Sometimes it can seem like there are too many Boston suburbs to choose from, particularly if you are moving from outside the Boston area. Each community has its own personality and quirks, but that also gives each one its charm while retaining the one-of-a-kind Boston flavor. If you're thinking of moving to Stoneham MA, a middle-class enclave just about ten miles north of downtown Boston, here's a look at what you are getting into.
Stoneham is a popular place to raise a family. As of the 2010 U.S. census, there were 21,437 residents living in Stoneham, 9,458 housing units, and 8,994 households. Of these, 62% were family households, and 25% had children under 18. Husband-wife families made up about half of the family households, and 20% of those households had children under 18 living at home. Of the occupied housing units, 68% were owner-occupied and 32% were rented. Most of those rentals consisted of large apartment buildings. By far the rest of Stoneham's housing units were single-family homes.
Stoneham is not stunningly diverse. A whopping 93% of residents said they were white only at the 2010 census. Three percent reported that they were Hispanic or Latino. Less than one percent were Black. The median age was 44.3, compared to a national median of 37.8.
Stoneham residents love the neighborhood feel. It's small enough to feel like you've escaped from the city but offers easy access to Boston via Highway 93 or commuter rail. The southern part of Stoneham is taken up by the Middlesex Fells Reservation, which offers miles of hiking, jogging, and biking trails, as well as dog parks and access to the reservoir and ponds.
The Fells is a haven for those who want to get outdoors, and it's right down the road from all Stoneham residents. Stoneham is also home to a sports arena and skating rink, which is a popular stop in the winter. Overall, Stoneham's culture is that of a traditional middle-class town, plus the advantages of close proximity to all that Boston has to offer.
Most homes in Stoneham are single family dwellings, though there are also a number of condominiums and townhomes in the town.
Residents of Stoneham love the quiet environment, neighborly atmosphere, and good schools. Most residents are professionals, many of whom commute to Boston daily. The median household income in Stoneham is $76,127, somewhat higher than the median in the state of Massachusetts as a whole, which is $66,866. The median list price for a home in Stoneham today is $449,000, compared to $399,000 two years ago. Home prices are on the rise, which is both good and bad; it's a testament to a housing market that retains its value well, and a challenge to homebuyers who are looking for a great deal but find homes with consistently higher price tags.
The average commute time to Boston is just 24 minutes, the lowest of many surrounding suburbs because of its direct route to downtown on the commuter rail. Extensive bus routes also make it easy to get around without a car. And relatively pleasant weather--warmer than much of New England--makes for beautiful springs and summers, gorgeous fall foliage, and an average of 197 days of sunshine each year.
Redstone Shopping Center is an open-air mall that makes it easy and fun to find what you need or want, without making a time-consuming trip of it. And accessible green spaces make the town perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. What you can't do in Stoneham, you can do a hop away in Boston, so all the fine arts and culture of one of America's top cities are within easy access as well. You'll be able to get away from it all on a hiking trail or get in some retail therapy at the mall--and if that's not good enough, head downtown for the day. It can't hurt.
According to the Stoneham Historical Society, Stoneham has been around since 1634, when it was first settled and became part of Charlestown. It didn't separate from Charlestown to officially become Stoneham until 1725. The population remained very small until the industrial era, when it became a major shoe manufacturer.
Today, Stoneham is known for its small, quaint Main Street, the Stone Zoo, and the Middlesex Fells Reservation--all favorite places for residents to frequent. The National Register of Historic Places counts almost 70 historic buildings in Stoneham among its attractions, including the Boston & Maine Railroad Depot, the First Congregational Church, and the Stoneham Firestation, which is still in use today.
No matter where you are in your home search, having an experienced local agent on your side will make the home search and home-buying process so much easier. Movoto agents know the areas they represent incredibly well, and they'll be able to listen to your expectations, requirements and dreams for any home you'd consider, and make recommendations based on current market trends and their knowledge of Stoneham and the surrounding area.
