Waltham 79 Exceptional
Waltham Livability #44 ranked city in Massachusetts#2,158 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Waltham

PROS
  • 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.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • 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 Waltham?

Waltham, Massachusetts is a moderately-sized city with a population of 64,477 inhabitants. Waltham has a population density of 5,062 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 70%, the majority of the Waltham population is White; this is followed by 12% Asian and 8% Black. Waltham is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 44%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Waltham, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 25 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Waltham, 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. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Waltham and in the areas around Waltham is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Waltham has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Waltham is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Waltham has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Waltham ranks well for crime (A+), education (B-) and housing (B+). Waltham does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The Waltham unemployment rate of 1.9% 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.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Waltham market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Waltham is real estate affordability. The median home price for Waltham homes is $1,031,959, which is 65.3% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waltham, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.4, which is 25.4% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waltham

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Waltham?

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      Waltham transportation information

      Statistic Waltham Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute25min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.3%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.9%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.1%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.2%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home7.4%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Waltham, 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.