Wakefield 87 Exceptional
Wakefield Livability #7 ranked city in Massachusetts#258 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Wakefield

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Wakefield?

Wakefield, Massachusetts is a mid-sized city with a population of 28,061 people. In Wakefield, there are 3,796 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 94% of Wakefield residents are White, 3% Asian and 1% Black. 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 Wakefield entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 33 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wakefield, Massachusetts could be a great 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Wakefield and in the areas around Wakefield is a much easier task.

The livability score in Wakefield is 88 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Wakefield would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Wakefield has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (B) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, Wakefield does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're living in Wakefield, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Wakefield an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 175 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Wakefield boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

The Wakefield unemployment rate of 2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Wakefield apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Wakefield is actually affordable. The median home price for Wakefield homes is $996,601, which is 59.6% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wakefield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.4, which is 8.5% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wakefield

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      Wakefield transportation information

      Statistic Wakefield Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute33min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.6%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.0%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit9.4%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home9.7%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Wakefield, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.