Wakefield 88 Exceptional
Wakefield Livability #8 ranked city in Massachusetts#172 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Wakefield

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Wakefield?

Located in the state of Massachusetts, Wakefield is a mid-sized city with a population of 27,041 inhabitants. In Wakefield, there are 3,658 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we look at the most recent Census, Wakefield is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. An important consideration when living in Wakefield is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 33 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Wakefield, Massachusetts could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Wakefield, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety and more.

The livability score in Wakefield is 88 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Wakefield would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Wakefield also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Wakefield has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (B) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Wakefield does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Living in Wakefield offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Wakefield provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Wakefield shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 150 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Wakefield has an unemployment rate of 1.87% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Wakefield can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Wakefield real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Wakefield. The median home price for Wakefield homes is $557,800, which is 63.6% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wakefield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 12.5% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wakefield

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Compare Wakefield, MA Livability

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      Wakefield transportation information

      Statistic Wakefield Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute33min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.6%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.0%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit9.4%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.9%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home9.7%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Wakefield, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).