$861,629Average Value$475Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes 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
Claudia Urquijo,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Wakefield, MA sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Wakefield, MA over the last 12 months is $792,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Commuter OPEN HOUSE Thursday 8/6 5:00 to 6:30 Palatial young center entrance colonial on a corner lot, convenient to the major routes. Spacious, is an understatement. Ideally set up for multi generational living with four beautifully appointed floors over 2,000 feet on both the first and second floors. The third floor offers a 3/4 bath, game room with sky lights and the 5th bedroom ideal for many
New construction in desirable town of Melrose! This home features 9-ft ceilings and an open floor plan designed for today’s buyers. The chef’s kitchen offers white cabinetry, quartz countertops, an oversized island, stainless steel appliances w/hood, flowing into a bright family room w/grey ct floor to ceiling fireplace & access to a covered composite deck—perfect for entertaining with Boston
The LOWEST PRICED two bedroom 2 bath on the market in Reading!! 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
Welcome to this exceptional split-level home on a desirable corner lot in Wakefield! The fully finished lower level has been transformed into three additional bedrooms downstairs, making this an ideal setup for a large family or multi-generational living. Combined with the three bedrooms upstairs, this home offers six total bedrooms and approximately 3,182 sq. ft. of living space. Step outside to
Rarely available, this exceptional top-floor corner residence at the Crystal Condominiums, just moments from Lake Quannapowitt, offers timeless elegance inspired by Boston's distinguished Beacon Hill. Bathed in natural sunlight throughout the day, the home showcases beautiful hardwood floors, intricate crown molding, and classic wainscoting, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication. The
Experience the perfect blend of convenience and modern design in this beautifully renovated 2-unit multifamily property in a prime Wakefield location. Ideal for owner-occupants, investors, or multigenerational living, both units have been thoughtfully updated with today’s lifestyle in mind. Each unit features stylish kitchens with new cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, updated flooring, and
Experience the perfect blend of convenience and modern design in this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in a prime Wakefield location. This turnkey home features an open-concept first-floor layout designed for today's lifestyle, complete with new kitchen cabinetry, new SS appliances, stone countertops and new hardwood flooring. Comfortable living and entertaining space filled with
Welcome home to this stunning 2-Bed + Office Townhouse in the heart of Wakefield. With its modern design and luxurious finishes, this home offers all the comforts of single family living with no maintenance stress. The kitchen boasts high-end cabinetry, quartz countertops, and like new stainless steel appliances. The spacious living and dining area is perfect for entertaining, complete with a
The final remaining corner residence featuring dramatic storefront-style windows, Residence 312 is filled with exceptional natural light throughout. The oversized peninsula kitchen anchors the open-concept living and dining spaces, creating an ideal layout for entertaining and everyday living. Equally sized bedrooms, generous storage and thoughtfully designed mechanical spaces provide exceptional
Welcome to Wakefield living at its best! Like brand new and completely renovated in 2021, this beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo at 4 Wakefield Ave, Unit 4 offers modern finishes, an open layout, and an unbeatable location. The stylish kitchen features an oversized peninsula perfect for dining, entertaining, or additional prep space, flowing seamlessly into the bright and inviting
New price on this exceptional townhouse that lives like a single family home in Wakefield, MA, a newly constructed property from 2024 spanning 2,835 square feet. This property is designed for sophisticated living, combining contemporary aesthetics with modern farmhouse influences to create a truly distinctive home. The chef's kitchen features high-end stainless steel Bosch appliances, stone
Prime Upper West Side location for this 8 room 4 br custom colonial. Virtually all new construction includes a 2nd floor addition featuring 3 generous sized brs & closet space. The primary suite has both walk in rain shower and closet. Fabulous open 1st floor plan affords bright airy open space. The entry foyer incorporates staircase with black iron railings and sight lines to the black quartz
Corner residence overlooking Wrenly's landscaped courtyard with beautiful eastern and southern exposures. Residence 416 offers abundant natural light, peaceful views and a spacious open-concept layout with room for dining, entertaining and a dedicated home office. The primary suite features three closets and exceptional natural light. One of the final opportunities to own this unique new
Residence 315 proves that thoughtful design makes all the difference. Open living spaces, abundant storage, oversized windows and a floor plan that simply works create a home that's as functional as it is beautiful. Spacious kitchen with generous cabinetry, seamless living and dining spaces and a large walk-in laundry room. The full bath is conveniently positioned off the hallway for added
Bright 2-bed, 2-bath upper-level home in Wakefield's sought-after Heron Pond community—perfect if you want a peaceful, maintained setting with an easy commuter lifestyle • Vaulted ceilings + hardwood floors throughout create an open, airy feel, and the living room's fireplace sets the tone for cozy nights in • The kitchen is clean and functional with granite counters + stainless appliances, and
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
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
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.
Quintessentially New England. Delightfully modern.Grayson Lofts at Wakefield Station brings an apartment community designed to meet the highest of expectations. Elegant apartments include both industrial-chic and contemporary-modern. Stunning views of Lake Quannapowitt and a full suite of thoughtfully crafted amenities combine to create a home as unique as you. Grayson Lofts is a short
Centrally located off Route 128 and I-93, Everly is modern, convenient, and welcoming. Unwind in one of Everly's spacious, open-concept apartment homes complete with a gourmet kitchen and designer finishes. Enjoy the upscale amenities you deserve including Everly's saltwater pool, courtyard fire pit, and state-of-the-art Club Fit athletic center. Be moments away from great dining and designer
Heat Included, One-bedroom first-floor unit that is sunny, spacious, and very well-maintained. Rooms are all nice size, with space in front hall for desk/office area. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances including a fridge, electric range and microwave. The kitchen cabinets are custom-made, and there is hardwood floors throughout. The bedroom is spacious with lots of windows, as well as a
Luxury Condo | Garage Parking | 3-Min Walk to Commuter Rail | 25 Min to BostonWelcome to this beautifully maintained 1,000 sq. ft. condo in the heart of Wakefield, MA. Whether you're relocating or looking for a long-term home, this spacious one-bedroom condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and location.The condo features a bright and inviting living area, a
Built in 2018, this sun-filled 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers modern style and convenience just steps from downtown shops, restaurants, Lake Quannapowitt, and the commuter rail. The open-concept layout features a sleek kitchen overlooking the spacious living area, while the primary suite includes a double vanity and tiled walk-in shower. Highlights include in-unit laundry, gas cooking and heat,
Property Id: 1767485 This is a first floor apartment that has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 living room with a closet that has washer/dryer, and eat-in kitchen. It's available now. One year lease required. Before move-in, need first month rent and security deposit. This apt is not deleaded. No smoking allowed. 1 cat is allowed. 1 assigned parking spot. Tenant is responsible for gas
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