relocating to boston areaWe are thinking of relocating to the Boston area, where is the best place to live?

The relocation would be from San Francisco, to Boston. We would like a family friendly town. Recommendations?
Check into Natick.. just about 18 miles west of Boston but very convenient. It's a wonderful family-oriented town with great schools. I grew up in Florida but have lived here almost 8 years now and love it. You won't be sorry! Good luck with your move.
BTW, my sister lives in San Francisco--small world!
Newton 10min. to Boston. voted one of the safest cities in U.S.
You might also try Medford(10 min.), Wilmington (15 min.), Reading (15min.)
NEWTON!!! no rlly it has amazing schools and it has been the safest city in the country 4 the past few years... it is expensive 2 live here but it is a rlly great place 2 live and only like 15min away from boston.... if not newton then mayb needham or brooklinerelocating to boston area...
If you mentioned what is your favorite area for family living in San Fran it would be easier to recommend a similar place in the Boston area. As for Newton, one might compare it to - say - a bit more dense Danville without the mountains or a Larkspur also without mountains or waterfront but with subway and train service. (Newton does have some hills and is on the Charles River, however).
Well it depends. If you are used to San Fransisco, and want to remain in a city area, then I would say come to Boston, and see what specific neighborhoods you would like best, actually right in the city. Back Bay area would be my recommendation. If you don't mind being a bit out of the city, I would say look at Newton as an option, or perhaps (a bit further out) cities like Lexington or Arlingtorelocating to boston arean. Both have great school systems, if you mentioned in being family friendly.
You said you'd like a family friendly town, and many of the communities in Metro West offer just that at varying price points. I too would say that Newton is an attractive choice if you are looking to be very close to the city but still live in a neighborhood - it's vibrant, safe and has plenty to do. As you move further west the suburbs pretty quickly become more spacious and a little more rural - I grew up in Wayland which is a smaller town that is only about 25 minutes from Boston... the neighborhoods are attractive, the school system always gets a lot of credit, there is plenty to do in the surrounding towns and there is easy access to the city.