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Stoneham, MA

Frequently asked questions

Stoneham, MA

Stoneham is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, nine miles (14.5 km) north of downtown Boston. Its population was 23,244 at the 2020 census. Its proximity to major highways and public transportation offers convenient access to Boston and the North Shore coastal region and beaches of Massachusetts. The town is the birthplace of the Olympic figure-skating medalist Nancy Kerrigan and is the location of the Stone Zoo.

The earliest documented mention of the territory now called Stoneham dates to 1632 when, on February 7, Governor Winthrop and his party came upon this area. They found Spot Pond and ate their lunch on a place they called Cheese Rock, now known as Bear Hill. Stoneham is situated on the traditional territory of the Massachusett and Pawtucket peoples.

Stoneham was first settled by colonists in 1634 and was originally a part of Charlestown. In 1678, there were six colonists with their families, all in the northeast part of the town, probably because of its proximity to the settlement in Reading (now Wakefield).

By 1725, the population of the area, called "Charlestown End", had increased until there were 65 male inhabitants paying taxes; however, they were miles away from the settlement in Charlestown and could not conveniently reach its church or school. For this reason, Captain Benjamin Geary and 53 other residents of the area petitioned Charlestown to allow them to be separated. The town refused their petition at first, but on December 17, 1725, the General Court passed an act to establish the new township of Stoneham, separating it from Charlestown, and releasing its residents from the obligation to pay taxes to Charlestown, provided that within two years they would erect a suitable church and hire a minister and a schoolmaster.

The town's first meetinghouse was erected in 1726, as was its Burying Ground (now known as the Old Burying Ground and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984). The first church was organized in 1729, with members being released from the congregations in Reading and Melrose to form it. In the same year, the town voted to raise £9 for building a school and chose a committee to hire a schoolmaster. Stoneham remained a small town during the colonial era. Traces of its colonial history are still to be seen in the Spot Pond Archeological District of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. During the Industrial Revolution, Stoneham prospered as a major shoe manufacturing center.

Stoneham is located at 42°28′48″N 71°5′54″W (42.480145, −71.098352). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.7 square miles (17.4 km2), of which 6.2 square miles (15.9 km2) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.5 km2), or 8.36%, is water. Stoneham has two exits off Interstate 93, Winchester Highlands and Montvale Avenue, and one exit off Interstate 95, Route 28. Stoneham borders the following cities or towns: Woburn, Winchester, Medford, Melrose, Wakefield, and Reading.

Stoneham places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Montvale Diagnostics Center and Family Care Center Stoneham offer diagnostic and primary care services. The Energy Barre provides classes in barre, Pilates, and yoga, located in the heart of Stoneham. LA Fitness offers a comprehensive gym experience with trainers and yoga sessions to meet all fitness needs. For a holistic approach, visit Boston Health & Wellness, which offers a range of health services conveniently located for Stoneham residents. Central Rock Gym in Stoneham is perfect for rock climbing enthusiasts seeking an active challenge. For outdoor fun, Hago Harrington's Miniature Golf offers a playful way to stay active. Health events in Stoneham, such as those hosted by Rumba Y Timbal Dance Company, provide unique fitness opportunities like dance-fit camps

Top Sites in Stoneham, MA are Stone Zoo, Middlesex Fells Reservation, Greater Boston Stage Company, and Stoneham Oaks Golf Course.

Population: 22,986 (2023). ZIP code: 02180. Area: 17.4 km2 (6.7 sq mi). Elevation: 47 m (155 ft). Area codes: 339 / 781.

FAQs

Is Stoneham, MA a good place to live?

Stoneham is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Stoneham offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Stoneham, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Stoneham and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Stoneham are highly rated.

What is Stoneham, MA famous for?

Stoneham was transformed from a rural farming community into a small manufacturing center recognized for its leather and shoe-making industries. In 1837, Stoneham earned its reputation as a “Shoe Town” when its workforce of 297 men and 180 women produced 380,000 pairs of shoes, the largest output in Middlesex County. Throughout the 19th century, Stoneham’s industrial base continued to expand.  Hand labor in shoe factories was replaced by machinery in large establishments such as that of John Hill & Co., the first manufacturer to use horse and then steam power to operate machinery. By 1850, more than half of the businesses in Stoneham were shoe-making enterprises.

What are the demographics of Stoneham, MA?

Stoneham, MA is home to a population of 23k people, of which 93.5% are citizens. As of 2022, 13.3% of Stoneham, MA residents were born outside of the country (3.07k people). In 2022, there were 11 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (18.8k people) in Stoneham, MA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.71k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 952 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Town of Stoneham

Wikipedia

Niche

Stoneham Chamber

Data USA

Montvale Diagnostics Center

Family Care Center Stoneham

The Energy Barre

LA Fitness

Boston Health & Wellness

Central Rock Gym

Hago Harrington's Miniature Golf 

Rumba Y Timbal Dance Company

Stone Zoo

Middlesex Fells Reservation 

Greater Boston Stage Company 

Stoneham Oaks Golf Course

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