Medford, MA

Medford, Massachusetts

Introduction to Medford, Massachusetts

Medford, Massachusetts, in Middlesex county, is 4 miles NW of Boston, Massachusetts. It's situated along the Mystic River. The city features a collection of distinct neighborhoods. West Medford is regarded as an affluent area. Medford includes a large Italian population and is known for its Italian restaurants and delis as well as excellent bakeries. The city also includes a large number of Irish-Americans. Visitors have opportunities to see numerous historic sites and houses.

Medford History

The area was formerly owned by Mathew Cradock. The city was established in 1630 as part of Charleston. During the 1840's and the 1850's large portions of the farmland was sold and replaced with commercial buildings and homes. It was incorporated as a city in 1892 and became a prominent location for manufacturing bricks, tile, clipper ships, Medford Crackers and rum.

In the late 19th century at Simpson's Tavern, local resident James Pierpont wrote the well known song "Jingle Bells." He was inspired by a sleigh race. Lydia Maria Child, another local resident wrote a poem which became the popular song "Over the River and Through the Woods." The poem was inspired by her trip to her grandparents house.

Medford Attractions

• The Peter Tufts House is one of the oldest all-brick buildings in New England.
• The Slave Wall is located on Grove Street.
• The Amelia Earhart residence.
• Grandfather's House is the house mentioned in the well known song "Over the River and through the Woods."
• Issac Royall House is a museum featuring numerous antiques and is a National Historic Landmark. It includes an historic slave quarters.
• Salem Street Burying Ground.
• Grace Episcopal Church features Gothic architecture and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Chevalier Theatre provides concerts and a variety of shows.
• Medford City Hall features exhibits of historic items.
• The Medford Historical Society owns one of the largest collections of original Civil War prints in the world.
• Old Ship Street Historic District.
• Old Medford High School.
• Bigelow Block.
• Hillside Avenue Historic District.
• Park Street Railroad Station.

Medford Activities

Wrights Pond provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, picnicking and hiking. The city has numerous parks which offer sports venues. The Middlesex Fells Reservation is used for hiking, bicycle riding and includes a sledding area. Nearby Boston offers a variety of activities and entertainment.

Medford Transportation

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides bus services. Residents have access to the area's rapid transit system.

Medford Higher Education

Medford is home to Tufts University.

High Points

Medford strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 2%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. State)	Top 8%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 10%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 15%
Low Violent Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 19%

Comparative Profile of Medford, MA

Comparing Medford to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Female Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population
Racial Diversity
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Medford Almanac

Medford Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Medford Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Medford, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Medford Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Starbucks in Medford

Medford High Schools (2004)

MEDFORD HIGH
489 WINTHROP STREET
781-393-2301
Serves 1,262 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.3

MEDFORD VOC TECH HIGH
489 WINTHROP STREET
781-393-2260
A Vocational School
Serves 250 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 6.8

CURTIS-TUFTS
437 MAIN STREET
781-393-2343
Serves 33 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 5.5

Medford Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics and Massage Therapy

Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing

Tufts University

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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