Watertown is a compact town of about 36,000 people between Cambridge, Newton, and Waltham, with a fast-growing life sciences scene, the Arsenal Yards development, and a quieter feel than its neighbors. It suits professionals working in Cambridge or the Route 128 corridor, couples and families who want to be close to Boston without city density, and renters looking for newer buildings. It is not inexpensive. The median home value is about $784,600 and median rent is about $2,502 a month. Watertown has no subway, so plan your commute around buses, the Mass Pike, or a short drive to the Red Line. For the move, check your building’s elevator and parking rules early, avoid end-of-month dates if you can, and measure large furniture if you are moving into an older two-family house.
Stark Moving and Storage is based in the Boston area and moves households into Watertown and its neighbors, including Waltham, Newton, and Cambridge. We handle local and long distance moves, packing, and storage. Here is what to know about living in Watertown and how to plan the move.
Watertown by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Watertown QuickFacts:
| Measure | Watertown |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 35,710 |
| Median household income | About $126,265 |
| Median home value | About $784,600 |
| Median rent | About $2,502 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 48 percent |
| Average commute | About 27.6 minutes |
| Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher | About 66.5 percent |
Why People Move to Watertown
Location
Watertown sits between Cambridge, Newton, and Waltham. Harvard Square is a short drive or bus ride, and the Mass Pike is close by. If you are weighing the neighbors, our guides to moving to Cambridge and moving to Newton cover them.
Life Sciences Jobs
Watertown has become one of the region’s growing life sciences hubs, with lab and office space along Arsenal Street and nearby. Many residents work locally or in Cambridge.
Arsenal Yards and Watertown Square
Arsenal Yards brought new apartments, shops, and restaurants to the east end, while Watertown Square remains the town’s traditional center.
The Charles River
The Charles River runs along Watertown’s southern edge with walking and biking paths.
Best Neighborhoods in Watertown
| Area | What it is like | Move notes |
|---|---|---|
| East End and Arsenal Yards | Newer apartments and shops | Elevators and move reservations |
| Watertown Square | Town center, older buildings | Busy traffic, street parking |
| Coolidge Square | Small business district near Cambridge | Multi-family homes |
| West End | Residential, near Waltham | Two-family houses and single-family homes |
| Oakley and the north side | Quieter residential streets | Driveways and older homes |
Housing
Watertown mixes newer apartment buildings, especially in the east end, with older two-family houses and single-family homes. Newer buildings mean elevators and building rules. Older houses mean narrow stairs and tight turns.
Tip: If you are moving into a new building near Arsenal Yards, ask the leasing office for move-in rules the day you sign. Freight elevator slots and loading dock times fill quickly near the end of the month.
Cost of Living in Watertown
Watertown is expensive, though usually less so than Cambridge or Newton. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Middlesex County, which includes Watertown:
| 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 |
These are county averages, so rents in Watertown’s newer buildings often run higher. Budget for a parking space if your building charges for one.
Weather in Watertown
BestPlaces lists these climate averages:
| Measure | Watertown | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 83 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 19 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 53 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 47 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 198 | 205 |
Expect cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Newer buildings near Arsenal Yards usually have central air, while older two-family houses often do not.
Schools in Watertown
Watertown Public Schools is a small district with about 2,850 students and a student-teacher ratio of about 10 to 1. Niche gives it an overall grade of B plus. Watertown High School is the town’s public high school.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Watertown | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 1.5 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 18.6 | About 18 |
Violent crime is well below the national median, while property crime is close to it. Car break-ins and package theft are the main things to guard against.
Getting Around
- MBTA buses connect Watertown to Harvard Square, Central Square, and downtown Boston
- The Mass Pike is a short drive from most of town
- Biking along the Charles River is a popular commute to Cambridge and Boston
- No subway. The nearest Red Line stations are in Cambridge
If you need rail, factor in a bus or a short drive to the Red Line.
The Move
A move to Watertown from Boston or a neighboring town is a local move billed by the hour. If you are coming from Waltham, our tips for Waltham apartment moves apply to the old address. For nearby options, our guide to moving to Waltham covers the town just west.
Timing matters too. End-of-month and summer dates fill first, and our guide on booking movers ahead covers how early to call.
Things to Do in Watertown
- Arsenal Yards has restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and seasonal events
- The Charles River path runs along the south side of town for walking, running, and biking
- The Armenian Museum of America reflects the town’s large and long-standing Armenian community
- Mount Auburn Cemetery sits on the Cambridge line and is a popular spot for walks and birdwatching
- Watertown Square has local restaurants, bakeries, and markets
Weekends are easy to fill without leaving town, and Cambridge and Boston are close when you want more.
Your First Month in Watertown
- Apply for any parking permit your street requires
- Set up utilities and internet
- Learn your trash and recycling day
- Find your nearest bus routes
- Update your address with the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Pros and Cons of Living in Watertown
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Central location near Cambridge and Newton | No subway station |
| Low violent crime | High rents and home prices |
| Growing life sciences jobs | Busy traffic in Watertown Square |
| Charles River paths and Arsenal Yards | Older homes with narrow stairs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Watertown, MA a good place to live?
For many people, yes. It offers a central location, growing job opportunities in life sciences, and a quieter feel than Cambridge or Boston.
Does Watertown have a T station?
No subway station. MBTA buses connect Watertown to Harvard Square and downtown Boston.
How much is rent in Watertown?
The median gross rent is about $2,502 a month, according to Census figures.
What is Arsenal Yards?
A mixed-use development in Watertown’s east end with apartments, shops, and restaurants.
Is Watertown cheaper than Cambridge?
It is generally less expensive than Cambridge, though still well above the state average.
How long does a move to Watertown take?
A one or two-bedroom apartment from a nearby town usually takes half a day.
Moving to Watertown
Stark Moving and Storage provides local and long-distance moving services throughout greater Boston, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Washington, DC. Our services include packing and unpacking, storage, custom crating, and specialized piano and fine art moving. Whether you’re moving within the area or relocating to Watertown, MA, our team works to keep your move organized and efficient.
Our Watertown movers are committed to honesty, transparency, and efficiency at every stage of the moving process. Contact us at (866) 656-6029 to discuss your moving needs and request an estimate for your upcoming move to Watertown.