Cummingsville - Woburn, MA

First settled in 1640, Woburn originally encompassed the communities of Burlington, Winchester and Wilmington until they broke off years later. Although a few homes graced the wooded area now known as Cummingsville in the early days, the neighborhood remains one of Woburn's newer areas with most homes built from the 1950s onward.

Cummingsville residents live just a short drive from cultural and historical attractions such as the Griffin Museum of Photography, the National Heritage Museum and the Count Rumford Museum. Living here also places you near some of the city's biggest community events including the annual Greek Festival and the Festival on the Common.

Take a drive along Cambridge Road to discover an eclectic mix of fine dining establishments, trendy grills and international buffets with local flair. Aside from a local pub, you don't find much nightlife in the family-friendly Cummingsville neighborhood or the immediate areas surrounding it, so take a short drive into downtown Boston if you're looking for live music and late-night entertainment.

If you're searching for a go-to Chinese take-out location in the Cummingsville area, look no further than Great Mandarin Restaurant. Locals come in droves for the inexpensive lunch buffet complete with pork fried rice, crab rangoons and pork in pepper sauce. Be sure to try the restaurant's crispy egg rolls for a starter that leaves you begging for more.

Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a quick drink, step into the Green’s Grille Pub. Tucked away in an old house at the Woburn Country Club, this charming restaurant separates the dining room and venue area from the bar, so you experience a unique atmosphere depending on where you pull up a chair. The Wednesday night pasta buffet always draws a crowd, and locals never miss a chance to sample the restaurant's Sunday brunch buffet. Stop in anytime to just kick back with a cold beer while you chat with your neighbors.

Despite its suburban setting, Cummingsville provides easy access to Boston and the surrounding cities via freeways and public transportation. Take Cambridge Road to Interstate 95 to reach Wakefield and Newton, or stay on Cambridge for a quick drive into downtown Boston that generally takes 30 minutes. Whether you're grabbing groceries or going out to eat, enjoy plenty of free street parking throughout the neighborhood. If you need a quick ride to the airport, call Uber or a local taxi service

Hop on a Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority bus from one of the frequent stops along Cambridge or Lexington for a quick ride into downtown Woburn or to the train station. If you prefer to navigate the streets on two wheels, keep in mind that Cummingsville has no bike lanes. The neighborhood's scattered layout also makes running errands on foot a bit of a hassle.

Cummingsville's large collection of public parks and green spaces remains one of its biggest draws, creating plentiful opportunities to kick back on your day off. Stop by Mary Cummings Park to explore 200 acres of public parkland that includes Whispering Hill Woods. Hike through wetlands, open meadows and hardwoods as you spot deer and other wildlife, and be sure to join in the monthly photo walk. Park your car in the lot near the soccer field before heading off on a family hike with the kids or a quiet stroll with your dog.

When you want to get active, head over to Gonsalves Field where you'll find two softball fields, a baseball field and a tennis court. Stop by in the morning to get your game on, or just take a quick jog through the open fields.

The cost of living in Cummingsville falls below average for the Boston metro area but hovers close to the average cost of living for the city of Woburn. If you're searching for an apartment, be ready to pay around $1,389 for a one-bedroom dwelling. Taking the bus into downtown Boston costs around $2.10, and gas prices hold steady at about 11 percent above the national average. Entertainment prices remain affordable with a glass of beer costing around $4 to $5 at the local pub.

Among the neighborhood's wooded streets, you'll find all your basic amenities along with local jewelers and services. Head south to Woburn Plaza Shopping Center for popular retailers such as Talbot's Outlet, DSW Shore Warehouse, and GNC, or head north on Cambridge for all your fashion mainstays. If you crave a more upscale shopping experience with high-end boutiques and luxury stores, take a short drive to the Burlington Mall. However, if you adore the small-town charm of local businesses and specialty shops, you can find plenty to love right here in Cummingsville.

Walking into the rustic McCue Garden Center might trick you into thinking you're visiting a fairy garden with an array of annuals, perennials, floral decor and garden statuary. Locals know that McCue's stands as the best place in town to pick up a fresh Christmas tree for the holidays or some cute pumpkins in the fall. Don't miss the annual free corn maze and Easter egg hunt.

Drive north on Cambridge Road to reach Cycle Loft, a local bike shop stocking mountain bikes, road bikes, cycling shoes, and all the parts and gear you'll ever need. The friendly staff also do great repair work and maintenance at competitive prices.

Pack up your reusable bags and head over to Whole Foods Market to pick up loads of organic groceries, or head to Roche Brothers for all your dinnertime staples. Cummingsville residents don't have far to drive to the Lexington Farmers Market for fresh produce from local growers.