Livability Score

80
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities F

There are not many amenities close to this location.
Coffee (9) F
Cafe on the Common
Coffee Shop
Cafeteria
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Kung Fu Tea
Coffee Shop
The Spot Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Dunkin' Donuts
Coffee Shop
L'Aroma Cafe
Coffee Shop
Bocca Bella
Coffee Shop
Caffè Nero
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
O'Some Café
Coffee Shop
George Howell
Coffee Shop
Mark and Tonis
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Vicki Lee's
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Belmont Caffe
Coffee Shop
Black Bear Café
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
MA France
Coffee Shop
Moozy's
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (7) F
Waltham Museum
Museum
Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation
Museum
Landmark Embassy Cinema
Cinema
The Telephone Museum
Museum
Rose Art Museum
Museum
Rose Art Museum
Museum
Goldman-Schwartz Fine Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Gore Place
Museum
turtle studios
Art Gallery
West Newton Cinema
Cinema
Turtle Lane Playhouse
Theatre Arts
Studio Cinema
Cinema
Armenian Museum of America
Museum
Jackson Homestead and Museum
Museum
Bowman Tavern
Attraction
Drive By Projects
Art Gallery
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
Museum
Golden Ball Tavern Museum
Museum
vernal pool
Attraction
Munroe Tavern
Museum
Lexington Arts and Crafts Society
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (54) D-
Ryans Liquors
Alcohol
McDonald's
Fast Food
Moe's Southwest Grill
Fast Food
The Mad Raven
Bar
Joe Sent Me
Bar
Dunkin' Donuts
Fast Food
Bullets Bar & Grill
Bar
Subway
Fast Food
Wendy's
Fast Food
Anna's Pizza House
Fast Food
Sabatino's Italian Kitchen
Fast Food
Lena's
Fast Food
Post Road Tavern
Bar
Gordon's Fine Wine & Liquors
Alcohol
Pizza & Wings
Fast Food
Domenic's
Fast Food
KFC
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
D'Angelo
Fast Food
Dunkin' Donuts
Fast Food
Five Guys
Fast Food
Mimi's Roast Beef and Seafood
Fast Food
Chipotle
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Panera Bread
Fast Food
Fitness (1) F
Central Rock Gym
Gym
Central Rock Gym - Watertown
Gym
Lexington Community Center
Community Centre
Groceries (9) F
Hannaford
Grocery Store
Brothers Marketplace
Grocery Store
Market Basket
Grocery Store
Emma's Macarons
Bakery
India Market Seafood
Seafood
Waltham India Market
Grocery Store
Patel Brothers
Grocery Store
Shaw's
Grocery Store
Shaw's
Grocery Store
Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
Russo's & Sons'
Grocery Store
Star Market
Grocery Store
KOKO Bakery
Bakery
Bake A Wish
Bakery
Star Market
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
Star Market
Grocery Store
Wilson Farm
Grocery Store
Garden Remedies Newton
Bakery
Wilson Farm
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Great Harvest
Bakery
Tabrizi Bakery
Bakery
Quebrada Baking Co.
Bakery
Parks (39) C-
Bradford Drake Playground
Park
Leary Field
Park
Thompson Playground
Park
Waltham Common
Park
Lazazzero Playground
Park
Richard Landry Park
Park
Riverwalk Park
Park
McKenna Playground
Park
Nipper Maher Park
Park
Chemistry Station Park
Park
Hillcroft Playground
Park
Peter Gilmore Playground
Park
Fitch Water Spray Park
Playground
Lowell Field
Park
McDonald Playground
Park
Graverson Playground
Park
Cornelia Warren Field
Park
Monsignor McCabe/ Warrendale Playground
Park
Cedarwood Playground
Park
Hagop N. "Jack" Koutoujian Playground
Park
Logan Park
Park
Roberts Playground
Park
Bemis Playground
Park
Spray Deck
Playground
Canalouga Park
Park
Shops (30) D-
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Frank's Spoke 'N Wheel
Bicycle
T & T Nails
Beauty
Queen Nails Salon
Beauty
Frank’s Barber Shop
Hairdresser
Family Market
Convenience Store
Shell
Convenience Store
Food Mart
Convenience Store
More Than Words
Books
Speedway
Convenience Store
Pet Supplies Plus
Pets
TJ Maxx
Clothing
Hair Crew
Hairdresser
The Paper Store (Hallmark)
Gift Shop
Marshalls
Department Store
Cronin's Market
Convenience Store
Petco
Pets
True Convenience
Convenience Store
The Home Depot
Home Improvement
A1 Market
Convenience Store
Edible Arrangements
Gift Shop
Tedeschi Food Shops
Convenience Store
T-Mobile
Electronics
Supercuts
Hairdresser
Pro-Tech Corner Store
Convenience Store
See more Waltham amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 6.1% take public transportation in Waltham.
Public Transit Stops (277)
Stops & Stations A+
Bacon St @ Clark Ln
Bus Stop
Totten Pond Rd @ Pond End Rd
Bus Stop
Bacon St opp Clark Ln
Bus Stop
Totten Pond Rd @ Rando Ln
Bus Stop
Bacon St @ Greenwood Ln
Bus Stop
Totten Pond Rd @ Rondo Ln
Bus Stop
Bacon St opp Greenwood Ln
Bus Stop
Lexington St opp Lincoln St
Bus Stop
Lexington St @ Lincoln St
Bus Stop
Bacon St @ Kendall Pk
Bus Stop
Bacon St @ Varnum Pk
Bus Stop
Dale St opp Caughey St
Bus Stop
Dale St @ Claremont St
Bus Stop
Bacon St @ Dale St
Bus Stop
Dale St @ Bacon St
Bus Stop
Lexington St @ Curve St
Bus Stop
Lexington St opp Curve St
Bus Stop
Opp 45 Dale St
Bus Stop
45 Dale St
Bus Stop
Tomlin St @ Dale St
Bus Stop
Dale St @ Lexington St
Bus Stop
Lexington St @ Stanley Rd
Bus Stop
184 Hammond St
Bus Stop
Dale St @ Lexington St
Bus Stop
Lexington St opp Stanley Rd
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
6.1% B
See more Waltham commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Waltham is 166/100 - which is 25% higher than Massachusetts.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc. F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax A
See more Waltham cost of living data

crime A+

Waltham crime rates are 699 per 100k, which is 50% lower than Massachusetts
Property Crime
549 crimes per 100k A+
Violent Crime
150 crimes per 100k A+
See more Waltham crime data

employment A+

The median income in Waltham is $95,851 - which is 35% higher than Massachusetts.
Med. Household Income
$95,851 A+
Unemployment Rate
1.8% A+
See more Waltham employment data

health A+

There are not many hospitals, police and fire stations,
Health & Safety (24)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc. A+
Waltham Fire Department
Fire Station
Waltham Police Department
Police
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Watch City Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Rogers Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Failla and DeFrancesco Family Dentistry
Dentist
Waltham Fire Department
Fire Station
Waltham Fire Department
Fire Station
CVS
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Waltham Police Community Substation
Police
Boston IVF Fertility Clinic
Clinic
Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston
Doctor
Mass General Waltham
Hospital
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Boston Children's at Waltham
Hospital
Waltham Fire Department
Fire Station
Waltham Fire Department
Fire Station
PhysicianOne Urgent Care
Clinic
Waltham Fire Department
Fire Station
Golding Health Center
Doctor
Stoneman Infirmary and Public Safety
Police
Waltham Dental
Dentist
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Lexington Smile Studio Fawn Rosenberg DMD FAGD
Dentist
Air Quality
Median Air Quality B-
See more Waltham health & safety data

housing B+

Waltham home prices are $574,000 - which is 68% higher than Massachusetts
Home Price
$574,000 A+
Home Appreciation Rate
24% A+
Home Affordability
6x (home price to income ratio) F
See more Waltham housing data

schools B-

The Waltham graduation rate is 89% - which is 3% higher than Massachusetts
School Test Scores
49% F
High School Grad. Rates
89% B+
Elementary Schools (11) F
Thomas R Plympton Elementary School
Milestones Day School
John W. Mcdevitt Middle School
John F Kennedy Middle
Douglas Macarthur Elementary School
Northeast Elementary School
Waltham Public Schools Dual Language Program
Henry Whittemore Elementary School
William F. Stanley Elementary School
St Jude School
James Fitzgerald Elementary School
Cotting School
Jewish Community Day School
Franklin
Cunniff
Atrium School
Lexington Montessori School
The Fessenden School
Cns/Pathways Academy
C C Burr
F A Day Middle
Bowman
Horace Mann
Daniel Butler
Watertown Middle
High Schools (4) B-
Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall School
Waltham Sr High
Milestones Day School
Gann Academy-The New Jewish High School
The Cambridge School Of Weston
Cotting School
The Fessenden School
Arlington School
Cns/Pathways Academy
Waldorf High School Of Massachusetts Bay
Clearway School
Belmont Hill School
Cats Academy Boston
Newton North High
Watertown High
Meadowridge Pelham Academy
Lexington High
Perkins School For The Blind
Belmont High
See more Waltham education data

ratings A+

Waltham has an overall rating of 88% from 15 reviews.
User Reviews (4)
From AreaVibes A+
User Surveys (11)
From AreaVibes A+
See more Waltham user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

Waltham, MA Area Guide

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Photo of Waltham, MA
( 15 Ratings )

Living in Waltham, MA

Ranks better than 80% of areas Follow

Waltham Area Facts

  • Waltham has a Livability Score of 80/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Waltham crime rates are 50% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • Cost of living in Waltham is 25% higher than the Massachusetts average

What do the locals think about Waltham?

Based on 12 votes from AreaVibes users. Take the poll
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Waltham Reviews

Write a review about Waltham Tell people what you like or don't like about Waltham…
Longterm resident who loves the city 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 19, 2022) I've lived in either Waltham or neighboring Watertown since 1988 (and just wish that I had gotten some real estate here!). It's a friendly city with lots of resources, history, and amenities. Learn about the Industrial Revolution (Charles River Museum) and live near other histori ...Read More c cities (Lexington and Concord). Good public transportation during most hours. The South Side is more accessible if you are car-free. Walk along the river, visit the variety of restaurants on Moody St., and visit the Brandeis U. Rose Art Museum. There's something for most people here. 3 Dollar stores on Moody St. next to trendy restaurants. It has a fun and somewhat funky vibe. The commuter rail goes to Cambridge (as does the bus) and North Station. The only downside can be that the real estate is now very expensive...but there are some resources for affordable apts. Home to famous old Watch Factory. Accessible to Boston and many other key locations. Read Less
Waltham Equals Opportunity 5 rating By Skittles2527 ( Mar 29, 2017) I came to Waltham when I bought my first house as a single adult female about 10 years ago. Back then the housing market was more affordable and I got a lot of house for my buck. The most notable benefit of Waltham, is the fact that there is something for almost anyone here. I ...Read More f you're having a housing issue, you've been threatened by foreclosure by your mortgage lender or for whatever reason, can't afford to pay your rent, you will likely find the solution to your issue, within Waltham. I have, since the beginning, felt a lot of support from my neighbors and friends in and around Waltham. Waltham is mostly an inclusive city where everyone is welcomed and accepted, as long as you are doing your share to keep up with those around you. Read Less
Waltham, MA - A Gateway to History, Education & Diversity 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 19, 2011) I worked in Waltham, MA for 2 years and have lived within a 5 minute car ride for the last decade. From the outside looking in Waltham is a different type of city. It is a nearby suburb of Boston and at first glance it can seem it simply sits in the "big city's" shadow.

I liked ...Read More being so close to Boston and due to its proximity Waltham gets a very diverse speckling of cultures within its city borders. The restaurants and shops that line Moody Street offered myself and residents a wide range of options when looking to eat or buy.

Not known to many is the large educational presence in Waltham. Brandeis University and Bentely University are planted in the heart of the city and the college night life offers many options, to include taking the transit system into Boston. Also, Regis and Harvard College hug Waltham's borders.

Waltham sits smack dab in the middle of Boston and the Lexington/Concord/Bedford area of Massachusetts. I was able to enter some of this country's most historical districts inside of a 5 minute car ride. The Battlefield of Lexington Green, The Paul Revere capture spot and of course, Boston's Freedom Trail! Read Less
Wandering In Waltham, MA 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 03, 2011) I am an avid history buff and Waltham, Massachusetts fed my desire for more information. I visited the "Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution", as it is known, in May of 2010. I spent 5 days there and could have spent 5 more.

There are many historical buildings to vis ...Read More it. My favorite was Gore Place. It is the historic county courthouse. The mansion, set on 45-acres, was built in 1806. They give guided tours, which I absolutely loved. Waltham is perfect for the person who just likes to walk everywhere. I also visited the Charles Riverwalk, which was very crowded on a Wednesday night, by people fishing, jogging, and just walking. My only complaint is that the shopping venues and restaurants were expensive. Read Less
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Waltham, MA - A Gateway to History, Education & Diversity 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 19, 2011) I worked in Waltham, MA for 2 years and have lived within a 5 minute car ride for the last decade. From the outside looking in Waltham is a different type of city. It is a nearby suburb of Boston and at first glance it can seem it simply sits in the "big city's" shadow.

I liked ...Read More being so close to Boston and due to its proximity Waltham gets a very diverse speckling of cultures within its city borders. The restaurants and shops that line Moody Street offered myself and residents a wide range of options when looking to eat or buy.

Not known to many is the large educational presence in Waltham. Brandeis University and Bentely University are planted in the heart of the city and the college night life offers many options, to include taking the transit system into Boston. Also, Regis and Harvard College hug Waltham's borders.

Waltham sits smack dab in the middle of Boston and the Lexington/Concord/Bedford area of Massachusetts. I was able to enter some of this country's most historical districts inside of a 5 minute car ride. The Battlefield of Lexington Green, The Paul Revere capture spot and of course, Boston's Freedom Trail! Read Less
Wandering In Waltham, MA 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 03, 2011) I am an avid history buff and Waltham, Massachusetts fed my desire for more information. I visited the "Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution", as it is known, in May of 2010. I spent 5 days there and could have spent 5 more.

There are many historical buildings to vis ...Read More it. My favorite was Gore Place. It is the historic county courthouse. The mansion, set on 45-acres, was built in 1806. They give guided tours, which I absolutely loved. Waltham is perfect for the person who just likes to walk everywhere. I also visited the Charles Riverwalk, which was very crowded on a Wednesday night, by people fishing, jogging, and just walking. My only complaint is that the shopping venues and restaurants were expensive. Read Less

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Waltham Awards

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Compare Waltham, MA Livability

      vs

      F Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Waltham? Well, there are not many amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Bradford Drake Playground
      Leary Field
      Thompson Playground
      Waltham Common
      Lazazzero Playground
      Richard Landry Park
      Riverwalk Park
      McKenna Playground

      Entertainment

      Waltham Museum
      Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation
      Landmark Embassy Cinema
      The Telephone Museum
      Rose Art Museum
      Rose Art Museum
      Goldman-Schwartz Fine Arts Center
      Gore Place

      Food & Drink

      Ryans Liquors
      McDonald's
      Moe's Southwest Grill
      The Mad Raven
      Joe Sent Me
      Dunkin' Donuts
      Bullets Bar & Grill
      Subway

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Waltham? Of all people who commute, 6.1% take public transportation in Waltham.
      Drive to Work
      66%

      10% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      6%

      1% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      7%

      4% higher than the US average

      F Cost of Living

      What is the cost of living in Waltham? The cost of living in Waltham is 166/100 - which is 25% higher than Massachusetts.
      Waltham
      166

      66% more expensive than average

      Massachusetts
      133

      33% more expensive than average

      United States
      100

      National cost of living index

      A+ Crime

      What is the crime rate in Waltham? Waltham crime rates are 699, which are 50% lower than Massachusetts
      Total Crime
      699 per 100k people

      70% lower than the US average

      Chance of being a victim
      1 in 144

      70% lower than the US average

      Year-over-year crime
      20%

      Year over year crime is up

      A+ Employment

      What is the median income in Waltham? The median income in Waltham is $95,851 which is 35% higher than Massachusetts.
      Median household income
      $95,85173% higher than the US average
      Income per capita
      $44,97751% higher than the US average
      Unemployment rate
      2%

      62% lower than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Waltham a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Boston Children's at Waltham
      Mass General Waltham

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Rogers Pharmacy
      CVS
      Walgreens
      Watch City Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston
      Golding Health Center

      B+ Housing

      What are Waltham home prices? Waltham home prices are $574,000 - which is 68% higher than Massachusetts
      Median home value
      $574,000211% higher than the US average
      Median rent price
      $1,77487% higher than the US average
      Home Ownership
      50%

      21% lower than the US average

      B- Schools

      Does Waltham have good schools? The Waltham graduation rate is 89% - which is 3% higher than Massachusetts
      High school grad. rates
      89%

      8% higher than the US average

      School test scores
      49%

      2% higher than the US average

      Student teacher ratio
      11:1

      32% lower than the US average

      A+ User Ratings

      Is Waltham a good place to live? Waltham has an overall rating of 88% from 15 reviews.
      Overall user rating
      88%

      15 total ratings

      User reviews rating
      90%

      4 total reviews

      User surveys rating
      84%

      11 total surveys

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