Medford, Massachusetts is a historic and welcoming city located just five miles northwest of downtown Boston. Bordered by Somerville, Arlington, Winchester, and Malden, Medford offers a rare blend of urban accessibility and suburban comfort. With its scenic parks, strong schools, and vibrant neighborhoods the city provides a diverse mix of housing, culture, and community spirit. Home to Tufts University and the picturesque Mystic River, Medford remains one of Greater Boston’s most convenient and desirable places to live.
Nestled along the Mystic River and located just five miles northwest of downtown Boston, Medford is a thriving city that blends deep historic roots with modern-day livability. Situated in Middlesex County, Medford is bordered by Somerville, Arlington, Winchester, Stoneham, Malden, and Everett — offering residents easy access to Boston, Cambridge, and key commuter routes like I-93 and Route 16.
Founded in 1630 and incorporated in 1892, Medford has evolved from its early shipbuilding and manufacturing heritage into a vibrant, family-friendly community. The city’s diverse neighborhoods — including West Medford, North Medford, Wellington, and the Hillside/Tufts area — each bring their own sense of identity and charm.
Education plays a central role in Medford’s character. The city is home to Tufts University, whose hilltop campus spans the Medford/Somerville line and contributes greatly to the community’s energy, culture, and economy. Medford Public Schools and several private and charter options also provide strong educational foundations for families.
Medford is known for its abundant green space and recreation. The Middlesex Fells Reservation, one of the region’s largest conservation areas, offers over 2,200 acres of forests, ponds, and trails for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventure — right within city limits. Along the Mystic River, residents enjoy boating, walking paths, and scenic picnic areas.
In recent years, Medford has experienced exciting revitalization, particularly around Wellington Circle and the River’s Edge development, bringing new restaurants, housing, and business opportunities. Access to the MBTA Orange Line, commuter rail, and multiple bus routes makes it easy to commute throughout Greater Boston.
With its combination of history, green space, community pride, and convenience, Medford offers something for everyone — from students and first-time buyers to families and long-time residents. It remains one of the area’s most dynamic and well-connected cities, offering a true balance of comfort, culture, and accessibility.
Incorporated: 1892
Area: 8.7 square miles
Population (2020 Census): 59,659
Neighborhoods: 9 recognized, including West Medford, North Medford, Wellington, Hillside, and South Medford
FY2025 Residential Tax Rate: $9.99 per $1,000 of assessed value
61,276 people live in Medford, where the median age is 35 and the average individual income is $59,655. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Medford, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Hodgkin's Spa, P+E Wellness, and Teddy Cox Personal Training.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $ | 1.84 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.51 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.26 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.02 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.61 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.34 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.05 miles | 18 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.37 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.46 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.18 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Medford has 24,586 households, with an average household size of 2.32. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Medford do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 61,276 people call Medford home. The population density is 7,481.92 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
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White Collar:
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