Have you been searching for an idyllic New England town with a rich cultural heritage and small-town charm? Then living in Methuen MA may be the perfect solution, a small city in a great location along the New Hampshire border.
Methuen is known for its industrial history as an early hub for the manufacturing of hats and shoes. It was first settled in 1642, although it wasn’t formally incorporated until 1726. It was initially a part of the neighboring Haverhill, Massachusetts, until local residents petitioned the Massachusetts General Court to allow them to form a new town in 1724.
It was named after Sir Paul Methuen, an English diplomat and politician. Rapid industrial growth in the 1800s spurred the development of the Methuen Cotton mills, bolstering the economy and driving a population boom.
Today, Methuen is a good place to live for those seeking a safe, affordable place to raise a family. Think that moving to Methuen may be in your future? Here is everything you need to know about everything Methuen offers residents.
Where Is Methuen MA?
Methuen is in Essex County along the eastern border of Middlesex County and the southern border of Rockingham County, New Hampshire. It’s conveniently located along the New Hampshire border, about 20 miles west of the Atlantic Coast, in the northeastern corner of Massachusetts.
It’s situated in a desirable location along the Merrimack River and is bisected by the Spicket River, as well as several other brooks and streams, which makes it perfect for anyone living in Methuen MA who likes to fish. It’s considered part of the Merrimack Valley and the Boston-Cambridge-Newtown MSA.
Several major highways pass through the area, providing numerous transportation options to other cities for residents of Methuen. I-93 and I-495 both run parallel through the western and eastern parts of town and are intersected by Massachusetts Route 113 and 213, which both run perpendicular. The MBTA Commuter Rail also runs from Methuen to the North Station in Boston. Ideal for any commuters living in Methuen MA.
Methuen is bordered by Haverhill to the north, North Andover to the southeast, Lawrence and Andover to the south, Dracut to the west, Pelham, NH to the northwest, and Salem, NH to the north.
It’s 28 miles, or a 1-hour drive, from Methuen to Boston.
Methuen Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Methuen is 53,059. An increasing number of people have recognized the benefits of living in Methuen MA, and the population increased by 12.3% between 2010 and 2020. It has a very laidback, suburban atmosphere with a population density of 2,388 residents per square mile.
Methuen is a diverse and fairly affluent community with a good balance of young people, families, and retirees. 21% of residents living in Methuen MA are under 18, 26% are between 20 and 40, and 17% are 65 and older. The median household income is $103,270, which is slightly higher than the median in Massachusetts.
People living in Methuen MA are primarily white and Hispanic, although there are growing black and Asian communities as well. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 56% white (non-Hispanic), 33% Hispanic or Latino, 5% Black or African American, 4% Asian, and 3% two or more races.
Notable residents who have experienced the benefits of living in Methuen MA include former MLB pitcher Mike Rochford and Nobel Prize-winning chemist Elias James Corey.
Other Methuen demographics:
- The median age is 40.5 years old
- 52% of people living in Methuen MA are women, and 48% are men
- 89% of residents living in Methuen MA have a high school diploma, and 30.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 24%
Methuen, MA, is a safe city, boasting a low crime rate. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly community, and the Methuen crime rate is lower than both the Massachusetts crime rate and the national average. Here is a look at how the crime rate in Methuen, MA, compares to both:
- Total Methuen MA crime rate: 954 crimes per 100,000 people, 31.5% lower than the state, 59% lower than the country
- Violent crime: 144 crimes per 100,000 people, 55.3% lower than the state and 61.1% lower than the country
- Property crime rate: 810 crimes per 100,000 people, 24.3% lower than the state and 58.6% lower than the country
Moving to Methuen is a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful area with low crime rates. The Methuen Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 94 officers and 22 civilian staff members.
Cost of Living in Methuen MA
The cost of living in Methuen MA is very affordable compared to the rest of Massachusetts. A great way to assess the cost of living in an area is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the cost of living in a particular area to the rest of the country, which is represented by a value of 100.
According to the Economic Research Institute, the cost of living in Methuen MA is about 27% higher than the national average. The Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator is also a great resource. It indicates that the typical family of four (two adults and two kids) would need to earn $154,387 to afford the cost of living in Methuen MA.
Typical expenses of living in Methuen MA:
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $5.31
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant: $100.00
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.18
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $6.50
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $4.90
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $3.05
- Average Methuen monthly utility bill: $318.60
Source: Numbeo
*Numbers reflect the nearby city of Lawrence MA, but will be similar for those living in Methuen MA
Methuen real estate is more expensive than the rest of the country, although it’s reasonable compared to the rest of Massachusetts. Redfin suggests that the median sales price of homes for sale in Methuen is $600,000. This means the median price of a single-family home for sale in Methuen, MA, is 30% higher than the national average but 17% lower than the median home value in the rest of the state.
Although most residents own a home, renters moving to Methuen will also find plenty of options. According to census data, 73% of homes are owner-occupied and 27% are rented out. Rentcafe suggests that the average rent in Methuen is $2380 per month. The majority of apartments are located in small-scale buildings with fewer than 50 units (78%), while only 7% are found in large, high-rise buildings, and 14% are single-family homes.
Methuen Neighborhood | Where to Live in Methuen
Anyone moving to Methuen will find a historic district and numerous fantastic neighborhoods, offering spacious homes on large plots of land. Here are a few of the best to check out if you’re thinking about living in Methuen MA.
The East End | A Centrally-Located Neighborhood With Lush Parks and River Views
The East End is a laidback community that’s popular among families living in Methuen MA. It’s situated along the Merrimack River and home to one of the largest parks in town, and it offers easy access to shopping and dining.
West Methuen | A Peaceful Community With Natural Beauty and Diverse Methuen MA Real Estate
West Methuen is a charming residential community renowned for its tree-lined country roads, sparkling lakes, and distinctive Cape Cod and Colonial-style architecture.
Regency at Methuen | A Thriving 55+ Community With Spacious Condos and Great Amenities
Regency at Methuen is a popular 55+ community developed by the reputable Toll Brothers, offering spacious condos and a range of resort-style modern amenities. Anyone living in Methuen MA who is looking to retire should check it out.
Methuen Weather & Climate
The weather in Methuen is fairly typical for what you might expect in any other New England town. It has a humid continental climate according to the Koppen classification system. That means you’re in for warm summers and cold, snowy winters if you plan on moving to Methuen.
The temperature typically ranges from 19°F to 84°F, although it can drop as low as 4°F in winter and reach up to 92°F in summer. A good time to visit a friend living in Methuen MA is typically from mid-June to September.
Be prepared for precipitation if you relocate to the community, as it averages 48 inches of rain and 52 inches of snow annually. So don’t forget to bring an umbrella and a snow shovel!
Things to Do in Methuen
Although it isn’t the hippest and most exciting town, you’ll still find a wide variety of entertainment venues, recreational activities, and fun things to do in Methuen, MA.
The Loop is the main shopping area in Central Methuen, featuring over 70 retailers and restaurants in Methuen, MA. People living in Methuen will also find plenty of shopping at the Methuen Shopping Center and Village Mall.
The Methuen Festival of Trees is an annual holiday festival held in the downtown area featuring hundreds of decorated trees. Here are a few other Methuen attractions to keep you entertained.
Methuen Memorial Music Hall
Methuen Memorial Music Hall is a historic concert venue listed on the National Register of Historic Places that was built in 1909 to house Edward Francis Searles’ “Great Organ” and currently hosts musical performances of all kinds. Music lovers living in Methuen should check it out!
192 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 685-0693
Jay Gee’s Ice Cream and Fun Center
Jay Gee’s is a local ice cream parlor and family activity emporium that features a wide range of activities, including an arcade, mini golf, batting cages, bumper carts, and more. It’s great for anyone living in Methuen MA who is looking to plan a birthday party or family outing.
602 Lowell St, Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 689-0456
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Greycourt State Park
Greycourt State Park in Methuen, MA, is a public recreation area situated on 24 acres of land that was once the Charles Tenney Estate. The park features a lake, scenic trails, boat ramps, playgrounds, and other outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts living in Methuen MA.
37 Pleasant St, Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 983-8545
Additional Attractions in Methuen
- Launch Family Entertainment Park Methuen
- Methuen Rail Trail
- Merrimack Valley Golf Club
- Tenney Castle
- Forest Lake
Looking for more fun things to do while living in Methuen MA? The Town of Methuen, Massachusetts, Parks and Recreation Department has a list of sports leagues and nearby parks on its website.
Methuen Restaurants
Feeling hungry? You’ll be pleased to hear that there is a diverse range of delicious restaurants in Methuen, serving everything from comfort food to Mediterranean cuisine.
Ellie’s Farmhouse
Ellie’s Farmhouse is one of the best restaurants in Methuen, MA, if you’re looking for a laid-back brunch spot that serves eggs and waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and other morning favorites.
436 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 208-8062
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Yalla Grill
Yalla Grill is a casual Mediterranean Methuen MA restaurant serving a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including lamb kebabs, shawarma plates, grilled kafta, and more.
169 Merrimack St, Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 794-1718
River Edge
River Edge is a popular restaurant in Methuen, MA, serving authentic Asian cuisine with Chinese and Japanese favorites, including sushi, sashimi, and Szechuan chicken, as well as outdoor seating and an extensive cocktail menu.
478 Lowell St, Methuen, MA 01844 (978) 933-7688
Jobs in Methuen
Living in Methuen MA offers access to a range of job opportunities. Historically, it was a major industrial center. While manufacturing still plays a major role, Middlesex County today has a more diversified economy centered around industries such as healthcare, finance, and professional and scientific services.
The county’s total workforce exceeds 420,000, with the majority of jobs in Methuen, MA, concentrated in management, office, and administrative support, as well as sales-related roles. Living in Methuen MA also offers a manageable commute to Boston, which offers a range of opportunities in education, financial services, and healthcare.
Largest employers in the Boston area
- Massachusetts General Hospital: 11,415 employees.
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital: 8,661 employees
- Fidelity Investments (FMR Corp.): 8,000 employees
- Boston University: 7,410 employees
- Beth Israel Co: 6,205 employees
Payscale suggests that the average salary for an employee in Boston is $92,000. Therefore, anyone living in Methuen MA can expect to earn roughly the same amount. From adult education secretary to school payroll coordinator, you can find an interesting range of Methuen jobs available. City of Methuen jobs are also available for those who prefer to work with the local government. Stop by Methuen City Hall for more information on local organizations offering Methuen MA jobs.
Methuen Schools
Families living in Methuen MA will be pleased to hear that it features excellent schools. The Methuen Public School District serves approximately 7,200 students across six schools.
Public schools in the district serving grades K-8:
- Marsh Grammar School
- Timony Grammar School
- Comprehensive Grammar School
- Tenney Grammar School
The Methuen Early Childhood Center also offers preschool education, and the Adult Learning Center offers adult education services.
Methuen High School serves students in grades 9 through 12. It’s a well-respected school that ranks 245th in Massachusetts and features a 95% graduation rate. St. Monica’s Catholic School is one of the more notable private schools in Methuen MA, serving grades pre-K through 8.
Northern Essex Community College, a two-year public community college serving residents of the Merrimack Valley, is also located in Methuen. Residents are also welcome to stop by the Nevins Memorial Library for books and community events.
Methuen Statistics & Information
- County: Essex County
- Methuen area: 22.99 square miles
- Zip code for Methuen, MA 01844
- Methuen MA area code: 351 & 978
- Methuen elevation: 115 ft
- Methuen time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Methuen: The Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is 25 miles away, and Boston Logan International Airport is 32 miles away.
Methuen MA Map
Discover more activities, attractions and fun things to do while living in Methuen MA with this map.
Ready to See For Yourself What Living in Methuen MA Is Like?
Ready to find out for yourself what living in Methuen MA is really like? When you’re ready to make the move, you can trust the dependable Methuen movers at Mass Bay movers to make your upcoming relocation easy and efficient. Call (978) 587-3775 today for a free quote from the top Boston moving company.
