Medford is a city of about 60,000 people just north of Somerville, with Tufts University, the Middlesex Fells, and a Green Line station that now connects it directly to Boston. It suits people who want quick transit, more green space than Somerville, and a quieter neighborhood feel. It is not inexpensive, with a median home value of about $755,500 and median rent of about $2,509 a month, but it often costs less than Cambridge or Somerville for similar space. The move itself is about planning: pick a neighborhood near the transit you will use, watch for September 1 lease crowds near Tufts, and measure for older two-family homes with narrow stairs.
Stark Moving and Storage is based in the Boston area and moves households into Medford, Malden, Somerville, and the rest of the North Shore and greater Boston. We handle apartment and house moves, packing, storage, and piano moving. This guide covers the cost of living, best neighborhoods, schools, safety, and how to plan your move to Medford.
Medford by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Medford QuickFacts:
| Measure | Medford |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 59,834 |
| Median household income | About $129,540 |
| Median home value | About $755,500 |
| Median rent | About $2,509 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 54 percent |
| Average commute | About 30 minutes |
Why People Move to Medford
Green Line and Orange Line Access
The Green Line Extension ends at Medford/Tufts station, and the Orange Line stops at Wellington in South Medford. The commuter rail also stops in West Medford.
Tufts University
Tufts brings jobs, students, and events to the south side of the city, and the nearby streets have plenty of rentals.
Green Space
The Middlesex Fells Reservation covers the northern part of the city with hiking trails and reservoirs, and the Mystic River and Mystic Lakes run along the south and west.
A Step Up From Somerville
Many people move to Medford from Somerville for a bit more space and a quieter street. Our guide to moving to Somerville covers the city next door.
Best Neighborhoods in Medford
| Neighborhood | What it is like | Move notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medford Square | Downtown shops and restaurants | Busy streets, limited parking |
| West Medford | Commuter rail, quiet residential streets | Single-family and two-family homes |
| Hillside | Near Tufts, walkable | Student rentals and turnover |
| Wellington | Newer apartments by the Orange Line | Elevators and building rules |
| Fulton Heights | Near the Fells, residential | Hilly streets |
| Lawrence Estates | Larger homes in a quiet area | Driveways common |
Cost of Living in Medford
The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Middlesex County, which includes Medford:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $28,402 |
| Food, one adult | $5,118 |
| Transportation, one adult | $8,013 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $70,707 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $176,193 |
Rents near Tufts and the Green Line often run higher than these county averages.
Weather in Medford
| Measure | Medford | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 82 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 19 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 52 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 48 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 201 | 205 |
These BestPlaces averages mean cold, snowy winters. Hilly streets near the Fells can get icy, so keep a winter move flexible.
Schools in Medford
Medford Public Schools serves about 4,200 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 10 to 1. Niche gives the district an overall grade of B. Medford High School is the city’s public high school, and Medford Vocational Technical High School offers career programs.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Medford | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 1.8 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 12.5 | About 18 |
Both rates are well below the national median.
Planning Your Move to Medford
Avoid September 1 if You Can
Many leases near Tufts start on September 1. Our guide to September 1 moving explains how to handle it.
Finding a Rental
Medford rentals move fast near the T. Our guide to finding a Boston apartment covers broker fees and timing, and the advice applies here too.
Check Parking
Some Medford streets have resident parking rules. Ask the city about temporary parking for the truck if your street is tight.
Tip: Two-family homes often have a shared front stair. Coordinate move times with your downstairs neighbor so the stairway stays clear.
Pros and Cons of Living in Medford
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Green Line, Orange Line, and commuter rail | High rents near Tufts |
| Middlesex Fells and the Mystic River | Interstate 93 noise in some areas |
| Low crime rates | September 1 crowds |
| Often cheaper than Somerville | Older homes with narrow stairs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford, MA a good place to live?
For many people, yes. It has transit, green space, and low crime, at a lower cost than Cambridge or Somerville.
Does the Green Line go to Medford?
Yes. The Green Line Extension ends at Medford/Tufts station.
Is Medford safe?
Its violent and property crime rates are both well below the national median, according to NeighborhoodScout.
How much is rent in Medford?
The median gross rent is about $2,509 a month, according to the Census Bureau.
What is the best neighborhood in Medford?
West Medford suits families and commuters, while Hillside suits students and Tufts staff.
Is Medford cheaper than Somerville?
Often, yes, especially for larger units and homes.
Moving to Medford
Stark Moving & Storage provides reliable Medford movers for local and long-distance relocations, offering professional moving services tailored to residential and commercial needs. Our services include packing and unpacking, secure storage, custom crating, and specialized piano and fine art moving.
As a BBB-accredited moving company, Stark Moving & Storage prioritizes honesty, transparency, and efficiency throughout every move. Our experienced team serves Greater Boston and surrounding areas, helping customers relocate with confidence and peace of mind.