Wakefield,MA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, MA, is a charming town just north of Boston known for its friendly community vibe and picturesque settings. The best neighborhoods in Wakefield offer a perfect blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience, making it a sought-after place to live. Whether you're drawn to quiet residential streets or areas buzzing with local shops and eateries, Wakefield neighborhoods map reveals a diverse array of options that cater to different lifestyles and preferences.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Wakefield’s neighborhoods each have their own unique flavor. For instance, the downtown area near Lake Quannapowitt is popular for its lively atmosphere, featuring cozy cafes like Sweet Brew Coffee House and waterfront dining options such as The Cottage. Families often gravitate towards the West Side, known for its tree-lined streets and larger homes, perfect for those seeking a peaceful suburban feel. Meanwhile, the East Side offers a mix of charming historic homes and convenient access to local parks and schools, making it ideal for young professionals and growing families alike.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
One of the perks of living in Wakefield is its excellent transit options. The Wakefield Commuter Rail station, situated near the downtown area, provides a direct link to Boston’s North Station, making the commute easy for those working in the city. Wakefield neighborhoods map highlights that many areas are within walking distance or a short drive to this hub, ensuring accessibility for residents. Additionally, local bus routes connect various parts of town and neighboring communities, which enhances the convenience for those without a car.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Wakefield is rich in recreational and cultural activities. Lake Quannapowitt is a centerpiece, offering beautiful walking trails, kayaking, and seasonal events like the annual Fourth of July fireworks. The town also boasts several parks such as Greenwood Park, perfect for family outings and sports. For those who enjoy arts and entertainment, the Wakefield Farmers Market and local art shows bring the community together throughout the year. With numerous restaurants, from Italian spots like La Campagna to casual eateries like Ginger Garden, there’s always something delicious to try.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
Wakefield is home to a few post-secondary educational institutions primarily located near the town center. The neighborhood surrounding the downtown area includes institutions like North Shore Community College’s satellite campus, which serves local students seeking higher education close to home. This central location allows easy access for students to public transportation and neighborhood amenities, making it a vibrant part of the community focused on learning and growth.
What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?
Many might not realize that Wakefield’s neighborhoods have a rich historical background intertwined with modern developments. The town’s original mill village areas, such as those near the Saugus River, feature quaint historic homes and buildings that tell the story of Wakefield’s industrial past. Additionally, some neighborhoods boast hidden gems like community gardens and small boutique shops that are favorites among locals but less known to visitors. Exploring the Wakefield neighborhoods map can reveal these lesser-known spots, adding an extra layer of charm to the town’s appeal.
Wakefield Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodville | 44.4 | 26.3% | $641,357 | $139,787 | 4.7 |
| East Side | 40 | 23% | $563,163 | $121,007 | 4.8 |
| Downtown | 42.1 | 22.1% | $560,143 | $112,578 | 5.0 |
| Greenwood | 44.5 | 29% | $663,418 | $141,066 | 5.0 |
| West Side | 46.6 | 25.5% | $626,900 | $131,816 | 5.0 |
| Montrose | 44.2 | 25% | $631,823 | $120,873 | 6.6 |
Wakefield neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Wakefield—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Wakefield, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Wakefield
| Crime |
Reported |
Wakefield /100k |
MA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 16 | 56.0 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | 7.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 32 | 111.9 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 50 | 175 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | 45.5 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 84 | 293.8 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 20 | 69.9 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 117 | 409 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 167 | 584 | 1,427 | 2,119 |