Medford 82 Exceptional
Medford Livability #26 ranked city in Massachusetts#974 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Medford

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Medford?

Medford is a mid-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 58,290 people. Medford has a population density of 7,197 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 72%, the majority of the Medford population is White; this is followed by 11% Asian and 9% Black. Medford is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. Something to be aware of when living in Medford are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 32 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Medford, Massachusetts could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Medford and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.

Medford, MA receives 82/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #24 in Massachusetts and #863 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Medford ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Medford also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Medford ranks very well for crime (A+) and housing (B+). Regrettably for Medford, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Medford shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 175 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

The unemployment rate in Medford has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.51%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Medford has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

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. The median home price for Medford homes is $551,900, which is 61.8% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Medford, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 14.6% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Medford

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Medford?

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Compare Medford, MA Livability

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      Medford transportation information

      Statistic Medford Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute32min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work54.2%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.6%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit19.2%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.1%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.5%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home8.5%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Medford, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).