NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED! Malden ranked #5 nationally ‘Best Quality of Life’ by U.S. News & World Report

Four Boston-area communities were recognized for this national honor

By Steve Freker

Malden is one of the best places to live in the nation, according to a national ranking released in the past week by U.S. News & World Report. Two other Boston-area communities were ranked the best in the nation, taking #1 and #2 — Brookline and Newton, respectively. Malden was one of four communities that remarkably made the Top 10. In addition to Malden — which was ranked #5 in the nation — also honored by U.S. News was Cambridge (#7).

The rankings took into account the quality of life in the United States and matched it against the cities and towns across the country. Taken into account were educational opportunities, accessibility to health care, cost of living and other factors.

“While no city is perfect, living in one of these places may make it easier to prioritize your and your family’s well-being instead of constantly stressing over external concerns,” was the way the process was described in one online report.

In a report on the website House Beautiful here are some synopses on the selected communities:

Malden, Massachusetts

  Malden was ranked No. 5 for quality of life in the U.S., following after #4-ranked Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “It was an important city in the American Revolution, being one of the first towns to show resistance against the British Empire,” House Beautiful said. “Now, you can go there to learn history, explore nature, and finish the day with a craft beer.”

Malden has a population of close to 68,000. Their median household income is $102,000 and it houses three high schools.

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Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge was named No. 7 on the list of the best American cities for quality of life, right after #6 Kirkland, Wash. “It’s an educational hub with beautiful neighborhoods and historical architecture,” House Beautiful said. “The median household income is around $134,000, and it offers excellent walkability.”

The home of Harvard University is also known for its food scene, with eclectic restaurants like The Mad Monkfish and Veggie Galaxy lining Massachusetts Avenue. If you’re more into entertainment, then Cambridge also has The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub as well as The Cantab Lounge for live music and weekly events.