Malden, MA

One of the biggest perks of living in Malden is how easily you can get around without relying on a car. The city is served by two Orange Line subway stops, with Malden Center placing you right by downtown shops and Oak Grove anchoring a quieter residential pocket to the north. Between the subway, the commuter rail, and an extensive network of local buses, getting into downtown Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville usually takes less than half an hour. Nearly every neighborhood sits within an easy walk of a bus or train stop, making daily commutes and weekend outings remarkably simple.

ATTRPilgrimsong / CC BY-SA 3.0

Malden dates back to the 1600s, but its modern character really grew out of the Industrial Revolution. In the late nineteenth century, the city was home to the world's largest rubber shoe factory, drawing generations of new residents and shaping working-class neighborhoods like Edgeworth. You can still see this rich history reflected in the local architecture, most notably at the Converse Memorial Library. Designed by renowned architect H. H. Richardson, the brownstone building continues to serve as an active community library with historic archives and a public art gallery.

ATTRAnthony92931 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Different parts of town offer very different settings depending on what you are looking for. On the west side, quiet residential streets climb toward the Middlesex Fells Reservation, giving outdoor enthusiasts quick access to thousands of acres of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and wooded paths. Cyclists and runners also love the Northern Strand Trail, a paved rail trail running through the city that connects Malden to neighboring towns all the way out to the coast. Farther east, spots like Maplewood Square provide a laid-back village atmosphere centered around local bakeries and family-owned markets.

ATTRDaderot / CC0

Downtown Malden around the transit hub has transformed into a lively entertainment and dining destination. The area has earned a reputation as a regional gaming hub, featuring interactive quest rooms at Boda Borg, board game lounges, esports venues, and indoor mini-golf. Pair that with an exceptional food scene, including some of Greater Boston's best regional Asian cuisine, bubble tea shops, and casual brewpubs. With a welcoming, multicultural population representing dozens of backgrounds, Malden offers an energetic community atmosphere just a short ride from the heart of Boston.