About 6 miles from downtown Boston and just north of Somerville, Medford remains close to the region’s biggest attractions while offering a slower pace and fewer crowds. A 20-minute ride on the Green Line out of Boston’s North Station leads to Medford’s quiet residential streets, open green spaces and clusters of restaurants. “There are many different sections or hamlets of Medford,” says Realtor Donald Cranley with Century 21 North East. “There’s Medford Square, Haines Square, West Medford, Lawrence Estates, all different neighborhoods with different vibes and characters.”
The city is also home to the private research institution, Tufts University, as well as Colonial-era landmarks and major event venue, the Chevalier Theatre. While tourism isn’t a big industry here, visitors may stop by on Patriot’s Day to watch a reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride through Medford Square.
Major employers include the Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford and Tufts University, so many of the city’s nearly 65,000 residents work in health care or education. Restaurants and retailers are also big industries.
This view never gets old when you're walking around Medford Center nearby Lawrence Estates.
The Greenline Extension is a significant addition for commuters living in South Medford.
You'll start to embrace this profound entrance at Tufts University in Medford Hillside.
The Lawrence Memorial Hospital is an asset to the community in Medford, MA.
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Lakes, trails and parks all within Medford city limits
Despite Medford’s proximity to one of the largest cities in the country, the area has dozens of outdoor spaces, including state parks, lakes and reservations. Middlesex Fells, often referred to as The Fells, has miles of trails, athletic fields and a dog park. Horseback and mountain bike riding are permitted during the warmer months, while cross-country skiers take to the trails during the winter. Those looking for a short 1-mile hike can make the trek to Wright’s Tower for a panoramic view of Boston in the distance. The reservation also has numerous reservoirs for fishing and sailing, while Wright’s Pond has a resident-only beach.
The Mystic Lakes feed into the Mystic River. Boaters can dock at one of the many private lake clubs and sail all the way to the harbor. Swimmers and sunbathers head to the public Sandy Beach on Upper Mystic Lake, and paved trails meander throughout the Mystic River State Reservation.
Other popular outdoor spaces include Playstead Park, which features tennis courts, open fields, a baseball diamond and a playground. Many other small pocket parks offer similar amenities throughout the city, at spots like Hickey and Devir parks.
Walk along the dirt paths with your dog at the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
Mystic Lakes private beach area is a nearby draw for West Medford residents.
Residents of Symmes Corner can hang on the dock at Upper Mystic Lake on a hot and sunny day.
Locals resident enjoy playing tennis at Victory Park in the West Medford neighborhood.
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Dining in Medford Square and proximity to Assembly Row
From Korean barbecue at Sura to Italian classics at Bob’s, Medford cuisine hails from all over the world. In the eastern part of town, pizza lovers can try a slice from Regina’s, notorious for its rivalry with Santarpio’s. Both shops have become local mainstays, with locations throughout the Greater Boston area. Clusters of restaurants populate Medford Square, while specialty markets and big-box grocers are sprinkled throughout the city. During the growing season, residents can shop at the Thursday farmers market along Mystic River Parkway. For regional produce, the seasonal Medford Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays off Mystic Valley Parkway near the small Condon Shell outdoor concert venue.
Shoppers can head to a variety of malls throughout the city, like Meadow Glen and Gateway Center, which is across the Malden River in Everett. About 3 miles down Interstate 93, Assembly Row serves as a one-stop shop for upscale retail, entertainment, fitness and food.
Bistro 5 is a popular, local Italian restaurant in the West Medford neighborhood.
El Tacuba is a popular new restaurant and bar in Medford Center.
Enjoy a dish of hand-crafted pasta at FiorItally Trattoria nearby to the Lawrence Estates area.
Dine-in and experience delicious Italian cuisine at FiorItaly in East Medford.
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The Green Line extends to Medford/Tufts station
With Interstate 93 cutting through the center of Medford, trips into Boston and up north toward Vermont are a straight shot. “Traffic is heavy at times due to proximity to Boston, and it’s such a popular place to live,” Cranley mentions. Parking can be a hassle for visitors, as resident passes are required on many streets. While travelers into Boston can take the Lowell Line on the commuter rail, as of 2022, the Medford/Tufts station also offers access to the Green Line. This extension of the subway system, locally known as “the T,” has provided quicker routes and about 50,000 more rides per day. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority buses also stop throughout the area.
Boston Logan International Airport is about 7 miles away, accessible via the Green Line. Travelers can choose from over 100 direct destinations, both international and domestic, with flights serviced by over 40 airlines.
Education from kindergarten to Tufts
The Medford Public Schools district earns an overall B grade on Niche. Four elementary schools and two middle schools feed into Medford High, while Curtis-Tufts High offers alternative learning programs. Medford High also has vocational technical programs, where students can earn a certificate for various trades, like cosmetology and carpentry. Students in the district can choose from dozens of extracurricular activities relating to leadership, fine arts and the environment.
Private schools are scattered throughout the area, and many have faith-based curriculums. About 3 miles outside of the city in Cambridge, the International School of Boston for kindergarten through 12th grade earns an A-plus. The school has boarding options and a French-English bilingual program.
Tufts University consistently ranks among the top universities on U.S. News & World Report and is known for its art, science and research programs. Students can choose from over 90 different majors and minors for an undergraduate degree and among eight graduate schools. Jumbo the elephant mascot comes from the university’s affiliation with P.T. Barnum, who opened the Barnum Museum of Natural History on the campus’ grounds and was one of the first members on the board of trustees. Medford is also within 5 miles of both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Roberts Elementary School is part of the Medford Public School District.
Andrews Middle School provides education for residents of the Medford Public School system.
McGlynn Middle School Medford has an overall grade of C+ on Niche.
Medford High School is a vocational School available for all Medford students.
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Indulging in Medford’s art scene
Art plays a significant role in Medford’s community and culture. Tufts presents public art exhibits and rotating galleries throughout the year. Permanent art collections include ancient textiles, sculptures and paintings from all over the world, as well as contemporary displays done by local artists and students. The Arts Collaborative Medford provides gallery and studio space, often used for events like interactive workshops and exhibits. Chevalier Theatre hosts world-renowned performers and musical productions.
The Tufts University Art Galleries have rotating art exhibits for students and residents.
The Arts Collaborative Medford provides artist spaces and an event venue in Medford, MA.
There is tons of room at the Medford Family Concert to spread out.
Keep an eye on the events calendar at Deep Cuts for fun night life in Medford Center
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Housing variety in Medford
In some parts of the city, buyers may find quiet residential cul-de-sacs with wide-open streets, while others are densely packed with multifamily properties. Sidewalks are more common closer to downtown, and residents in neighborhoods with less traffic can often be seen biking or jogging the streets.
Single-family builds are common throughout the city, often in styles such as colonial, New Englander or Cape Cod. Some newer constructions have contemporary elements, like multiple gables and asymmetric windows. Prices tend to start around $500,000 and can reach about $1.5 million. The most expensive homes on the market are typically closer to West Medford, Middlesex Fells or the river and lakes, though a few million-dollar houses can also be found closer to downtown.
Condos and units within multifamily builds tend to start much lower, around $350,000, though luxury lofts can sell closer to $1.2 million. Owners often put homes or condos up for rent, and apartment complexes are also sprinkled throughout the city. On average, monthly rent comes out to about $2,500 for a studio and $4,000 for a three-bedroom space.
Wellington is home to many well-kept duplex-style homes.
A contemporary single family home in the Lawrence Estates neighborhood of Medford, MA.
A Victorian style home gives the West Medford neighborhood's early 1900's heritage.
There are clean-looking condominiums at Wellington Woods in Wellington.
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More information about inclement weather and crime patterns
Temperatures can surpass 80 degrees in the summer, but in the winter, Medford gets 52 inches of snow on average. While the city plows many public areas, locals are required to shovel the walkways in front of their homes within eight hours of snowfall.
Medford crime rates tend to fall below national averages. According to the FBI, the city saw about 35.15 incidents per 100,000 residents as of 2023, while the U.S. average was at 120.98.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
