Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Located in the state of Massachusetts, Medford is a moderately-sized city with a population of 60,492 inhabitants. With a population density of 7,468 people per square mile, Medford is well above the nation's average density level. At 72%, the majority of the Medford population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 9% Black. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 46% of the Medford population is married. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Medford entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 32 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Medford, Massachusetts. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Medford and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Medford to Massachusetts and the national average.
With a livability score of 82/100, Medford is ranked #974 in the United States and #26 in Massachusetts. Compared to the United States average, Medford ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Medford has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Medford has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A) and housing (A-). On a more negative note, Medford does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 180 crimes per 100,000 residents, Medford has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Medford, the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Medford excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Medford real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Medford. Median real estate prices in Medford come in at $967,304, which is 54.9% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Medford, the home price to income ratio is 6.5, which is 10.2% higher than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Medford | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 54.2% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.6% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 19.2% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.1% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.5% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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