10 Things to Know Before Moving to Woburn, MA
Woburn, Massachusetts is a peaceful suburb located nine miles north of Boston. This historic town has grown steadily over the years, drawing in new inhabitants who appreciate the convenience of living so close to the nation’s capital.
In 1640, the present-day 13-square-mile city of Woburn included neighboring towns such as Burlington, Stoneham, Wilmington, and Winchester, but it was originally a far bigger region. These additional settlements did not form into cities of their own until the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
About 39,800 people call Woburn home, and the city’s population has grown slowly but steadily throughout the years. Here are ten things to know before making the move to this city.
1. Woburn has a lot of historical buildings
Woburn was formed around the middle of the 17th century, making it an old town. The neighborhood is home to some stunning buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, even if there aren’t many that date back to that era.
One such example is the 1790 House. Col. Loammi Baldwin, a highly regarded American engineer, purchased the home—also called the Joseph Bartlett House—from an experienced lawyer who had it planned and built for him.
Above all else in Woburn, the First Church of Woburn is the most prominent structure when one surveys the cityscape. The massive white church, which stands at about 200 feet, was built in 1860 in the Italian style.
The historic Winn Memorial Library is another remarkable structure in Woburn. Notable American architect H.H. Richardson finished the brownstone library in 1879. The library houses thousands of volumes, but it also has a significant collection of artwork from the area.
2. A cost of living index of 144
The cost of living in Woburn is 44% higher than the national average, with housing being the most significant expense. The median home price is $669,541.
A single adult in Woburn can expect to spend $46,861 a year on housing, food, child care, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and all the other essentials. This is higher than both the state of Massachusetts’s cost of living (at $42,532) and the national average (at $38,433).
3. Woburn has ten schools
There is just one high school in the neighborhood, Woburn High, and it serves around 1,300 students annually.
Linscott-Rumford Elementary, Reeves Elementary, and Altavesta Elementary are three of the seven elementary schools in the Woburn School District that have excellent programming for students in grades K-5. John F. Kennedy Middle School and Daniel L. Joyce Middle School are the two junior highs in the city, and they both accommodate students in grades 6–8.
No universities are located in Woburn proper, but Tufts University in Medford, approximately six miles to the south, is the closest.
4. Work in Marshalls, Necc Corporation, or Parker Chomerics
Woburn is home to several industries, and many local businesses are always looking to fill open positions. With thousands of employees, the main distribution center for the well-known budget retail giant Marshalls is the biggest employer in the region.
Among the local businesses, you might want to check out Necc Corporation, a facilities services firm that is expanding quickly and offering excellent employment prospects. Then there’s Parker Chomerics, the biggest manufacturer in town. There are a lot of companies hiring in fields including construction, property management, information technology, and more.
5. Check out Dave & Buster’s or Horn Pond
Several spots come to mind when we think of things to do in Woburn. Going to the neighborhood Dave & Buster’s is a must for everyone who loves arcade games, delicious cuisine, and entertaining activities for the whole family. Come on in for some food, some games, some pool, or maybe just to relax and watch a game.
Horn Pond is a popular destination for those who would prefer to spend time outside in the pleasant weather. A lot of people in the Boston region don’t know about this hidden gem of a pond, but it’s a great place to go kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, or hiking.
6. Eat at Polcari’s, Maki Maki, or Tudo Na Brasa
Although Dave & Buster’s is an excellent dining option, Woburn is home to many more excellent eateries. Polcari’s is a pizzeria in the area that serves authentic Italian cuisine, refreshing drinks, and thin-crust pizza. Regina Pizzeria is the parent company.
Known for its modern decor and unlimited sushi buffet, Maki Maki is a Japanese restaurant that sushi lovers will like. Furthermore, Tudo Na Brasa serves delectable Brazilian-style BBQ and is a must-visit for everyone in search of culinary adventure.
7. It snows a lot in Woburn
Although winters in the Boston area can be somewhat chilly, summers in Woburn are rather pleasant. In the dead of winter, you might see highs in the mid-30s and lows as low as 15 degrees. Another thing to keep in mind if you’re not originally from the region is that you can get as much as 52 inches of snow per year, which is around double the national average.
The summers thereafter reach temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the mid-80s. When the weather isn’t cold enough to freeze, the region also receives around 49 inches of rain.
8. Life in Woburn is peaceful and idyllic
People in Woburn tend to lead more tranquil lives. An idyllic picnic spot or stroll around Horn Pond would be great for the whole family. In this little over 2-mile area, there are different species and beautiful natural scenery.
Winter is a good time to see ducks and swans, and summer is when you can see coots too. Those who love reading will find the Woburn Public Library to be an enjoyable place to spend time.
9. Boston is only 10 miles away
The city of Woburn enjoys a prime location just 10 miles north of downtown Boston. With quick access to major highways I-93 and I-95, Woburn provides an easy commute for those working in Boston. Woburn’s proximity also allows for convenient day trips to other major New England destinations like Cambridge, Worcester, and Providence.
For commuters who prefer public transit, the MBTA Commuter Rail line between Woburn’s Anderson Station and Boston’s North Station takes only 20-25 minutes. Overall, Woburn’s close vicinity to Boston and other cities, coupled with excellent highway and public transportation access, makes it an ideal location for suburban commuters.
10. The crime rate is lower than the national average
Woburn has a far lower crime rate than the national average. Woburn has a violent crime rate of 12.4, which is over 10 points lower than the US average of 22.7.
Also, compared to the national average of 35.4, Woburn’s property crime rate is 20.9, which is 14.5 points lower. Based on this data, Woburn appears to be significantly safer than other parts of the nation.
In Summary
Several factors make Woburn, Massachusetts an excellent location for a home.
It is not surprising that Woburn is becoming an increasingly popular place to live, given its rich history and culture, robust economy, top-notch public services and schools, proximity to Boston, and plenty of recreational options. However, keep in mind that living in this city comes at a relatively hefty price.
