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Wakefield
Living in Wakefield, MA offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and convenient access to Boston. This picturesque town is known for its excellent schools, friendly neighborhoods, and beautiful Lake Quannapowitt, which provides a serene spot for outdoor activities. With a variety of local shops, restaurants, and parks, Wakefield offers a tight-knit community feel while still being just a short commute from the city. Whether you're raising a family or enjoying an active lifestyle, Wakefield provides a welcoming and comfortable place to call home.
Mass by Train
Wakefield Historical
Society News
Wakefield History
Wakefield, MA, originally settled in 1644 as part of Reading, became a separate town in 1812. Its early history was shaped by agriculture and its location along the Shawsheen River, which helped establish local mills and industry. The town's name was changed to Wakefield in 1868, inspired by its picturesque setting near Lake Quannapowitt. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wakefield's development was fueled by the arrival of the railroad, transforming it into a vibrant commuter town. Today, Wakefield blends its rich history with modern amenities, making it a thriving community just outside of Boston.
Wakefield Education
Wakefield Public Schools in Massachusetts is known for its commitment to academic excellence and providing a well-rounded education for students. The district offers a range of programs from early childhood through high school, with strong emphasis on both academic achievement and extracurricular activities. Wakefield’s schools boast dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and a supportive community that prioritizes student growth and success.
BOND Building
Realtor.com
The Wakefield Market
The real estate market in Wakefield, MA, offers a blend of suburban charm and strong investment potential, with median home prices around the upper $700-800k mark. The town features a mix of single-family homes, condos, and some apartments, attracting a diverse range of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees. Wakefield’s excellent public schools, proximity to Lake Quannapowitt, and easy commuter access to Boston make it a highly desirable location. With a balanced market and a family-friendly atmosphere, Wakefield continues to be a popular choice for those seeking suburban living with city convenience.
Things to Do in Wakefield, MA
Explore, Relax, Enjoy – Wakefield, MA has something for everyone!
Shopping & Dining
- J'Adore – Large selection of designer handbags, wallets, and shoes.
Fringe on Main – A warm and inviting shop with unique finds.
Sweetbay Flowers and Gifts – Beautiful shop offering seasonal floral arrangements and gifts.
The Wakefield Mall – A variety of indoor shops to explore.
Wakefield Un-Common Antiques & Collectibles – A hidden gem for antiques and collectibles.
Public Kitchen – Great service and delicious dishes, with a cozy gastropub vibe.
Tonno Wakefield – Offers heated patio dining with excellent service and flavorful Italian food.
Main ST Grille & Taphouse – Known for great food and drinks at reasonable prices, with outstanding service.
The Branch – A friendly, inviting spot with delicious pizza and great customer service.
Public Kitchen
Wakefield Historical Society
Libraries & Bookstores
The Wakefield Public Library offers a variety of museum and park passes for library cardholders, providing discounted or free entry to popular local attractions. These passes include access to renowned museums like the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, and Museum of Fine Arts, as well as zoo passes for Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo. Additionally, library cardholders can enjoy free parking or discounted admission to Massachusetts State Parks, and passes to historical sites like Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person, and availability may vary, so be sure to check for the latest details.
Historic Homes of Wakefield
The Col. James Hartshorne House in Wakefield is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into the town’s colonial past. Built in the 1700s, this charming home was once the residence of Colonel James Hartshorne, a prominent figure during the American Revolution. Today, the house stands as a preserved example of colonial architecture, providing visitors with a sense of life in early Wakefield.
Just a short distance away, the Wakefield History Museum offers an insightful look into the town's past. Located on Prospect Street, the museum features exhibits that highlight Wakefield's evolution from its early days to the present. One of the main attractions is the old schoolhouse, which visitors can explore to see how education was delivered in the early 19th century.
Walkies Through History
Wikipedia
Dog Spots
Lake Quannapowitt: A scenic 3-mile loop around the lake, ideal for a leisurely walk with your dog. Pets must be leashed, but the flat, easy path is perfect for strolling.
Wakefield Town Forest: A 60-acre wooded area with nature trails, great for hiking with your dog. The peaceful trails provide a natural, secluded experience.
Sunnybrook Park: A neighborhood park with open grassy areas where dogs can run and play, offering both sports fields and quieter spaces.
Shore Drive Park: A small park with open green spaces and views of the lake, perfect for a quick walk with your dog.
Veterans Memorial Park: A peaceful park with green space and a memorial, ideal for a calm walk with your leashed dog.
Doyle Conservation Area: A 70-acre area with wetlands and wooded trails, perfect for a more rugged outdoor experience with your dog.
Wakefield Memorial Park: A sports park with open areas and green spaces, offering a mix of casual walking and play opportunities for dogs.
Parks in Wakefield
- Sunnybrook Park – A smaller park with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic tables, ideal for casual activities and community events.
Hall Park – A neighborhood park with open lawn areas, playgrounds, and space for picnics and community events.
Veterans Memorial Park – A peaceful park with memorial monuments, walking paths, and green spaces for reflection.
Shore Drive Park – A small park along Lake Quannapowitt with green space, picnic tables, benches, and scenic lake views.
Wakefield Memorial Park – A sports park with fields for soccer, baseball, and other activities, plus picnic areas and playgrounds.
Meet Boston
Friends of Lake
Quannapowitt
Water & Swimming
Wakefield, Massachusetts, is home to several key water bodies, including Lake Quannapowitt and Spot Pond, which offer both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Lake Quannapowitt, located in the center of town, is a 250-acre lake popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, and ice skating in the winter. Its shores feature walking paths, picnic areas, and open green spaces, making it a central spot for outdoor activities. The lake also supports diverse wildlife, including waterfowl and fish. Nearby Spot Pond, located in the Middlesex Fells Reservation, offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. It is a key water source for the Boston area and boasts a rich ecosystem of wetlands, forests, and trails.
The shoreline of Lake Quannapowitt, including Wakefield Common, is a popular destination for both recreation and community events. With public parks, walking paths, and picnic areas, the area is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The lake also serves as the backdrop for events such as Wakefield's Fourth of July fireworks and Town Day festival, adding to its significance as a social and environmental hub in the region.
Hikes and Nature
- Lake Quannapowitt: A 258-acre lake with a 3-mile trail for walking and biking, plus boating, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. It’s a popular spot year-round, with a beach in summer and ice skating in winter.
Wakefield Town Forest: A 60-acre wooded area with peaceful trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks. It’s a quiet, relaxing spot for outdoor exploration.
Doyle Conservation Area: A more rustic area off Lowell Street, offering nature trails through woodlands and wetlands. Ideal for hiking and wildlife watching in a tranquil setting.
Sanctuary Forest at
NE Metro Tech
Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen
Breweries
Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen - This place offers a fantastic combination of great drinks, delicious food, and exceptional service. With an impressive selection of on-tap beers and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it's quickly becoming a local favorite. Whether you're looking to catch a game, enjoy a casual meal, or just unwind with friends, it's the perfect spot to visit again and again.
Nightlife
Harrington's Pub – A great spot for drinks, affordable prices, and live music.
Main ST Grille & Taphouse – Known for fun music, including bongo nights on Wednesdays.
Waves Restaurant & Bar at the Lakeside Inn – A venue ideal for events with lakeside views.
Sei Bar Wakefield – A stylish bar with a great atmosphere.
Bunratty Tavern – Offers live music, delicious appetizers, and cold beer.
Westside Social Club – A low-key nightclub with great prices.
Harrington's Pub
@riseandshinewakefield
Coffee Shops
Rise & Shine Coffee House: A cozy spot for a quick coffee with great service.
Cibo Cafe & Bistro / Stuzzico Osteria & Bistro: A charming cafe offering coffee, bistro meals, and a drive-through.
Kennedy’s Cafe: A local favorite for coffee with curbside pickup and delivery.
The Remedy Exchange: A coffee shop offering a variety of brews with pickup and delivery options.
Farms & Farmers' Markets
- While Wakefield, Massachusetts, may not have a large agricultural scene, there are still a few local farms and spots that offer fresh produce and community-based experiences. The Wakefield Farmers Market, located at 1 Church Street (at the Common), operates during the warmer months (typically June through October) and is a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce, homemade goods, and products from nearby farms. Visitors can enjoy farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, cheeses, honey, jams, and baked goods.
Additionally, Wilson Farm, located in nearby Lexington, has been a beloved family-owned farm for over 130 years. Known for its wide selection of fresh produce, flowers, and specialty items, Wilson Farm is a short drive from Wakefield and offers an extensive range of local products, including fruits, vegetables, homemade baked goods, and flowers.
@wakefieldfarmmk
Wakefield Fireworks
Committee
Town Days & Fireworks
Wakefield Common Day (Wakefield Town Day) – Typically in late summer or early fall at Wakefield Common. Features food vendors, live music, games, rides, and community booths.
Fourth of July Celebration – On July 4th (or the closest weekend) at Lake Quannapowitt. Includes a parade, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Wakefield Winter Festival – Held in February at various locations around town. Activities include ice skating, winter games, and craft stations for kids.
Holiday Stroll – Early December along Main Street. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive music, carriage rides, and visits with Santa.
Taste of Wakefield – Typically in spring (March or April). A culinary event featuring tastings from local restaurants, cooking demos, and raffles to benefit local charities.
Hotels & Places to Stay
- Lakeside Inn: A straightforward lakeside hotel offering free breakfast, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a 24-hour gym, all set by the scenic lakeside.
Four Points by Sheraton Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference Center: A warmly decorated hotel featuring comfortable rooms and suites, a grill restaurant, a bar, and conference facilities, perfect for both business and leisure stays.
Best Western Plus New Englander: A budget-friendly hotel with free hot breakfast and an indoor pool, offering easy access to local attractions.
Hilton Boston/Woburn: A modern hotel with spacious rooms, offering excellent amenities like an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining options.
Browncoat Ball
Transportation
Wakefield, Massachusetts, benefits from a variety of transportation options, making it well-connected to Boston and surrounding areas.
Highways
The town is easily accessible via Interstate 95 (I-95) and Route 1, both of which provide direct links to Boston and neighboring cities. Route 129 offers additional local access, though traffic congestion is common during peak hours, particularly on I-95 and Route 1.
Public Transit
Wakefield is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail (Reading Line), with stations in Wakefield and Reading offering direct access to Boston. Several MBTA bus routes also serve the town, providing local transportation to neighboring areas. However, public transit options can be limited on weekends and evenings.
Biking and Pedestrian Infrastructure
While Wakefield is not highly bike-centric, it offers a scenic 3-mile loop around Lake Quannapowitt for cycling and walking. The town has some bike lanes and sidewalks, but the infrastructure could be improved for safer and more widespread biking and pedestrian access.
Traffic and Parking
Parking is generally available, though it can be limited in the downtown area. Traffic congestion is a concern, particularly on Route 1 and I-95 during rush hours. Local traffic near Wakefield Common can also be busy at peak times.
Conclusion
Wakefield has solid transportation access with major highways, commuter rail service, and public buses. However, traffic congestion and limited bike infrastructure remain challenges, though the town is working on improving transportation options for residents and commuters.
Flooding & Flood Insurance
Wakefield, Massachusetts, is susceptible to flooding, especially in areas near bodies of water like Lake Quannapowitt and the Saugus River. Flood risks are highest during heavy rainstorms, snowmelt, or extreme weather events such as hurricanes and nor'easters. The town’s flood-prone areas are primarily classified into two zones: high-risk zones (Zone A) with a 1% or greater chance of annual flooding and moderate-to-low-risk zones (Zone X), which are less prone to flooding but still vulnerable during heavy rainfall. FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) provide detailed flood risk data, and local resources, including Wakefield's Conservation Commission and Department of Public Works (DPW), offer additional information on floodplain areas and stormwater management. Residents can access these resources via the FEMA website, Massachusetts GIS, or Wakefield’s municipal offices to stay informed about flood risks and prevention strategies.
While Wakefield does not face frequent severe flooding, certain areas—especially those near Lake Quannapowitt and the Saugus River—can experience localized flooding due to rising water levels or extreme weather. The Wakefield Conservation Commission and DPW play key roles in monitoring flood risks and providing resources to the community.
Map from FirstStreet.org
