Woburn, MA is a town of 38,000 residents located nine miles north of downtown Boston. Offering more amenities per capita than any other Boston suburb, a short average commute time, and plenty of beautiful, moderately-priced homes, there's a reason Woburn is ranked one of the 10 best Boston suburbs to live in. Woburn's rich history, established sense of community, and proximity to fantastic shopping, dining, and other activities makes it a popular choice for families and young professionals alike. 

What types of homes are most common in Woburn? 

Woburn real estate

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Like many other Boston suburbs, Woburb is home to mostly single-family homes, a smattering of condominium buildings, and a few apartments. The median list price for single family homes is currently $469,000, up significantly from $369,900 five years ago. Most of these homes feature colonial-style architecture and were built around the turn of the 20th century, when the Industrial Revolution was spurring rapid population growth and expansion.

You'll also find beautifully-maintained capes built in the mid-1900's and some new construction in developments in central and southern Woburn. Many of the homes are smaller in scale and lot sizes are also relatively small, forming cozy neighborhoods with the tight-knit community feel that you'd expect in a much smaller town. A few condos are also available--some created from large colonial homes that were subdivided, others in more modern high-rise buildings. The median condo list price is just $389,900, significantly lower than that of single-family homes. 

How family-friendly is the town? 

Woburn real estate

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Woburn is known as a safe community, with just 1,485 total number of crimes per 100,000 people--compared to 2,962 crimes per 100,000 in the United States as a whole. The town is home to eight public elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, as well as a private K-12 Catholic school. As with all towns in Massachusetts, parents can choose to send their child to any school in their district, so there's some flexibility when it comes to choosing the best educational opportunities for your child. 

There are also plenty of family-friendly things to do both in Woburn itself and within driving distance. The Woburn Public Library is spellbinding thanks to its old-world Richardson architecture--many residents say it looks like a castle, which is fun for adults and children alike. And when you step inside, a huge children's section and countless resources for both children and teens make the library beautiful, educational, and eye-opening. 

Families can stop and see the gorillas at Virunga Gorilla Experts, spend an afternoon climbing at the Boston Rock Gym, catch a movie at the cinema, or spend an evening at the Woburn Bowladrome. Plenty of green spaces and parks also make Woburn a great place for families to get outside and explore. 

What fitness and outdoors opportunities does Woburn have to offer? 

Woburn real estate

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Horn Pond is one of the most popular outdoor spots in Woburn. The pond is surrounded by a wide, landscaped path about two miles long, perfect for joggers, walkers, and those with strollers. It's also an ideal spot for fishing and non-gas-powered boats like canoes and kayaks. Ample city parks and green spaces also provide great opportunities to get outside. A rock climbing gym, multiple fitness gyms, and other indoor facilities make it easy to stay active, and the Tri-County Greenway which is currently being constructed will provide even more opportunities for bikers and runners in the area. 

The Middlesex Fells Reservation is also just a few miles away. The Fells, as locals call the reservation, encompasses over 2,500 acres and miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more, depending on the season. 

Are there entertainment options in Woburn itself? 

The Woburn Mall offers a wide variety of mainstream retail stores in one indoor, two-story shopping center, and depending on where you're located in Woburn, the Burlington Mall is also just a short drive away. You'll also find countless specialty restaurants nearby, from seafood and diners to Thai, Mexican, and Indian cuisine, so whether you're craving sushi or enchiladas, you'll be able to find it within easy reach. 

Showcase Cinemas in Woburn has been newly renovated with luxurious reclining leather seats and a full bar, so you can catch the latest films in comfort. The Woburn Repertory Community Theater offers a few shows a year as well. During the summer, concerts at Horn Pond always draw a crowd. The concerts are free, scheduled on Friday evenings throughout the summer, and offer a great family escape or date night stop before hitting a local restaurant or bar for dinner or drinks. 

Whether you're new to the area or a longtime Boston area resident, having a local real estate agent on your side can greatly streamline your housing search. Each Movoto agent is an expert on the area and actually lives where they work, so you'll have the insight of a local with the experience of someone who knows the real estate industry inside and out and can work with you to find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle and your budget.