10 areas outside cities hit by foreclosures
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For the first time, more home foreclosures are taking place in the state's suburban and rural communities than in long-troubled cities, according to a new study by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership.
Here is a list of the 10 rural and suburban towns with the highest distressed property rate -- meaning that housing units are either in the process of being foreclosed on or are already bank-owned.
Note: The following communities are those on the list that are not a part of Boston or deemed one of 24 gateway communities, defined as urban areas whose residents have lower-than-average incomes and education levels.

