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Waltham, MA


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Waltham, Massachusetts

Introduction to Waltham, Massachusetts

Waltham, Massachusetts, in Middlesex county, is 9 miles W of Boston, Massachusetts. The municipality is located along the Charles River. Waltham means "home in the woods." The city was one of the prominent manufacturing locations during the Industrial Revolution. It's known as "Watch City" due to formerly being a prominent watch making location. Waltham includes numerous high-tech companies and is located in the Boston Route 128 High Technology Corridor. The town is a Boston suburb but has kept its unique character.

Waltham History

The area was settled in 1634 and was known as Watertown. Waltham was incorporated as a town in 1738. During the early portion of the 19th century the notable Boston Manufacturing Company was established in Waltham. It's regarded as one of the initial integrated textile mills in the nation. In 1854 the prominent Waltham Watch Company was established and was the first to produce watches by utilizing an assembly line. Over 40 million watches, clocks and instruments were produced. In the early stages of the 20th century the town was home to Metz, an automobile manufacturer.

Waltham Attractions

  • Gore Place is an historic mansion and includes a large carriage house.
  • Robert Treat Paine Estate is a historic country home.
  • Moody Street located in the downtown area features unique shops, numerous restaurants and bars and an active nightlife. Moody Street is also known as "Restaurant Row."
  • Lyman Estate is a notable historic Federal style mansion and features a grand ballroom.
  • The Sports Authority Training Center is home to a practice facility of the Boston Celtics.
  • Concerts on Waltham Common offers musical entertainment during the summer.
  • Charles River Museum of History is situated in the historic Boston Manufacturing Company textile mill. It features exhibits on a variety of inventions including steam engines, timepieces, bicycles, machine tools, automobiles and generators.
  • A. Wherehouse was used by the well known rock band Aerosmith. It features a recording studio and a stage.
  • Waltham Museum.
  • Codman House.
  • Waltham Watch Company Building.
  • Rose Art Museum is situated on the Brandeis University campus.
  • Gropius House.
  • Reagle Players.
  • Bentley College Performing Arts Series.
  • Numerous antique shops.

Waltham Activities

The Charles River is utilized for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing and sculling. The River Walk is a scenic walking and bicycle riding trail situated along the Charles River. The nearby Waldon Pond Forest is a scenic location. The city features an active nightlife and The Watch City Brewing Company and Skellig are two of the popular destinations. Residents enjoy the activities and the professional sports teams located in nearby Boston.

Waltham Higher Education

The city is home to Bentley College and Brandeis University.

Waltham Transportation

The MTBA offers commuter rail and bus services.

High Points

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

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 4%trophyWaltham Racial Diversity
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)
Top 6%Waltham Walking and Biking to Work
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. Peers)
Top 7%Waltham Well-Paid Single Women
Low Property Crime
(vs. Peers)
Top 7%Waltham Low Property Crime
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. Peers)
Top 8%Waltham Well-Paid Single Men
Public Transportation Use
(vs. Peers)
Top 12%Waltham Public Transportation Use

Comparative Profile of Waltham, MA

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

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Well-Paid Single Women109
Well-Paid Single Men109
Male Share of the Population87
Senior Citizens66
Racial Diversity610
Age of the Population51
Female Share of the Population34
Children Under 5 Years Old12

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married31
Average Household Size22

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults87
Median Family Income86
People in Middle Class or Better74
People Above Poverty73

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work910
Public Transportation Use99
Short Commute Times68
Working at Home53

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals1010
People Living Alone910
Seasonal and Vacation Housing84
Affordability of Property Taxes46
Affordability of Rents22
Housing Recently Built23

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime105
Low Violent Crime95

Detailed pages on related topics: Waltham collegesWaltham travelWaltham mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

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Waltham colleges and trade schools.
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Waltham hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Waltham MortgageWaltham Mortgage
Waltham property, mortgage, and real estate.

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