Medford
"Italian grandmas and Tufts students living in harmony"
Editorial median as of February 3, 2025. 55 closed single-family sales in 2026, through November 5, 2026.
Home Values in Medford, MA
The median home price in Medford, MA is $855,000, with homes trading at $515/sqft. Home values in Medford have appreciated at roughly 4.8% per year, reflecting strong ongoing demand from buyers prioritizing schools and commute access.
Census estimated median home value: $670K (ACS 2022 5-year). Current market prices typically run higher due to post-2022 appreciation.
Financing Considerations
Properties in Medford typically may qualify for high-balance conforming loans, though jumbo financing might be needed depending on exact property price.
Learn about loan thresholds, property condition impact, flood/wind insurance, and how vintage homes (common in many MA towns) affect mortgage approval.
The Vibe
Working-class Italian heritage meets college town energy
What It's Really Like
Working-class community with strong Italian heritage, affordable housing, and growth potential
Best For
- ✓Budget buyers
- ✓First-time homeowners
- ✓Investment properties
- ✓Community feel
Avoid If
- ✗You want walkability
- ✗You need top schools now
- ✗You hate car dependency
Highlights
Insider Tips
- West Medford near Tufts is priciest
- Square near Wellington is improving
- Schools improving with young families moving in
Demographics
Source: Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates
Economic Profile
Religious Community
Housing Stock Age
High Insurance Risk
Medford has a high concentration of pre-1940 homes (48.8%). Insurance premiums may be significantly higher ($2,800-$4,000+/year) and some carriers may decline coverage. Budget for potential remediation costs (knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, lead paint).
Insurance Cost Calculator
Estimate your annual homeowners insurance premium
Leave blank to use town median (1942)
30-Year Mortgage Impact
Total insurance cost over 30-year mortgage (equivalent to 0.3% of home value)
Age Penalty
This home costs $1,049 more per year to insure than a newly built home. Over 30 years, that's $31,470 in additional insurance costs.
Ways to Lower Your Premium
- Bundle home + auto insurance with same carrier (10-25% discount)
- Increase deductible from $500 to $2,500 (save 15-30%)
- Install monitored security system (5-20% discount)
- Update electrical panel and remove knob-and-tube wiring
- Replace roof with impact-resistant materials (save 5-15%)
- Upgrade plumbing to PEX or copper
- Complete full home inspection and address major issues
- Consider MAPFRE or Chubb for historic home coverage
- Shop quotes from 5-6 carriers (rates vary significantly)
- Ask about claims-free discount (5-year history)
* Estimates based on Massachusetts state averages and typical underwriting criteria. Actual premiums vary by carrier, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, and credit score. For accurate quotes, contact a licensed insurance agent.
Construction Era Distribution
Resources & Research
School Information
Compare 48 high schools by SAT scores, MCAS proficiency & college enrollment
Market Analysis
Recent sales data, price drivers, and market trends for Medford
Vote on what live Medford listings will actually close for — shareable price checkpoints
Break-even math, SALT cap impacts & decision framework for Boston buyers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Property in Medford?
Compare this town with others, or look through homes that have already sold here.
Property report for an address in Medford
Enter a street address in Medford. The free preview shows closed-sales coverage for that town; the full printable report adds comps, a town summary, risk flags, and an AI write-up.