Only ten miles away from Bean Town Boston in Massachusetts is the quieter town of Lynn.
If you are seeking the suburban lifestyle, Lynn is peaceful and popular for housing.
Learn more about Lynn, MA to see if this is the right place for you to live whether you are head of your family or just starting a new life.
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Pros of Living in Lynn, MA
1. Close to Boston
Lynn is ten miles from Boston and close enough where you can work and play in both cities.
If you are looking for that big-city job and small-town living, Lynn and Boston play well together.
Work in the city and come home each evening or weekend to Lynn for that quiet, peaceful getaway.
Enjoy a sporting event or birthday bash in Boston.
But be close enough to avoid that overly priced Bostonian hotel for the night thanks to a local residence in Lynn.
2. Nearly 400 Years Old
The City of Lynn is 394 years old give or take a year.
That is super old in comparison to most US cities, making Lynn one of the oldest cities in the US.
Jamestown was founded in 1607, which was only 22 years when Lynn was founded.
Of course, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the nation, established way back in 1565 down on the Atlantic Coast in Florida.
This is only about 50 years older than Lynn, though.
3. Lots of Water Sports
Do you want to learn how to windsurf or kayak?
Consider going to the nearby New England Kite School or KiteBoston.
You can learn kiteboarding from local professionals and test your skills on the Lynn Beach sands.
Beach sports and watercraft activities are hugely a success in Lynn, which is otherwise laid back.
While in Lynn, you can become an expert in the watercraft arena.
4. Atha’s Roast Beef
At Atha’s Roast Beef in Lynn, you have one of the most successful casual lunch spots in town.
They serve Greek cuisine at Atha’s and this includes pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.
Daily specials and big platters for catering are a huge hit at Atha’s Roast Beef.
If you love meat, Greek, or Mediterranean cuisine, this is a big reason to live in Lynn.
5. Not Too Wealthy in Lynn
There are no billionaires living in Lynn, MA.
In fact, if you want to live with a local billionaire, move to Worcester, MA nearby.
In Lynn, the median income for a household is $63,000, which is more affordable for a middle-class household.
The city has roots in tanneries and manufacturing, adding to the job sector.
You can expect lower costs for housing and fewer skyrocketed insurance premiums caused by inflation due to local people being richer than you.
6. Coastal Views
In Lynn, MA you are situated right on the Atlantic Coast.
Views of the ocean are prominent, and you can easily visit the beach while living in Lynn.
Just north of Boston by 10 miles, Lynn is overlooking the Nahant Bay.
Red Rock Park is a beach-side hangout that offers safe and picturesque outdoor recreational opportunities.
Take a hike or rollerblade with your pet on a leash on a meandering sidewalk right by the sea.
You are living on coastal time when you are in the relaxed city of Lynn, MA.
7. Ethnic Cuisine on Tap
If you want Venezuelan, Mexican, or Japanese, you can surprisingly find a place to dine out or take out in Lynn.
While the city is not large, Lynn has a diverse array of ethnic restaurants and shops, Capitol Diner keeps its food home style and old school with Americana on a seedy bun.
Most of the cuisine served at these locales is traditional and keeps in line with ethnic foods or old-school menus.
You can take friends and family to eat something new and exciting each time you go out.
8. Plenty of Fast Food Options
Whether you desire McDonald’s or Wendy’s, the fast food options are endless in Lynn. Subway, KFC, and even Taco Bell are located in Lynn.
Fast food restaurants can save you money if you are struggling to afford housing costs in the city.
Yet fast food is typically greasy and fried, leaving you with more health concerns in the long run.
Fast food options are not always available in cities in the US, and they can also lead to jobs for entry-level workers.
Cons of Living in Lynn, MA
1. City of Sin
Lynn has been called City of Sin, which is odd since this is not in Las Vegas.
The Massachusetts city is historically known for being corrupt and associated with vices like prostitution and gambling.
While the reputation dates back to the 19th century, today people still call Lynn “City of Sin” sometimes.
If you live in a neighborhood that is closely tied to the City of Sin history, you might consider moving.
2. Less Than 100,000 People
If you crave Big City Lights, Lynn is lacking in the population.
With 89,900 people, the town of Lynn is more suburban than most of Boston’s inner cities.
You will not have the same big-city amenities in Lynn, MA as you would in richer Worcester or bigger Boston.
You can appreciate not hearing sirens and loud sounds all night long in the peaceful suburb of Lynn.
3. High Crime Rates
The crime rate in Lynn is 3 percent higher than that of the rest of Massachusetts.
While this is not a huge concern, higher crime rates are a symptom of civil unrest.
Assault is the most common problem, followed by robbery, rape, and murder.
Consider where you live in Lynn to help you avoid the crime that plagues the city.
4. Cost of Living Is Too High
In Lynn, the cost of living is 22 percent higher than that of the rest of the US.
The reason why Lynn residents have to pay more for basic living expenses has to do with housing.
The housing cost of living rate is 161.2, which is one and a half times that of other US cities.
Utilities and transportation are also higher in Lynn, above the 100 index of the cost of living.
Expect to work more than one job to be able to afford to live in Lynn, especially if you lack a college education.
5. Lack of Museums
There are no real museums in Lynn, MA except the Grand Army of the Republic Museum, which is over 100 years old.
For those who crave artistic expression or a place to see artwork, Lynn is not the city to live in.
Unless you love military art and history, you might find yourself growing stagnant in the world of art of Lynn.
Be glad you live near Boston where you can take the train to see some new artwork.
6. Old School Restaurants
With names like Old Tyme Italian and Antique Table, Lynn is not the palace for budding chefs on their way to New York City.
If you are in Lynn working at a restaurant, the atmosphere is very mom-and-pop stop with dated and traditional dishes.
You won’t find trendy fusion menus in Lynn.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from trying to be the first restaurant owner to open a burrito bar that sells giant sushi rolls.
7. Only Amateur Sports Teams
Do you love watching football or soccer? In Lynn, there is a lack of professional sports teams or leagues.
The best you can do is attend an amateur sports event.
You can watch Lynn Tigers when the Boston Red Sox are not on the field.
You might also find yourself playing more amateur sports and joining leagues to get out there and meet people.
Such activity encourages exercises that can boost your health.
8. Nothing to Do
No sports teams, no shopping malls, no trendy food shops–all of this leaves the residents of Lynn with little to nothing to do.
Sure, you can drive into Boston Proper to see a sporting event or to hang out with the locals.
However, if you want to live where the action is, avoid Lynn and go with Worcester or Boston.
Lynn is too quiet for some people who prefer even bigger city lights to this suburb.
Pros and Cons of Living in Lynn, MA – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Lynn, MA | Cons of Living in Lynn, MA |
|---|---|
| 1. Close to Boston | 1. City of Sin |
| 2. Nearly 400 Years Old | 2. Less Than 100,000 People |
| 3. Lots of Water Sports | 3. High Crime Rates |
| 4. Atha’s Roast Beef | 4. Cost of Living Is Too High |
| 5. Not Too Wealthy in Lynn | 5. Lack of Museums |
| 6. Coastal Views | 6. Old School Restaurants |
| 7. Ethnic Cuisine on Tap | 7. Only Amateur Sports Teams |
| 8. Plenty of Fast Food Options | 8. Nothing to Do |
Lynn Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Lynn Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Hispanic People Live in Lynn, MA?
Forty-one percent of the population of Lynn, MA are Hispanic or represent themselves as Latino.
Forty-nine percent of Lynn is considered white or Caucasian as of 2023.
Black or African-American residents make up 14 percent of the population.
Asian residents are less than 5 percent of Lynn’s total demographic representation.
How Many Languages Are Spoken in Lynn?
There are more than 40 languages actively being spoken in households and businesses across Lynn, MA.
Most commonly you will hear English and Spanish followed by Asian languages and dialects of other languages.
What is the Water Quality of Lynn, Massachusetts?
Recently in 2022, King’s Beach reported contamination in the potable and drinking water.
The water quality concern and a foul smell are an ongoing problem though tap water is safe to drink according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Are There Any Local Colleges in Lynn, MA?
Yes, there is the North Shore Community College in Lynn.
This college is a two-year public institution that does not have boarding on campus.
However, NSCC is rated an affordable college that serves as a good jumping-off point for undergraduates.
Does Lynn, MA Have a Beach or Beachfront Access?
Yes!
There is Lynn Beach, as well as King’s Beach and Long Beach, which are part of the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway.
At the beach area is a two-mile promenade that allows the public to walk along the shore.
You can go kiteboarding or windsurfing quite easily along the promenade of Lynn.
Flying kites is also a fun activity for locals and visitors of Lynn’s many beaches.
Check out NightShade Noodles for eclectic dining. Chef is nominated for a James Beard…