10 Largest Cities In Massachusetts

Officially referred to as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts is the most populous US State situated in the New England region of the American Northeast. Although initially dependent on fishing, agriculture, and trade, modern Massachusetts is a global leader in finance, higher education, biotech, engineering, and maritime trade. This beautiful state has been ranked as one of the country's leading states for citizens to live in. From Boston to Fall River, this article jots down everything one needs to know about the biggest cities in Massachusetts ranked by population!

1. Boston - 687,257

Situated on Massachusetts Bay, Boston is the capital and biggest city of Massachusetts and the seat of Suffolk County. It is also the New England region’s cultural and financial center. Being an international educational center, Boston serves as the state’s commercial, biotech, and financial hub. The city’s location in the Northeastern United States also makes it a fantastic travel hub providing quick access to various popular vacation spots and other major cities. For those who enjoy history, music, or arts, Boston is the ideal city since it offers a wealth of cultural opportunities. In addition, there are several large public parks, lakes, and other green areas, including the renowned Boston Common, Fenway Park, the Charles River Esplanade, and Greenways.

2. Worcester - 211,612

Named after the cathedral city of Worcester in England’s Worcestershire, Worcester is the state’s second-largest city and seat of Worcester County. The city’s location close to the state’s geographic center has earned it the nickname the “Heart of the Commonwealth.” Worcester is also well-known as the City of Seven Hills because of the numerous hills that contribute to defining the city. There are several residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and neighborhood parks located on these hills. In the 19th century, the Blackstone Canal helped Worcester to develop into an industrial city. At present, Worcester is Central Massachusetts’ chief city and a regional administrative, transport, and employment hub.

3. Springfield - 156,503

Located on the eastern shores of the Connecticut River, Springfield is the state's third-largest city and the seat of Hampden County. Springfield is also well-known as the "City of Homes" due to its attractive architecture and huge collection of modern and historic homes. As a result of its long history of invention, including the creation of the first American gas-powered vehicle and the nation's first armory and military arsenal, Springfield has also earned the nickname "City of Firsts." In 1891, the Canadian-American physical educator James Naismith invented basketball in Springfield. The city also has the country's second-highest concentration of higher educational institutions.

4. Cambridge - 121,051

Forming a portion of the Boston metropolitan area, Cambridge is the state’s fourth most-populous city. The city is well-known for housing some of the world’s top higher educational institutions, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hult International Business School, and Lesley University. The city’s Kendall Square has been named the “planet’s most innovative square mile” due to its many entrepreneurial start-ups. Cambridge is a fantastic place to live thanks to its excellent standards for primary and secondary education, the outstanding career prospects available in the technological sectors, as well as excellent and frequently affordable public transportation.

5. Lowell - 117,362

Named after the famous American businessman Francis Cabot Lowell, Lowell is the state’s fifth most populous city and one of Middlesex County’s traditional seats besides Cambridge. Due to its large concentration of textile mills and factories, Lowell is often referred to as the “Cradle of the American Industrial Revolution.” Lowell’s population has grown by 1.56% since the last census and is currently expanding at an annual rate of 0.78%. The city houses several tourist attractions, including the Lowell National Historical Park, the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, the Whistler House Museum of Art, the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, and many more.

6. Brockton - 108,009

Located along the Salisbury Plain River, Brockton is the state’s sixth most populous city and one of Plymouth County’s county seats besides Plymouth. Due to Brockton High School’s successful sports programs and the success of two local boxers, Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler, Brockton is often referred to as the “City of Champions.” Having an average wind speed of 14.3 mph, Brockton is also the country’s second-windiest city. The city also has several tourist attractions, including Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton City Hall, Dr. Edgar Everett Dean House, South Street Historic District, Campanelli Stadium, and many more.

7. Quincy - 103,508

Being one of Boston's closest southern suburbs in Norfolk County, Quincy is the state's seventh biggest city. The city is also referred to as the "City of Presidents" as it is the birthplace of the nation's two Presidents – John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well as one of the American Founding Fathers – John Hancock. Quincy served as the site of the country's first commercial railroad – the Granite Railway, besides being home to a flourishing granite industry for over a century. Furthermore, Quincy citizens are proud of their city's educational system, featuring top-notch institutions at every level, from kindergarten to higher education.

8. Lynn - 103,437

The state’s eighth-largest city, Lynn, is situated beside the Atlantic Ocean and Massachusetts Bay in the southern portion of Essex County. The city is the Commonwealth’s fifth oldest colonial settlement and was settled by Europeans in 1629. Due to its historical reputation of crime and misconduct, Lynn is often nicknamed the “City of Sins.” Initially an industrial center, Lynn is, at present, well-known for its historic architecture, public parks, green spaces, contemporary art, and downtown cultural district.

9. New Bedford - 102,281

Situated along the Acushnet River is New Bedford, the state’s ninth-largest city and the largest city in the South Coast region. New Bedford’s population has grown by 1.19% since the last census and is currently expanding at a rate of 0.59% every year. This coastal city served as one of the most vital whaling ports in the world during the initial half of the 19th century. At present, the city is well-known for its seafood industry and fishing fleet. New Bedford is home to several tourist attractions, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Abolition Row Park, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Buttonwood Park Zoo, and many more.

10. Fall River - 95,028

Fall River, the state's tenth-largest city, is situated at the Taunton River's mouth along the eastern banks of Mount Hope Bay. Fall River's population has grown by 1.09% since the last census and is at present expanding at a rate of 0.54% annually. During the 19th century, Fall River became well-known as the nation's leading textile manufacturing center. The city is also home to many tourist attractions, including Kennedy Park, Heritage State Park, Battleship Cove Maritime Museum, the Narrows Center for the Arts, Granite Mills, and many others.

30 Biggest Cities In Massachusetts