Let the numbers do the talking.
Beacon Hill, MA vs Medford, MA
Beacon Hill, MA vs Medford, MA: What the data shows
Beacon Hill, MA is in Beacon Hill, MA while Medford, MA is in Medford, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Medford, MA is the more affordable option at $669,600 median — $1,004,200 less than Beacon Hill, MA's $1,673,800. WYLT rates Beacon Hill, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Medford, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Beacon Hill, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Beacon Hill, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Medford, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Beacon Hill, MA has Low flood risk and Medford, MA has Low flood risk.
Beacon Hill, MA is the more walkable neighborhood. Beacon Hill, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Medford, MA's 58/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Beacon Hill, MA has the higher school rating — Beacon Hill, MA rates 7.5/10 and Medford, MA rates 7.4/10.
| Category | Beacon Hill, MA | Medford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.67M | $670K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $3K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $170K ✓ Higher income | $115K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 ✓ More walkable | 58/100 |
| Transit Score | 60/100 ✓ Better transit | 50/100 |
| Bike Score | 65/100 ✓ More bikeable | 60/100 |
| Commute | 4 min ✓ Shorter commute | 10 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.4/10 |
| Best for | High‑earning professionalsRemote workers who value downtown proximityRetirees seeking low crime and walkability | FamiliesCommutersProfessionals |
Bottom line
For high-earning professionals, remote workers, and retirees, Beacon Hill is the clear winner due to its top-tier amenities and quality of life at a price they can afford. Meanwhile, for families, commuters, and students, Medford is the better option, offering a more affordable and stable environment despite its lower walk score. In general, Medford is a solid, if unremarkable, choice.
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