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Wakefield, MA

Frequently asked questions

Wakefield, MA

Wakefield is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the Greater Boston metropolitan area, incorporated in 1812 and located about 12.5 mi (20.1 km) north-northwest of Downtown Boston. Wakefield's population was 27,090 at the 2020 census. Wakefield offers an assortment of activities around the local lake, Lake Quannapowitt.

Wakefield is located at 42°30′4″N 71°4′16″W (42.501345, −71.071324). Reading (northwest), Melrose (south), Stoneham (southwest), Lynnfield (northeast), and Saugus (southeast) border Wakefield. Wakefield's borders with Lynnfield and Saugus are coterminous with the Middlesex County–Essex County line.

As the crow flies, Wakefield Lower Common is located approximately 10.3 miles (16.6 km) north of Government Center, Boston, while the Wakefield–Melrose line is located about 7.95 miles (12.79 km) north. Route 129 runs through Wakefield as its Main Street. I-95/Route 128 skirts the northwestern border of Wakefield as one road known as the "Yankee Division Highway".

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 7.9 square miles (20 km2), of which 7.5 square miles (19 km2) is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2), or 5.56%, is water. Wakefield has two lakes, Crystal Lake and Lake Quannapowitt. Crystal Lake is used as a reservoir for some of the town's drinking water; as such, recreation is prohibited on Crystal Lake. Lake Quannapowitt, meanwhile, is used for a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing, and is the primary source of the Saugus River.

In 1847, Lake Quannapowitt was named for the Native American James Quannapowitt, one of the signers of the old Indian Deed of 1686. The earliest settlers referred to the lake simply as the "Greate Pond" or "Reading Pond." Lake Quannapowitt is also home to the oldest inland yacht club in the United States, Quannapowitt Yacht Club, which was founded in 1886.

Long regarded as "Wakefield's greatest natural resource," Lake Quannapowitt covers an area of 247 acres (1.00 km2; 100 ha). Its outlet is the Saugus River to the Atlantic Ocean. Wakefield Common sits to the south of the lake and is the site of many recreational activities and events throughout the year. In 1991, a group of local citizens formed "The Friends of Lake Quannapowitt" to advocate for the lake and to educate the public about this natural resource. The group has also raised money for projects that benefit the lake and the surrounding areas. Wakefield has been recognized as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA annually since 2001.

MelroseWakefield Hospital (formerly Melrose-Wakefield Hospital), a Level II trauma center, is located to the south of Wakefield in nearby Melrose (approximately 3.2 miles (5.1 km) south of the Town Center and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of Greenwood) and serves both the town of Wakefield and city of Melrose.

Wakefield places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Melrose-Wakefield Hospital has a state-of-the-art facility that provides exceptional medical services to the community. Start your fitness journey at Your Best Life Wellness Coaching, where personalized health coaching helps achieve individual goals. Fitness enthusiasts can head to MG Fitness or Michele Penta Fitness for a comprehensive gym experience with state-of-the-art equipment and classes. For a holistic approach, visit Rebirth Transformation Center, providing comprehensive wellness programs. Enhance your nutrition at Natasha Wellness, specializing in dietary plans and whole health strategies. Experience a unique spa day at Bella Mano Spa, combining natural surroundings with treatments.

Top sites in Wakefield, MA are Breakheart Reservation, Col. James Hartshorne House, Lake Quannapowitt, and MarketStreet Lynnfield.

Population: 27,103 (2025). ZIP code: 01880. Area codes: 339, 781. Elevation: 30 m (100 ft). Area: 20.5 km² (7.9 sq mi).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Wakefield, MA?

Wakefield is safer than the majority of cities, towns, and villages in America (67%) and also has a lower crime rate than 55% of the communities in Massachusetts, according to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime data. How risky is that? Your chance of becoming a victim in Wakefield is one in 163 based on the total crime rate (violent and property crimes, combined). In America overall, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 43. It is for these reasons that Wakefield is ranked as one of the top 100 safest cities in the U.S.A.

What is Wakefield, MA known for?

Wakefield, Massachusetts, a scenic town 10 miles north of Boston, is conveniently located at the intersection of two major highways (I-93 and I-95/128) and is easily accessible by commuter rail (MBTA) from Boston. Wakefield is recognized for its strong community and business networks, quality school system, public library, and beautiful Lake Quannapowitt. The area surrounding Lake Quannapowitt is a popular walking, running, and recreational destination. The paved loop around the Lake is approximately 3.6 miles.

Is Wakefield MA a good place to live?

Wakefield is a suburb of Boston with a population of 27,054. Wakefield is in Middlesex County. Living in Wakefield offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Wakefield, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Wakefield and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Wakefield are above average.

Sources

Town of Wakefield

Wikipedia

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Breakheart Reservation 

Col. James Hartshorne House 

Lake Quannapowitt 

MarketStreet Lynnfield

Melrose-Wakefield Hospital 

Your Best Life Wellness Coaching

MG Fitness

Michele Penta Fitness

Rebirth Transformation Center

Natasha Wellness

Bella Mano Spa

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.