$837,420Average Value$484Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Small-town vibes in a cozy Boston-area suburb
The community-oriented town of Wakefield lies just 14 miles from Boston. The town of 27,000 residents was incorporated in 1812 but has a much longer history. In 1638, Europeans began colonizing the area and called it Lynn Village. After a series of name changes, Wakefield was chosen to honor Cyrus Wakefield, a rattan industry leader whose local factory employed 1,000 workers at its height. Today, most residents of this bedroom community work within the Frito-Lay manufacturing industry or in healthcare, professional and technical services, or education. But it’s not all business here. Founded on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt and Crystal Lake, the town is a popular destination for outdoor activities in Middlesex County.
An aerial of the City of Wakefield, MA on a sunny, winter afternoon.
End the day with a boat ride on Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield.
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A transitioning Main Street and open-air shopping centers
Downtown Wakefield is working to redevelop Main Street and update the area's mixed-use and residential buildings. Locals will soon have easier access to major downtown attractions like the Wakefield Farmers Market. The market is open every Saturday from mid-June through October, where 40 to 45 vendors sell locally grown produce while musicians play live music. A handful of eateries are along Main Street and North Avenue, and more restaurants can be found just a few minutes away along Route 28. "Harrington's Pub is a big hit with the locals looking for an authentic Irish pub experience. People also enjoy brunch at Blue Moon
Grill and grabbing a coffee at Zuzu’s Cafe before strolling through the town center," says Mary Kelly, a Realtor with Century 21 Property Central and resident of nearby Stoneham. Redstone Shopping Center lies just off Interstate 95, making it a convenient option for Wakefield residents. The open-air center has a mix of large and small retailers like Target and Marshalls. Just outside the town is MarketStreet Lynnfield, a shopping mall with over 80 shops, services and restaurants.
Harrington's Irish Pub is a popular spot in the evenings in central Wakefield.
The Marketplace at Lynnfield has many national retailers like Apple and more.
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Dog parks, community gardens and nature reserves
Even though Wakefield stretches only 8 square miles, it has over a dozen parks and places to get outside. At the center of it all, Lake Quannapowitt covers 247 acres and is home to the town’s common area. It's a popular regional destination for boating and swimming. The local library is a community gathering space in Wakefield. “We host four book groups, an English conversation group, a crochet and knitting meetup, and an opera club,” says Jaclyn Powers, assistant director and head of public service at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in town. “Outside groups also meet at the library to play cribbage, practice their Italian, connect with other jobseekers or conduct their own book discussion groups.” On Main Street there is a dog park and the JJ Round Community Garden. In addition to a skate park and BMX track, the parks department operates a myriad of adult and youth sports programs, summer camps and enrichment activities.
The town common bandstand during The Movies By The Lake in Wakefield, MA.
Pick the perfect book at the Wakefield Library.
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Lakeside festivals and history museums
Wakefield Center Neighborhood Association sponsors the annual Festival by the Lake. Held at the edge of Lake Quannapowitt on the town’s 20-acre common, the one-day event features a large arts and crafts market, a children’s area, food vendors and live music. The oldest building in Wakefield was once the home of Colonel James Hartshorne. Built in 1681, it’s been placed on the National Register of Places and is open for special events like comedy nights or fundraiser breakfasts. The library also hosts events and gatherings. “We're looking forward to the restoration of our Main Street Plaza in the spring and can't wait to host our summer music series, Plaza Jazz, for its 13th season,” Powers says.
Wakefield Farmers Market at Veterans Field in Wakefield, MA.
People order ice cream at sunset while at The Movies By The Lake in Wakefield, MA.
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Early 20th century houses in a competitive market
Like many desirable Greater Boston suburbs, Wakefield has limited inventory, particularly in the single-family home market. Most homes were built before 1940, though returning WWII GIs added to housing significantly until 1960. “Wakefield’s housing market is diverse, offering everything from historic colonials and charming Cape Cod-style homes to modern condominiums and newly developed townhouses,” Kelly says. “While Wakefield has more affordable options than some nearby suburbs, competition can be high, and properties often sell quickly.” The median single-family home value is around $825,000, almost twice the national figure. Condos and townhouses can range in price. Modest apartment-style units can cost between $200,000 and $400,000, while more luxurious units and townhouses can cost between $500,000 and $1 million. Every home has a risk of minor to severe damage from extreme hurricane or nor’easter winds off nearby Massachusetts Bay. To help mitigate the risks, the town has a CodeRED Alert System, from which citizens receive emergency alerts after signing up for the database.
Newer homes are being built up all over Wakefield.
Townhouses are also present in Wakefield.
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Planes, trains, automobiles and sidewalks
Wakefield’s major highways include Interstates 93 and 95, as well as Route 128, which run around the city’s edge before diverging in the neighboring town of Peabody. The MBTA Commuter Rail has two stops in Wakefield, while bus route 137 runs through Main Street in the center of town. The Council on Aging operates a paratransit service to help people reach medical appointments at nearby MelroseWakefield Hospital and local grocery stores. The town is also working to build pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure as part of the Mystic Highlands Greenway project to connect several communities, including Wakefield. Boston Logan International Airport lies 17 miles south of Wakefield.
International degrees and STEAM programs
Wakefield Public Schools earns a B from Niche, with an A-minus in academics and a B-plus in college prep. The district has nine campuses, as well as an active STEAM program that includes summer camps and after-school activities. Mystic Valley Regional Charter School educates over 1,600 students from kindergarten through graduation. It’s earned an overall A-minus from Niche and is one of the state’s top 10 charter schools.
The Greenwood Elementary School is one of several in Wakefield area.
There is a state-of-art football field at Wakefield Memorial High School.
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Environmental factors and crime
Wakefield’s violent and property crimes are below the national and state average, according to statistics released by the FBI in September of 2023.
Written By
Shelby Sullivan
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rachel Imlach,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wakefield, MA sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Wakefield, MA over the last 12 months is $785,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in one of Greenwoods FINEST NEIGHBORHOODS, this one's a HIDDEN GEM! Lovingly cared for featuring a FIRST FLOOR PRIMARY BEDROOM. Open concept family room, flowing into the kitchen, offers CATHEDRAL CEILINGS; a stunning 2 STORY- floor to ceiling, brick WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE and exterior access, just a step down to a private yard/patio. Truly the heart of this home! Kitchen, w/an abundance
A rare offering in one of Wakefield’s most desirable neighborhoods. This beautifully updated 3-bedroom home offers refined finishes, intentional design, & effortless, modern comfort. Enter through a sun-filled reading room—perfect for morning coffee or working from home. The stunning kitchen features custom cabinetry & Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and flows into a gorgeous dining area. The
Largest 2 bed left in the building! Experience refined living at the AWARD WINNING Wrenly Residences - Where Luxury Meets Lifestyle. This elegant 2-bedroom plus office, 2-bathroom condo spans over 1,400 square feet all on one level, featuring engineered hardwood floors and a designer kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. The spacious primary suite includes ample closet space and a luxurious
Located in one of Greenwoods FINEST NEIGHBORHOODS, this one's a HIDDEN GEM! Lovingly cared for featuring a FIRST FLOOR PRIMARY BEDROOM. Open concept family room, flowing into the kitchen, offers CATHEDRAL CEILINGS; a stunning 2 STORY- floor to ceiling, brick WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE and exterior access, just a step down to a private yard/patio. Truly the heart of this home! Kitchen, w/an abundance
There's lots of room to stretch out in this fifth floor unit! The master bedroom features 3 separate closets and an en-suite bath. The second bedroom, also a good size, has a full wall closet for lots of storage. The combo living room and dining area is set up perfectly for entertaining. There's a 12' slider opening on to the private screened-in balcony - it's like having an additional room in
A rare offering in one of Wakefield’s most desirable neighborhoods. This beautifully updated 3-bedroom home offers refined finishes, intentional design, & effortless, modern comfort. Enter through a sun-filled reading room—perfect for morning coffee or working from home. The stunning kitchen features custom cabinetry & Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and flows into a gorgeous dining area. The
Largest 2 bed left in the building! Experience refined living at the AWARD WINNING Wrenly Residences - Where Luxury Meets Lifestyle. This elegant 2-bedroom plus office, 2-bathroom condo spans over 1,400 square feet all on one level, featuring engineered hardwood floors and a designer kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. The spacious primary suite includes ample closet space and a luxurious
Situated at 9 Cyrus St, Wakefield, MA,, this distinguished multi-family residence, built in 1920, presents an enduring opportunity for sophisticated living. With a generous living area spanning 2772 square feet, this property offers considerable expanse for various pursuits and personal expression. The five bedrooms provide abundant private retreats, ensuring comfort and dedicated spaces for all
Escape to your own sanctuary but still be close to your favorite shops, restaurants and the commuter rail in the Melrose Highlands. This enchanting home invites you in with its farmers porch approach and calms your soul with backyard views reminiscent of a mountain chalet with space inside that provides options for multi-generational living & work from home privacy. Enjoy meal prep in an open
Lovely and young 2 bed/1 bath one level condo in Greenwood! Enter into the relaxing living room, where the ambiance is enhanced by the warm glow of a fireplace creating a space perfect for both quiet evenings and engaging conversations. The kitchen stands ready to inspire culinary creations with its granite countertops, stylish backsplash, and a convenient kitchen peninsula providing ample
Experience refined living at the AWARD WINNING Wrenly Residences - Where Luxury Meets Lifestyle. This elegant 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo spans over 1,200 square feet all on one level, featuring engineered hardwood floors and a designer kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances. The spacious primary suite includes ample closet space and a luxurious tiled en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom offers
Virtually NEW from the foundation to the roof, & everything in-between, while carefully preserving the charm, grace & elegance that is only found in a grand 1930's colonial such as this. From the striking curb-appeal, to the exquisite finishes & detail of the interior, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of towns most admired homes. You've always loved the character of a classic
Welcome to 350 Water Street, a beautifully updated, move-in ready home that blends modern comfort with timeless appeal. This young residence features a highly functional layout with 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 fully renovated bathrooms. The updated kitchen flows seamlessly into bright living and dining areas enhanced by vaulted ceiling and abundant natural light. Recent updates such as new siding
Charming Raised Ranch with gleaming hardwood floors and natural woodwork. Featuring a large fireplaced living room with a picture window that opens to eat in kitchen with built in hutch. The main level also includes three ample bedrooms all with nice closet space and a three-season sunporch. The entry level features an entry foyer and includes a fireplaced family room, three quarter bath, laundry
Exceptional living space and effortless comfort define this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch. The thoughtfully designed layout offers the ease of single-level living with expanded versatility in the finished lower level, featuring a spacious family room with direct patio access, a dedicated game room or home office, laundry room, and interior entry to the two-car garage. The
Spacious and bright 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in Wakefield offering a comfortable layout with classic New England charm. This well-maintained unit features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, large sun-filled rooms, and generous windows that bring in natural light all day.The eat-in kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and room for a dining table. The living areas
Available Now, Lead Safe, Super Nice and unique opportunity to rent in Downtown Wakefield. Recently renovated apartment on the 2nd floor of a duplex with views of the city. You will love the open layout, with gleaming hardwood floors throughout, recess lights, modern kitchen and bath, in unit laundry hookups, plus central air. The main level on the 2nd has the 2 larger bedrooms and 2 smaller.
welcome to our communityWe don't just rent apartments. From the moment you walk through the front door, you'll feel the comfort and security that makes our residents happy to call us home. Cutting-edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds, and a dedicated staff contribute to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums, and parks are all close
Experience the perfect blend of style and convenience in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence situated in the heart of downtown Wakefield. Located on the second floor of a charming multi-family home, this sun-drenched unit boasts soaring high ceilings and an expansive open floor plan designed for modern, versatile living. The chef’s kitchen comes fully equipped with granite
Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and connectivity at The Basin Apartments located in Wakefield, MA north of Boston. Just moments from the city yet worlds away, this lakeside retreat offers gorgeous apartment homes and amenities designed for effortless living. All set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Quannapowitt.
Ciean and convenient 4 room 1 bedroom 1st floor apartment in a 4 unit building. Convenient to downtown Wakefield, major highways and commuter rail to Boston. Hardwood floors. Laundry in building. Offstreet parking in driveway. Rent includes heat and hot water and snow removal.. Non smoking and No pets. Available now
Artful Living in Wakefield, MAWelcome to The Elms, where elevated simplicity meets timeless tradition. Thoughtfully designed for those who take pride in what they've earned. Our one, two, and three-bedroom residences offer refined comfort in a community that values hard work and lasting quality. Be the first to experience life at The Elms
Great location for this third floor apartment. Close to downtown, lake and train. This unit features a large fully applianced eat in kitchen with a brand new stove, lots of cabinet space and closet off the kitchen. Large bedroom with tons of closet space and brand new carpet. Bathroom is just remodeled with a new toilet and flooring. Washer and dryer in basement is exclusive to this unit. One
tate of the art Exercise Room, Billiards Room, Pool, Business Central, Central Heat/AC, Laundry Facility on every floor, Tennis Court, Heat/Hot Water included, Assigned ParkingWakefield 2 BR - Renovated - Parking, Central Heat & Hot Water Included!Recently renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in a high-rise setting. Hardwood floors span the entirety of the space. The galley
Looking for easy apartment living in Wakefield? Here is your opportunity to check out 259 Albion Street 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom first floor unit. This location is close distance to public transit (commuter rail) in Wakefield, as well as easy access to I95 N/S. Paved driveway parking for 2 vehicles and ample street parking options for guests. Close to all the wonderful amenities Wakefield offers:
Are you looking for luxury apartment homes in Wakefield, MA? Explore our gallery to catch a glimpse of what's to come at Aster at The Summit and see why our impeccable studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes might be just right for you. Our community features lush landscaping and a unique design that will make you feel at home. Modern apartment interiors boast both form and function with
Step into this cozy, top-floor corner unit in a small condo complex close to Lake Q, the commuter rail, and convenient highway access. Freshly spruced up with a new paint job and modern touches, this unit features all new appliances for your convenience. Stay cool with wall-mounted air conditioning and skip the laundromat with handy onsite laundry facility. Plus, perks like a bike shed and a
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