So, You Want to Live in Medford, Mass.?

1. Pick Your Price Point

Medford’s housing market is increasingly competitive, with homes spending an average of just 19 days on the market. The city’s single-family homes—often in classic, well-maintained styles that require little to no renovation—sold for a median price of $910,000 in 2025. Buyers seeking something more contemporary will find newer condos with modern finishes starting in the $600,000s, offering a more attainable entry point into the city.

Photo by Lane Turner/the Boston Globe

2. Plot Your Commute

With multiple MBTA stops, Medford is an easy launchpad for commuters headed into Boston. The Green Line’s E Branch delivers riders from the Medford/Tufts stop to downtown in about 25 minutes, while the Orange Line is accessible via Wellington Station. There’s also the Lowell Line commuter-rail stop in West Medford, for those heading into Boston from farther afield. Driving can take as little as 15 minutes without traffic—though during rush hour, expect 30 minutes or more.

Photo courtesy of Medford Chamber of Commerce

3. Take in the Vibe

At the heart of the city, Medford Square anchors the community with a mix of indie cafés, neighborhood restaurants, and longtime family-owned businesses such as Roland’s Jewelry on High Street. Dining options span cuisines, from Mexican favorites at El Tacuba to Irish pub fare at Mrs. Murphy’s to Best of Boston doughnuts at Donuts with a Difference, making the square a go-to for locals. In other parts of town, Mediterranean-inspired fare beckons at Semolina Kitchen & Bar, while a massive drink list awaits at Great American Beer Hall (which also plays host to the winter farmers market).

The Chevalier Theatre / Photo by Bryan Lasky

4. Check out the Culture

Set along the Mystic River, Medford’s past runs deep—from its 19th-century rum-distilling prowess to its once-thriving shipbuilding industry. That history is on full display at the Medford Historical Society & Museum. The arts scene gets a boost from Tufts University Art Galleries, which hosts rotating art exhibitions, workshops, and talks. For live entertainment, the Chevalier Theatre remains a local favorite—drawing nationally touring musicians, comedians, and stage productions—while Deep Cuts provides a more intimate space for live music (and pinball).

Photo by John Tlumacki/the Boston Globe

5. Scope out the Schools

Home to Tufts University, Medford also offers a solid public school system, with four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Private options include the Saint Raphael Parish School, which offers Catholic education through middle school.

This article was first published in the print edition of the March 2026 issue with the headline, “So You Want to Live In…Medford.”