So you’re wondering what it’s actually like living in Bradford, MA? Look, if you want that authentic New England vibe with natural beauty, living in Bradford MA delivers exactly that with the Merrimack River in your backyard and Boston close enough for work. It’s got centuries of American history baked right into the streets, but you’re not stuck in some museum – there’s actual life happening here. Living in Bradford MA means being part of a vibrant community.
Families love it here because living in Bradford MA offers excellent schools, and children can actually walk around safely. Professionals dig the commute options – you can get to Greater Boston without wanting to throw your car keys in the river.
If you’re seriously thinking about making the move to the North Shore, trust the highly rated friendly team at Mass Bay Movers, who know the area inside and out. Ready to see why people keep choosing Bradford? Let’s dig into what makes this historic village actually worth living in.
Where Is Bradford MA?
Living in Bradford MA gives you this sweet spot thing going on where you feel like you’re nestled in historic New England, but you’re not stuck in the middle of nowhere. It’s a village within Haverhill in Essex County, right along the Merrimack River, which is pretty nice for water views and that whole riverside thing.
The location is honestly perfect for living in Bradford MA, especially if you’re commuting – it is about 36 miles from Boston, 30 miles from Portsmouth, NH, and 33 miles from Manchester, NH. Interstate 495 and Route 125 make getting around pretty straightforward, so you can work in the city but come home to actual peace and quiet.
Bradford used to be its own town, but now eastern Bradford is Groveland, and western Bradford got absorbed into Haverhill. So technically, you’re living in this unique setup that spans both places, all along the south bank of the Merrimack River.
For getting around, you don’t have local public transit, but the MBTA Haverhill Line stops in downtown Haverhill and goes straight to North Station in Boston. Pretty decent setup if you’re commuting to the city but want to live somewhere that actually has character – that’s the beauty of living in Bradford MA.
Bradford Population & Demographics
Bradford’s part of Haverhill’s 67,398 people, and the whole area keeps growing as more people discover that living in Bradford MA is a pretty decent choice. You get that classic New England feel, but the population’s definitely changing.
About 66% of people are White, but the Hispanic or Latino community’s really taken off – they’re nearly 27% now and growing fast. You’ve also got smaller communities with 1.7% Black, 1.5% Asian, and just over 3% multiracial residents. It’s that mix of old New England families and newer arrivals that keeps things interesting when living in Bradford MA.
Bradford Demographics (Haverhill area):
- Sex ratio: 49% male, 51% female
- Median age: 41.8 years
- Median household income: $87,309
- Educational attainment:
- High school graduate or higher: 91.3%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 36.9%
- Foreign-born population: 13.5%
- Married couples: 46%
- Poverty rate: 10.9%
Source: Census Reporter
Bradford’s got some solid celebrity connections – James E. Rothman won a Nobel Prize for his biology work, and Tom Bergeron basically made a career out of making people laugh on TV. Not bad for a small New England town.
Is Bradford Safe?
Living in Bradford MA means you’re pretty solid on the safety front. The Haverhill Police Department covers the area, and you’ve also got those neighborhood watch programs.
The total crime rate is 1,376 per 100,000 residents – that’s 1.1% lower than Massachusetts and 40.8% below the national rate. Property crime is where Bradford really shines, at 797 per 100,000 residents, which is 25.5% lower than the state average and 59.2% lower than the national average. The violent crime numbers are higher, though – 579 per 100,000 residents, which is 79.8% higher than the state and 56.6% higher than the national averages.
With 108 officers serving the area, you’re getting professional policing plus that community engagement thing that actually makes a difference. Most families feel pretty secure living in Bradford MA.
Cost of Living in Bradford
Let’s be real about money – living in Bradford MA costs 23% more than the national average, which sounds scary until you remember you’re basically in the Boston area. The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four needs around $156,000 to live decently. Living in Bradford MA isn’t cheap, but you’re getting Boston access without actually paying Boston prices.
Typical Bradford Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
- Cappuccino: $5.45
- Gallon of milk: $4.80
- Dozen eggs: $4.90
- Gallon of gas: $3.46
- Average utilities per month: $192.29*
* Includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage
Source: Numbeo
Massachusetts has a progressive income tax ranging from 5% to 9%. Property taxes vary by municipality, and the state sales tax is 6.25%.
Bradford MA Real Estate
According to recent data from Redfin, the median sale price of a home in Bradford, Haverhill, MA, was $543,000 last month, down 21.0% from the previous year. Homes in this area typically sell in about 19 days, reflecting a highly competitive market.
For renters, you’re looking at around $2,423 a month for an apartment in Haverhill, based on RentCafe’s most recent data. It’s definitely not cheap, but that’s pretty standard for this area of Massachusetts these days.
Bradford Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Bradford
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Bradford’s got this great mix of old and new that really works. You’ll find everything from charming historic houses that have been around since the town’s early days to sleek new developments with all the modern conveniences. And if you’re drawn to a welcoming atmosphere with water views, there are some gorgeous riverfront spots that’ll make your morning coffee taste even better.
Bradford – Historic Heart with Colonial Character
Once its own town, Bradford is now a vibrant neighborhood in Haverhill, MA, just south of the Merrimack River. The neighborhood has cozy single-family homes and easy access to the Bradford Station.
Bradford Greens – Outdoor-Friendly Neighborhood with Scenic Views
Bradford Greens is characterized by single-family homes amidst a rural landscape with abundant green spaces. The neighborhood is near Chadwick Pond, offering recreational activities like fishing and kayaking. Residents also have access to nearby golf courses, a ski area, and hiking trails, making living in Bradford MA ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ward Hill – Commuter Haven with Train Access
Located south of the Merrimack River, Ward Hill is basically designed for people who want to work in Boston but don’t want to pay Boston prices. With its own train station and easy access to I-495, it’s perfect for commuters who’ve figured out the cost-benefit equation of suburban living.
Bradford Weather
If you love classic New England seasons, you’ll love living in Bradford MA. The area has that humid continental climate where you get the full four-season experience – cold winters averaging 22-35°F and hot, humid summers ranging from 65-85°F.
Summers hit the sweet spot for river activities and outdoor dining, though you’ll definitely feel that humidity. Winters bring serious snow – we’re talking about 56 inches per year, which is double the national average. You’ll want a good snow shovel and solid winter gear, but the postcard-perfect scenes along the Merrimack River make living in Bradford MA worth it. The area gets 48 inches of rain annually (more than the national average of 38 inches) and about 201 sunny days per year.
Things to Do in Bradford
One of the best parts about living in Bradford MA is the combination of historic attractions, outdoor recreation, nature activities, and convenient access to Greater Boston activities. From riverside walks to historic sites, there’s always something to explore in this charming New England village.
Bradford Common Historic District
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The heart of Bradford, this historic village green is surrounded by architecture spanning the 18th to early 20th centuries, and is centrally located at South Main & Salem Streets.
10 Church St, Bradford, MA 01835
Ski Bradford
For winter fun, hit the slopes at Ski Bradford in nearby Haverhill. With 15 downhill trails, nine lifts, and terrain for all skill levels, as well as night skiing, it’s a beloved local destination since 1949.
60 S Cross Rd, Haverhill, MA 01835, (978) 373-0071
Bradford Rail Trail
This scenic walking and biking path follows a former railroad corridor through woodlands and wetlands on the south bank of the Merrimack River.
Bradford Rail Trail #1, Haverhill, MA 01835
Additional Attractions in Bradford MA
- Winnekenni Castle & Park – A picturesque, Gothic-revival-style stone castle built in 1875 as a summer retreat.
- Buttonwoods Museum – Operated by the Haverhill Historical Society, this museum complex includes three historic buildings and engaging exhibits that trace life in the Merrimack Valley.
- Tattersall Farm – This expansive 150-acre conservation area features walking trails, open meadows, community gardens, and a restored historic barn.
Parks & Recreation and Community Events
Check the City of Haverhill’s Parks & Recreation department for trail maps, programming, and seasonal events.
Bradford MA restaurants
Food lovers will find Bradford’s got that sweet spot – New England classics done right alongside some surprisingly creative spots, and you don’t have to deal with Boston traffic to get a good meal.
Bradford Tavern
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The food’s the kind of hearty American comfort fare that actually fills you up, and their cocktails get creative without being pretentious about it.
87 Haverhill St, Rowley, MA 01969, (978) 948-3657
Bradford Village Square
This is the kind of place where they’ve been perfecting their pancakes for decades and aren’t about to mess with what works.
109 S Main St, Bradford, MA 01835, (978) 891-3020
Ari’s Pizza & Subs
That reliable local spot everyone ends up ordering from more than they’d admit. Solid pizza, decent subs, burgers that hit the spot – plus ice cream and slush for summer.
402 S Main St, Haverhill, MA 01835, (978) 521-1470
Bradford Jobs
Thanks to being part of the greater Haverhill area with thriving local businesses and having decent connections to Boston, living in Bradford MA gives you access to a pretty solid job market. The average salary runs around $78,000, which isn’t bad for the cost of living.
The area’s got a good mix of employers that actually keep people working:
- City of Haverhill – One of the biggest local employers with municipal jobs across departments
- Magellan Aerospace – Major aerospace manufacturing company right in Haverhill
- Corporate Chefs – Large food service company providing regional employment
- Northern Essex Community College – Education sector jobs, plus all the support roles
- Pentucket Medical Associates – Healthcare network serving the region
Check out current openings on the City of Haverhill Career Page or browse Indeed Bradford jobs. Plenty of people living in Bradford MA commute to Boston’s financial district or Cambridge’s tech scene, and if you don’t mind the drive, New Hampshire’s got some decent business opportunities too.
Bradford Schools
Schools here are pretty solid since you’re part of the Haverhill Public Schools system. Parents seem happy with the options when moving to Haverhill and living in Bradford MA, and you’ve got everything from elementary through high school covered without having to stress about it.
Nearby Higher Education:
- Northern Essex Community College – Right in Haverhill, so super convenient if someone wants to do a two-year program or transfer credits somewhere else
- University of Massachusetts Lowell – About 20 miles south, solid research university with good programs
- Merrimack College – Private Catholic school in North Andover that’s got a nice reputation, especially for business
- Salem State University – Half hour southeast, covers pretty much everything you’d want in a state school
The Haverhill Public Library does community stuff and have all the digital resources you’d expect. Good place for kids to hang out after school.
Bradford MA Statistics
- County: Essex County
- Bradford area: Part of Haverhill’s 35.7 square miles
- Bradford zip code: 01835 (shared with Haverhill)
- Bradford area code: 978
- Bradford time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Logan International Airport is about 40 miles south if you need to catch a flight. If you want something a bit more accessible, Manchester-Boston Regional up in New Hampshire is only 33 miles north.
Bradford MA Map
Thinking of Moving to Bradford MA?
Living in Bradford MA gives you this great thing where it feels like stepping back in time, but you’re still close enough to Boston that your commute won’t kill you. Living in Bradford MA means being in one of those places where you actually know your neighbors’ names, and kids can still ride their bikes around without parents losing their minds.
The schools are solid, and if you’re into old New England charm, you’ll love stumbling across houses that predate the Revolutionary War on your daily walks. The Merrimack River’s right there too – perfect for kayaking or just sitting by the water when you need to decompress.
Thinking about making the move? At Mass Bay Movers, we are the best New England movers, having helped plenty of families get settled in Bradford over the past two decades. Give us a call at (978) 587-3775 for a free quote, and we’ll handle the heavy lifting while you focus on the important stuff – like seeking your new favorite coffee spot!
