Malden Center - Malden, MA

Originally the home of the Pennacook tribe, Malden attracted early Puritan settlers because of its proximity to both the Mystic River and nearby Boston. It was originally a part of nearby Charlestown, becoming its own city in 1649. Malden's early borders included the modern towns of Melrose and Everett, which broke off during the 1800s. Like much of New England, the name "Malden" came from an existing English town, Maldon, in Essex County, England.

Housed in the Malden Public Library, the Malden Historical Society hosts community programs and activities to teach residents about the rich local history. On Mondays and Fridays, the library welcomes anyone wishing to trace their genealogy to early Malden residents.

Although Malden itself has no museums, the Malden Public Library issues discounted museum passes to Malden residents for museums around the Boston area.

Most of Malden Center's best dining and drinking revolves around the Malden Center Station near the intersection of Commercial and Centre streets. Diners choose from a variety of cuisines, from pub fare to pizza, Chinese and Cuban, all within a few block radius. Highlighting its proximity to the subway station, Pearl Street Station serves classic American food and drink inside a converted railway station. The space retains some of the original 1891 features, such as cathedral ceilings and a working fireplace, and its multiple rooms make for today's horseshoe bar, club bar and pizza parlour, all housed under one roof. The menu hits a wide range of favorites, from pasta and salads to fajitas and wings. Swing by on Friday or Saturday for karaoke night.

While those seeking a full nightclub experience typically hop on the subway to Boston, the neighborhood offers several local options for knocking back a few brews. Dockside Restaurant and Bar caters to sports fans with giant TVs and a wide selection of domestic beers. Mystic Station features the area's best cocktail menu, with classics including the sazerac and creative reinventions, such as the "new fashioned."

When it comes to accessibility, Malden Center has several public transport options for destinations within and outside the city of Malden. The Mass Bay Transit Authority ("MBTA") services Malden via the subway's Orange Line, with stops at Malden Center and further north at Oak Grove. The Haverhill Line takes commuters from Boston's Back Bay through Malden Center to further destinations, including Andover and Lawrence. Several area buses also pass through Malden Center for access to neighboring suburbs, such as Revere and Medford.

By car, the commute to downtown Boston takes about 20 minutes via I-93. Malden Center also has several parking lots for those looking to ditch the car and hop on the subway. Cabs prove another viable option with reservations made in advance, and car services, including Uber, have become an increasingly popular means of transport.

Although Malden's streets lack dedicated bike lanes, the area boasts one of the best-maintained bike trails in New England. The Northern Strand Community Bike Trail runs from Malden River through Malden Center east to Revere Beach for a scenic, off-street ride through town.

Several parks dot the Malden Center landscape, providing residents with an array of outdoor recreation options. Down the street from the Malden Center Station, Callahan Park features a dog park, soccer field and softball diamond. Further south, Bell Rock Memorial Park features a public green space in a historical setting. Two of the city's earliest congregational meeting houses once stood on the park's west side, and today's park pays homage to its history with statues commemorating both the American Civil War and World War II. Enjoyed by kids and adults alike, Bell Rock houses craft fairs and music events for the Malden community.

Rents in Malden remain fairly affordable, considering its proximity to downtown Boston. The median one-bedroom costs $1,940 per month, compared to $2,350 per month in Boston proper. The commute downtown also proves within budget at $2.65 per one-way subway ride, and frequent riders save even more with a $75 Linkpass for unlimited bus and subway fare. Massachusetts gas prices hover just 25 cents above the national average

At $4 to $6 per bottle, beer prices in Malden Center remain on par with national trends. Don't expect to save during happy hour, as statewide blue laws prevent bars from offering discounted alcohol. As a result, many area bars get creative with discounted food menus to lure early evening patrons.

For a small city, Malden holds its own when it comes to shopping. Pleasant Street houses most of the neighborhood's best boutiques and produce stores, including New England Comics, the area's leading source for graphic novels. For a broader range of non-book collectibles, try Hobby Bunker, specializing in toy soldiers, building models and dioramas.

Malden Center's grocery options abound, with a range of specialty stores in addition to larger supermarkets. Several Indian grocery stores provide Malden residents with hard-to-find Indian specialty foods, including pickled mango and naan, while Baba Supermarket features Middle Eastern delicacies as well as made-to-order sandwiches. Super Stop and Shop, on Charles Street, constitutes the largest one-stop supermarket in the neighborhood. The closest farmers market happens in nearby Everett, held on Saturdays during the summer season.