Wakefield, Massachusetts, is a town of 25,000 people located 10 miles northeast of Boston. Wakefield’s location at the intersection of Routes 93 and 128 (Interstate 95) places it in the perfect location for commuters. For those wishing to take public transportation, there is a commuter rail (operated by the MBTA) and bus lines with very regular service. The town has two railway stations.
Wakefield’s location also provides a very good environment for business. Many specialty stores and service businesses are located along Main Street, North Avenue, Water Street and in the Greenwood and Montrose sections. Two fine office parks provide an excellent location for a wide range of businesses.
Wakefield is proud of its educational system. The town has four neighborhood elementary schools, a middle school and Wakefield Memorial High School. Elementary testing levels consistently place Wakefield students above the national norm. Kindergarten is mandatory and provided by the town. A major new addition was recently made to the Dolbeare Elementary School, and the brand new Woodville School opened last year, replacing one of the older elementary schools. There are many fine private nursery schools within the town. St. Joseph’s Parochial School educates children in grades pre-K through eight. The Odyssey Day School is a private, independent day school for children aged 15 months through eighth grade. A private Catholic girls’ high school, Nazareth Academy, is also located within the town. The High School Marching Band and Jazz Ensembles win regular awards for their performances, and the hockey, football and basketball teams have been state finalists.
Wakefield enjoys a strong sense of community spirit, with many town-wide community events held on the banks of our lovely Lake Quannapowitt. Having celebrated its 350th anniversary in 1994, Wakefield also has a significant historical heritage and is home to many fine old buildings. In addition, the town has a very good library and a flourishing arts/cultural life.
Many of Wakefield’s facilities are undergoing a renaissance. The library has undergone a significant restoration/enlarge-ment of its original structure, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Town Hall has recently received a renovation, and a new Public Safety Building has just been constructed. A new Senior Center has opened in the historic Warren School. All of this new construction was done within Proposition 2 1/2.
Lake Quannapowitt is the site of both summer and winter sports. The town’s Recreation Commission sponsors summer sports workshops and children’s programs. The town is also the home of a yacht club and is a favorite location for wind-surfers, as well as those who simply enjoy the three-mile walk, jog or ride around the lake. The town’s numerous playgrounds and parks are the home of well-organized junior sports programs ranging from t-ball to soccer to Pop Warner football.
With its natural beauty, traditional New England charm and rich history, Wakefield looks forward to building upon its past as it proudly invests in its future. From the shores of our lakes, to the forested hillsides of Greenwood, to the historic homes scaling Prospect Street, we welcome you to Wakefield.
