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.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
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.
Waltham, Massachusetts is a medium-sized city with a population of 62,597 inhabitants. Waltham has a population density of 4,912 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 70%, the majority of the Waltham population is White; this is followed by 12% Asian and 8% Black. Waltham is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 44% married, this city falls well below the national average. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Waltham is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 25 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Living in Waltham can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Massachusetts, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Waltham and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.
The livability score in Waltham is 80/100 and the city is ranked in the 95th percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Waltham ranks well in multiple categories! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Waltham has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), education (B-) and housing (B-). There is at least one category that did not score well in Waltham. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Waltham gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 150 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Waltham has an unemployment rate of 1.79% 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 Waltham 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Waltham. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Waltham are affordable. Median real estate prices in Waltham come in at $574,000, which is 68.3% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waltham, the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 25% higher than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Waltham | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.3% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.9% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.1% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.2% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.4% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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