Medford

Welcome to Medford

The hip and trendy suburb of Medford is perfect for those who want to live in a diverse and peaceful community

The home of Tufts University, Medford is a diverse suburb of Boston that features college students along with young families and lifelong residents. Only a 15-minute drive or 10-minute ride on the Commuter Rail, Medford has easy access to Boston for commuters—which is one of the reasons why the city has soared to over 50,000 residents.

Medford was originally settled in 1630 as a part of Charlestown by English immigrant colonists. After the land was transferred from Charlestown to Medford in 1754, the popularity began increasing due to farmland lots being sold to build residential and commercial buildings and a handful of major roads being built in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Home prices in Medford have been on a steady increase, with a median list price for a single-family home at around $741,000. Medford is currently experiencing a seller’s market with fewer homes on the market than those interested in buying them.

What to Love

• Bob’s Italian Deli has been serving Medford for more than 85 years and is a local favorite. Their imported Italian foods and giant party subs never fail to impress
• For those who like something sweet, The Danish Pastry House and café is always a hit.
• Those who want a special night out flock to Bocelli’s Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar. Their fresh, flavorful dishes are served in an upscale yet casual atmosphere
  
  

People & Lifestyle 

Medford has eight distinct neighborhoods: South Medford, West Medford, Downtown Medford, Glenwood, Medford Hillside, Lawrence Estates, Wellington, and North Medford. This makes it easy for prospective buyers to find a neighborhood where they feel comfortable. With the diversity of the city, new residents are welcomed and feel instantly at home.

Those who live in Medford love the natural beauty that stems from the 2,200-acre Middlesex Fells Reservation and the Mystic River. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy walking on the trails along the river as well as swimming at Wright’s Pond.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Italian cuisine is popular in Medford. In addition to Bocelli’s, the town also has Salvatore’s, a delightful eatery with unique dishes at affordable prices. Colleen’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop is popular among the college crowd. Alongside their many ice cream flavors (including salty caramel truffle and birthday cake), they also have specialty sandwiches, gourmet hot dogs, and coffee.

One of the more unique restaurants in the area is Nappi’s, an eatery that prides itself on not having a menu. They feature the freshest ingredients and create homemade pasta dishes that always satisfy. Diners can even bring in their own wine, beer, or other beverages to enjoy with their meal.

Shoppers in Medford head to Meadow Glen shopping mall for stores like Marshalls, Kohl’s, Petco, or the more upscale shops at The Shops at Station Landing.

Things to Do

Residents of Medford benefit from the hard work of the Coalition for Arts, Culture, and Healthy Economy (CACHE), a not-for-profit organization that includes 20 cultural institutions in the city. Each year, they organize Circle on the Square, a free festival with music, art, and other entertainment, as well as the Mystic River Celebration. The coalition also sponsors a number of classes, book clubs, and storytimes.

Each summer, the city also celebrates Medford Day. This celebration of Medford’s diversity includes local food, live music, games, and dance performances. Those who live in Medford also benefit from Tufts University being located in the city and can explore the college’s fantastic University Art Gallery.

Schools 

Medford is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

• Brooks School is a public elementary school for kids in grades kindergarten through fifth and has a low student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1        
•  Medford High School, for students in grades nine through twelve, gets an A for diversity from Niche.com
• Tufts University offers undergraduate and graduate programs and is ranked #30 of the best national universities