Pros and Cons of Living in Medford

Medford's core trade-off pairs a real Tufts University anchor and newly direct subway access against this batch's highest home values and a real, disclosed, rising crime rate.

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Pro: Tufts University and a genuinely recent transit upgrade

Tufts University's Medford/Somerville campus and the December 2022 Green Line Extension opening (Medford's first-ever direct subway access) are real, substantial community and infrastructure anchors (base record).

Pro: a comparatively low property tax rate

Medford's property tax rate (~0.87%) runs among the lowest in Middlesex County, keeping the implied bill below Massachusetts's own statewide average despite high home values (base record).

Con: the highest home values in this batch

Zillow's average home value ran $855,081 -- the highest of the four Massachusetts Tier B markets built alongside Medford (base record).

Con: a real, disclosed, rising crime rate

Medford's own cited crime rate (14 per 1,000) runs above the national average, with a real, disclosed year-over-year increase in both violent crime (+13.8%) and property crime (+38%) (base record).

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-25. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.