Wakefield, MA is a Boston suburb located just 12 miles north of downtown. Beautiful homes, a rich history, and a fantastic small-town feel make Wakefield a popular choice for families and young professionals, though it's a relatively small community of about 24,000 residents. Wakefield was first settled in 1638 as part of Lynn Village. It separated from Lynn and incorporated as the town of Reading in 1644, and it wasn't until 1868 that the town adopted the name Wakefield after a man by that name donated land and money to build the town hall.
Today, Wakefield is home to America's largest model airplane manufacturer and a variety of beautifully-preserved historic architecture, along with highly-rated public schools and plenty of green space that residents love.
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At the 2010 census, Wakefield's population was 24,932, and increase of just 0.5% over 2000 census numbers. The vast majority (94.5%) of residents were White. Just 0.8% were Hispanic, 0.4% were Black, and 2.6% were Asian. The lack of diversity isn't uncommon among Boston suburbs, where white residents often of Irish and Italian descent ended up settling and building families.
Wakefield has always been home to many families. At the last census, half of Wakefield residents were married and 28% of households had a child under the age of 18. Fifty-two percent of households consisted of a married man and woman living together. There were 10,500 housing units in 2010, but some new construction since then has increased that number a bit. The average family size in Wakefield is 3.07, and the median age of all residents in the town is 41.9 years.
Politically, Wakefield leans to the left, like most of the Boston area, with 30.05% of the population voting Democratic, 57.5% non-partisan, and just 11.7% Republican.
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Coastal charm and quintessential New England attractions, from museums to farm stands, give Wakefield its one-of-a-kind feel. Lake Quannapowitt and Breakheart Reservation both offer plenty of opportunities for residents to spend some time in nature; canoeing and kayaking on the lake are always favorites. For more refined culture, it's a short hop on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter line to catch a concert at the Boston Conservatory or Symphony Hall.
Community events on the town common, concerts outside the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, and boat-dotted lakes capture a little of Wakefield's flavor. Wakefield residents tend to make more money than many living in other parts of the state. The median household income in Wakefield was $85,810 at the last census. That's almost $19,000 higher than the median household income of Massachusetts as a whole. The median home value is $499,900 right now, up from $375,900 in 2014.
Great schools also impact the quality of life of Wakefield citizens. As a matter of fact, Wakefield Memorial High School was ranked in the top 50 Boston area schools by Boston Magazine. A vocational school and Roman Catholic high school also give families more educational options. Local shopping at Market Street Wakefield and a variety of nearby restaurants also give residents plenty of opportunities to shop and dine without making a trip all the way into Boston.
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Wakefield is a quiet community that tends to stay out of the limelight, but it does have a few attractions, including the Lucius Beebe public library, which is home to many community events, and Lake Quannapowitt, at which countless community festivals are held every year. The nation's oldest inland yacht club, Sail Quannapowitt Yacht Club, is located on the lake's border.
A thriving local business district also offers locals everything they need nearby without having to commute. The historic Hartshorne House, built in 1681, is an interesting stop with a long and varied history that history buffs will find fascinating; for others, it's a lovely place to visit to get a taste of what life was like in early New England.
Wakefield is also known for a once-famous amusement park, Pleasure Island, that was rumored to be the "Disneyland of the North." Pleasure Island was only open ten short years, from 1959-1969, but during that time it hosted such illustrious entertainers as the Duke Ellington Band, the Glen Miller Band, and even the Three Stooges. Remnants of the park can still be found in the woods for those adventurous enough to don their hiking shoes.
If you're thinking about moving to Wakefield, it's a good idea to get in touch with a local agent now--whether you're just beginning your home search or you already know what you want. Movoto agents are area experts who know the area well and can tell you everything you want to know about the different neighborhoods, proximity to public transportation, and the real estate market in Wakefield and in surrounding towns. Feel free to contact an agent today so you'll have someone working with you to find the perfect Wakefield home!
