WAKEFIELD

Newcomers looking for a great suburban residential community with easy access to Boston should consider Wakefield as a potential homestead. Not only is this Middlesex County community a super place to call home, it also offers a close proximity to the Hub and other nearby cities.

LOCATION

Lynnfield makes up the northern border, Melrose is to the south and Saugus is to the east, while Stoneham and Reading are to the west. Wakefield is about 10 miles north of Boston. Commuters will appreciate the excellent location of the town at the intersection of I-93 and Route 128 (I-95). Non-drivers can take advantage of the commuter rail that runs through town at two different railway stations.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A year after it was originally settled in 1638, what is now known as Wakefield was named Linn Village. A few years later, the largely farming area was incorporated by court order and called Redding. Growth led to a split in the late 18th century.

The three areas became The First Parish (the Wakefield of today), the Second Parish (North Reading) and the Third Parish (Reading). Political unrest led The First Parish to petition the courts to become a separate town. The petition was granted and the town of South Reading was the name taken in 1812. The onset of the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1845 saw remarkable growth for the area.

Growth was not only seen in the population, but also in the business sector. Old businesses were revitalized and new endeavors popped up, including the ice industry. A notable figure, Cyrus Wakefield, came to town in 1851 and established two major businesses - the Boston and Maine Foundry Company and the Wakefield Rattan Company. His phenomenal success changed the climate of the community. When he offered to build a new Town Hall in 1868, the town voted to change its name to Wakefield in appreciation.

The town of Wakefield has never looked back. It continues to grow and progress to this day. Successful businesses line the major streets of Wakefield. Two office parks are also home to many businesses.

For a look at the official Wakefield Web site, CLICK HERE: Town of Wakefield.

VISITORS GUIDE

Families have no problem finding things to do as the community is an active one. Community-wide events include Town Day, the Independence Day Parade, Homecoming Celebration and the Concerts on the Common, on the banks of Lake Quannapowitt. The lake is also the site of many winter and summer sports.

REAL ESTATE

The quaint town of Wakefield could be the perfect place to hang your hat. Click here for Wakefield MA Homes - Condos for sale.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS

Wakefield Gov't Links

Town of Wakefield

Wakefield Info Links