While often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbors like Cambridge, the small town of Stoneham has so much to offer. Stoneham is just miles from downtown Boston yet offers a quiet lifestyle with family-friendly amenities. What is living in Stoneham like? You’ll enjoy quiet residential streets, pristine outdoor space, and a close-knit community where block parties are still popular. After moving to Stoneham, you’ll still be close to the big-city amenities with a convenient location right at the corner of I-93 and I-95. Stoneham, MA is known for Stone Zoo and the Middlesex Fells Reservation, but that’s definitely not all you’re going to love about this Boston suburb.
Table of Contents
Stoneham, MA Population & Demographics
The population of Stoneham is about 22,000 with a racial and ethnic composition that’s 95% white, 2.6% Asian, 1.8% Hispanic, and 0.9% Black or African American. Stoneham, MA is located inside the Route 128 belt at the corner of I-95 and I-93 about 9 miles outside downtown Boston.
Stoneham is served by public transportation including the MBTA 325 Express Bus to downtown Boston and several commuter rails in neighboring suburbs like Melrose which connect to the North Station in Boston. The Oak Grove station, the northern terminus of the MBTA Orange Line, is just under 4 miles away from Stoneham Center. The MBTA 132 bus route travels through Stoneham Center for transit to the Orange Line.
Stoneham is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts in zip code 02180 and area codes 339 and 781.
Despite its small size, Stoneham has had several famous residents like actor and comedian Mario Cantone and writer and comedian Josh Gondelman.
Stoneham Climate – What’s Stoneham, MA Weather Like?
Like much of New England, residents in Stoneham learn to embrace plenty of snow and rain. Stoneham gets 50” of rain and 51” of snow per year on average, both well above the U.S. average. Despite this, the Stoneham climate is usually comfortable.
View this post on Instagram
During July, you’ll enjoy an average temperature of 81 degrees. There are about 7 days a year with temperatures over 90 degrees. January gets nighttime temperatures averaging 17 degrees. About 132 days on average get nighttime temperatures below freezing and 4 days a year in which the nighttime temperature drops below zero.
Stoneham Schools & Colleges
After moving to Stoneham, you’ll be served by Stoneham Public Schools. The district has three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, Stoneham High School, which has a 51% AP participation rate. Considering private school? There are two options in town: Saint Patrick School, a pre-K to 8th grade Catholic school and Greater Boston Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist school for pre-K to 8th grade.
There are also plenty of opportunities for higher education while living in Stoneham. There are nearly 100 colleges and universities within 50 miles including:
- Tufts University, one of the best private colleges in Massachusetts
- Harvard University, one of the top private schools in the U.S.
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Lesley University
- Bay State College
- Bentley University
- Boston University
- Emerson College
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stoneham, MA Jobs & Local Economy
The median household income in Stoneham is $94,835. Many Stoneham residents are professionals who commute to Boston for work. Thanks to its direct route downtown, the average commute to downtown Boston from Stoneham is just 24 minutes, one of the lowest among Boston suburbs.
While there are jobs in Stoneham, the local economy is mostly driven by small businesses. These businesses include medical offices, retail stores, restaurants, and businesses in the service industry. Major employers in Stoneham include the Town of Stoneham and Stoneham Public Schools.
Top Stoneham, MA Neighborhoods
Where is the best place to live in Stoneham? There are plenty of neighborhoods in Stoneham to consider, including luxury condo buildings and quiet, mature streets.
Want to enjoy maintenance-free living? Fell Terrance Condos is a popular choice for beautiful views of the Fells and hiking trails at your doorstep. This older condo building has 90 units built in 1979 with up to 1,560 square feet of space. Hillside Community Apartments is another good choice for convenient commuter access, four different properties, and amenities like a swimming pool and community garden.
View this post on Instagram
Bear Hill is a popular family-friendly neighborhood in Stoneham with more upscale homes. Located right at the intersection of I-93 and I-95, Bear Hill is anchored by Bear Hill Golf Club, one of the state’s oldest private golf clubs.
Colonial Park is a good choice for families with young children. Located next to Colonial Park Elementary School, Stoneham High School, and Greater Boston Academy, residents enjoy nearby access to Stone Zoo and other popular amenities.
What Is the Cost of Living in Stoneham, MA?
Massachusetts is known for its high cost of living, particularly Greater Boston. Stoneham is no exception with a cost of living about 40% above the national average. The Stoneham cost of living is so high in large part due to high housing costs, but utilities, groceries, and transportation are also higher than average in the U.S.
The biggest factor driving the high cost of living in Stoneham is the cost of real estate. The average home price in Stoneham is $569,000, about twice the national average. You’ll pay about $316 per square foot to buy a house in town with a very competitive real estate market. You can start your search for Stoneham, MA homes for sale to get an idea of what your budget can get you.
If you’re going to rent after moving to Stoneham, you won’t fare much better. The median rent in Stoneham is $2,140 per month, according to Payscale. That’s lower than Cambridge and Boston by far, but still well over the U.S. average.
Best Things to Do in Stoneham, MA
Moving to Stoneham is a great choice if you want to be near shopping, dining, and amazing cultural attractions but enjoy a quieter lifestyle. Stoneham is known for its outdoor attractions, but it also offers plenty of shopping and dining. You’ll find convenient shopping at Redstone Shopping Center, Target, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, and Marshalls. When you want to enjoy the attractions of the big city, it’s just an 11-mile drive from Stoneham, MA to Boston, MA.
Ready to explore the fun you’ll enjoy while living in Stoneham, MA? Here are the top things to do in Stoneham with kids and the whole family.
Stone Zoo
View this post on Instagram
Many people are surprised to learn that the town of Stoneham has its own zoo. Stone Zoo receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and it’s the top Stoneham, MA attraction with mostly smaller exhibits featuring flamingos, jaguars, reindeer, and gray wolves.
Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180 (617) 541-5466
Middlesex Fells Reservation
The Fells is a huge 2,200-acre retreat centered over Stoneham. It’s one of the best family-friendly activities in Stoneham with miles hiking trails, views of Boston, and a winding river to explore. Be sure to rent a canoe to explore Spot Pond and enjoy everything the Fells has to offer, including fishing and off-leash dog areas.
Middlesex Fells Reservation, 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham, MA 02180
Other top attractions in Stoneham:
- Spot Pond
- Greater Boston Stage Company, aka Stoneham Theatre
- Ice skating at Stoneham Town Common
- Bear Hill Tower
Great Stoneham Restaurants
Ready to explore the top restaurants you’ll love while living in Stoneham? The town may be small, but it’s home to many top-rated locally-owned restaurants. Here are two of the best.
Gaetano’s Restaurant
Located in Rose Tree Plaza Condominium, this upscale Italian restaurant serves up classic pasta dishes and comfort food. Enjoy lunch and dinner with a cocktail or visit on the weekends for brunch.
Gaetano’s Restaurant, 271 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180 (781) 279-0100
Rang Indian Bistro
Get ready for the best Indian food in Massachusetts. Rang features a variety of southern Indian dishes with lamb, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options plus an extensive wine list and cocktails.
Rang Indian Bistro, 6 Central St, Stoneham, MA 02180 (781) 438-8200
Living in Stoneham Pros & Cons
- Pro: Excellent location near amenities and attractions
- Pro: Easy commute to downtown Boston
- Con: High cost of living in Stoneham
Have you decided that living in Stoneham, MA is perfect for you? Call our friendly movers today to request a free moving estimate in Stoneham. We look forward to helping you settle in and enjoy everything this beautiful town has to offer!
