via MA-1A and MA-129. The nearest airport, Boston Logan International Airport, is a mere 10 miles south, making it easy to connect to any destination. Nearby major cities include:

• Boston sits just 10 miles south, boasting the Freedom Trail, Boston Common and the Museum of Fine Arts.
• Salem is a mere 5 miles north, where you can delve into the history of the witch trials and enjoy the spooky charm.
• Cambridge is roughly 14 miles southwest, home to Harvard University and MIT.

Winters are cold and quintessentially Northeastern; however, summer is a pleasant time to explore the beaches and the Atlantic coastline. The average highs and lows are 80°F and 60°F (summer) and 37°F and 21°F (winter).

Health care and social assistance, manufacturing and retail trade are essential to Lynn’s economy. Historically, manufacturing has been the most prominent of these industries, dating back to shoe production in the 1600s. Today, some of the largest employers in the city include General Electric (GE) Aviation, North Shore Medical Center and Lynn Public Schools. The city’s proximity to Boston and access to a regional workforce contribute to the area’s economic stability. 

The cost of living in Lynn is higher than the national average. The median home value in Lynn is $473,051, and the average household income is $95,272. 

Massachusetts residents pay a state income tax, and local residents can expect a 6.25% sales tax rate in 2025.

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Lynn is known as the “City of Firsts” for its many pioneering achievements. The city was settled by Europeans in 1629, making it the fifth-oldest colonial settlement in the Commonwealth. In fact, the boots worn by the Continental Army under George Washington during the Revolutionary War were made here. The city was established to support the growing colonies and was the home base of the beginning of the American iron and steel industry.

Other Lynn legacy achievements include constructing the first fire engine, the operation of the first electric streetcar in Massachusetts and the first American jet engine. 

But it isn’t all technological innovation here. The first baseball game played under artificial light was held in Lynn. Another homegrown invention? Fluff! The dessert spread was created during the 1920s in nearby Somerville; however, it’s still produced in a Lynn-based factory and used in many sweet recipes today.

The city has a rich tapestry of cultural experiences centered around its arts scene and community-focused events. The Lynn Museum & Historical Society is a historical exploration of the area, and the Lynn Auditorium has plenty of performances. Art enthusiasts can explore the Lynn Arts Cultural District, visit rotating exhibitions at GALA (Galleries at LynnArts) and witness the city’s transformation during the annual Beyond Walls Festival. The city celebrates its heritage through events like the Lynn Hip Hop Wall of Fame Festival and North Shore Latino Business Association events, while the Lynn Public Library hosts author talks and community discussions. Local theater productions and multicultural festivals at Lynn Commons enhance the city’s vibrant community spirit.

Lynn is home to plentiful outdoor activities — it’s a perfect blend of sandy beaches and urban charm, offering a quick escape from the big city with its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene. The expansive Lynn Woods Reservation is home to more than 2,200 acres of trails for hiking, biking and wildlife observation. At the same time, the Lynn Shore Reservation and Red Rock Park provide scenic coastal views and waterfront relaxation. History enthusiasts can explore Dungeon Rock within Lynn Woods or visit High Rock Tower Park for panoramic city views. Residents can also enjoy beach activities at Nahant Beach Reservation, learn about the city’s maritime history at Lynn Heritage State Park, catch a baseball game at Fraser Field or relax in the central Lynn Commons. There are also bike paths that offer a scenic route for cycling along the waterfront, ensuring that residents can enjoy the city’s natural landscapes and historical landmarks.

You won’t leave this city hungry. The city has a dynamic foodie scene that blends traditional New England flare and inventive dishes. The city’s strong immigrant influences shine through in its Latin American, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants. Seafood lovers can enjoy a fresh catch and classical coastal dishes, while casual diners and American eateries provide comfort food staples. Beyond the restaurant scene, the city has a growing craft food and drink scene highlighting local breweries, coffee shops and artisanal bakeries, creating community gathering spaces. Food trucks and pop-up events are also popular.

More than 15,000 students are enrolled in Lynn Public Schools, one of the largest districts in the state. Though performance varies from school to school, the district maintains a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. The city is also home to KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate. This charter school focuses on college readiness and character development. There are several private educational institutions, many with religious affiliations, in the area, too.