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Medford, MA

Frequently asked questions

Medford, MA

Medford is a city 6.7 miles (10.8 km) northwest of downtown Boston on the Mystic River in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. At the time of the 2020 U.S. Census, Medford's population was 59,659. It is home to Tufts University, which has its campus along the Medford and Somerville border.

Native Americans inhabited the area that would become Medford for thousands of years before European colonization of the Americas. At the time of European contact and exploration, Medford was the winter home of the Naumkeag people, who farmed corn and created fishing weirs at multiple sites along the Mystic River.

Medford was settled in 1630 by English colonists as part of Charlestown, of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The settlement was originally called "Mistick" by Thomas Dudley, based on the indigenous name for the area's river. Thomas Dudley's party renamed the settlement "Meadford". The name may have come from a description of the "meadow by the ford" in the Mystic River, or from two locations in England that Cradock may have known: the hamlet of Mayford or Metford in Staffordshire near Caverswall, or from the parish of Maidford or Medford (now Towcester, Northamptonshire). In 1634, the land north of the Mystic River was developed as the private plantation of Matthew Cradock, a former governor. Across the river was Ten Hills Farm, which belonged to John Winthrop, Governor of the Massachusetts Bay colony.

The land south of the Mystic River, present-day South Medford, was originally known as "Mistick Field". It was transferred from Charlestown to Medford in 1754. This grant also included the "Charlestown woodlots" (the Medford part of the Middlesex Fells), and part of what was at the time Woburn (now Winchester). Other parts of Medford were transferred from Charlestown in 1811, Winchester in 1850 ("Upper Medford"), and Malden in 1879. Additional land was transferred to Medford from Malden (1817), Everett (1875), and Malden (1877) again.

Medford was incorporated as a city in 1892 and was a center of industry, including the manufacture of tiles and crackers, bricks, rum, and clipper ships, such as the White Swallow and the Kingfisher, both built by Hayden & Cudworth.

Medford is located at 42°25′12″N 71°6′29″W (42.419996, −71.107942). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.6 square miles (22 km2), of which 8.1 square miles (21 km2) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km2) (5.79%) is water. A park called the Middlesex Fells Reservation, to the north, lies partly within the city. This 2,060-acre (8 km2) preserve is shared by Medford with the municipalities of Winchester, Stoneham, Melrose, and Malden. The Mystic River flows roughly west to southeast through the middle of the city.

Medford City places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford provides the community with advanced medical services north of Boston. Life Time in Medford at Station Landing is a luxury health club with access to world-class facilities, expert trainers, & resort-like areas to rejuvenate. Enjoy swimming, hiking, and picnicking at Wright's Pond, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access state-of-the-art fitness facilities and participate in wellness programs at the Tufts University Fitness Center. Explore scenic trails for hiking and nature walks at the Brooks Estate, promoting physical activity and outdoor exploration. Join family-friendly wellness programs and activities offered by the Medford Family Network, fostering community engagement and support. Attend guided meditation sessions at the Chevalier Theatre, promoting mental well-being and relaxation. Engage in rowing and water sports activities at the Medford Boat Club, promoting cardiovascular health and teamwork.

Top sites in Medford, MA are Wright's Tower, Royall House and Slave Quarters, Meadow Glen, and Chevalier Theatre.

Population: 59,898 (2024). ZIP codes: 02153, 02155–02156. Area code: 781, 339. Elevation: 13 ft (4 m). Area: 8.6 square miles (22 km2). 

FAQs

Is Medford, MA a good place to live?

Medford is a suburb of Boston with a population of 60,708. Medford is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Medford offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Medford, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What is Medford, MA famous for?

World-renowned Tufts University can be found in Medford, as well as Amelia Earhart’s residence at 76 Brooks Street. In addition to Earhart, many other notable people have called Medford home, such as “Jingle Bells” songwriter James Pierpoint and actress Jessica Biel. Aside from that, this city was a center of industry, including the manufacturing of brick, tile, and rum. It is home to several historical famous crimes including one of the biggest bank robberies and jewel heists of all time.

Is it expensive to live in Medford, MA?

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Medford is $37,266 a year — less than the annual cost of living for Oregon of $39,787 and less than the national figure of $38,433. In Medford, the median home value is $244,700, greater than the national median home value of $204,900. The median price of a home built in 1939 or earlier is $203,900, while the median value of a home built in 2014 or later is $378,800.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Medford

Niche

Meet Boston

24/7 Wall St.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford

Life Time in Medford

Wright's Pond

Tufts University Fitness Center

Brooks Estate

Medford Family Network

Medford Boat Club

Wright's Tower 

Royall House and Slave Quarters 

Meadow Glen

Chevalier Theatre 
 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.