Stoneham sits just six miles north of downtown Boston, close enough to feel the city's pull but settled enough to have a character all its own. This Middlesex County town has deep roots, dating back to 1632 when Governor Winthrop's party first explored the area and discovered Spot Pond near what is now called Bear Hill. Today, the Middlesex Fells Reservation anchors the southern edge of town, bringing thousands of acres of wooded trails practically to residents' doorsteps. The compact downtown district hums with local businesses occupying well-kept historic buildings, and neighborhoods range from quiet, tree-lined streets to areas with closer access to retail and commuter routes. Tufts University in neighboring Medford and Sommerville adds an academic energy to the broader area, and the town is widely recognized as the birthplace of Olympic figure-skating medalist Nancy Kerrigan.
The rental landscape in Stoneham reflects its appeal as a true Boston-area suburb.
