← Best suburbs near Boston

Dover vs Wellesley

Two popular MA suburbs of Boston, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

School rating
9/10
10/10
Commute to Boston
54 min
48 min
Median home price
$1.7M
$2.0M
Annual property tax
$20K
$23K
Walk score
15
68
Density
suburban
suburban

Summary: Wellesley leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on school rating, commute to boston, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.

Character & vibe

Dover

Dover-Sherborn Regional SD is one of the top school systems in Massachusetts. Dover has the largest lots, estate living, horse farms, and prices that reflect the ultimate in Boston metro prestige outside of Weston.

quietspace

Wellesley

Wellesley College, Wellesley PS (10/10 in our schools dataset), and Linden Square walkable shopping. Commuter rail directly to South Station.

walkablecommunity

Who should pick which?

Pick Dover if you...

  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Pick Wellesley if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Want the shortest commute to Boston
  • ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown

Still deciding?

Burbia scores both Dover and Wellesley — and every other town in the Boston Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.

Talk to Burbia →