Waltham, MA, United States
đ Scores
Waltham's economy runs on universities, biotech, and defense contractors. Brandeis and Bentley employ thousands directly; RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon) anchors advanced electronics and defense work nearby. Software development, healthcare, and professional services dominate job postings. Remote work is common, but on-site roles pay $70kâ$150k+ depending on sector. The transition from 20th-century manufacturing is completeâthis is a knowledge economy town now.
Expect $2,750/month for a one-bedroom downtown; $1,800â$2,200 in quieter neighborhoods. The MBTA commuter rail reaches Boston in 20 minutes; buses are frequent but crowded during rush hours. Healthcare access is excellent (Boston Medical Center, Brigham and Women's nearby). Winter snow removal is reliable. No language barrier. Bureaucracy is standard Americanâstraightforward if you're used to U.S. systems, frustrating if you're not.
Winters are genuinely cold (20â35°F, heavy snow); summers mild and brief. The Charles River trail system is excellent for running and cycling. Food scene is solid New England fare plus ethnic diversity from student populations. Expat community is small but present; most social life orbits universities or Boston day trips. This suits remote workers seeking quiet, good schools, and easy Boston accessânot people seeking urban energy or warm weather.
đď¸ Cost of Living
đ° Budgets and Costs
Grocery Basket
Eating Out
Utilities & Lifestyle
Housing
đ° Real Spend Reports
đĄď¸ Safety & Crime
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Waltham is a genuinely safe city with a strong safety reputation backed by data. The Numbeo Safety Index of 85 reflects a community where daytime and evening walks are comfortable, and residents report low anxiety about personal security. As a mid-sized Massachusetts city with significant institutional presence (Brandeis University, corporate headquarters), it maintains consistent police presence and community engagement that translates to real safety on the ground.
Property crimeâparticularly vehicle break-ins and package theftârepresents the primary concern rather than violent crime. Petty theft from unlocked cars and residential areas occurs occasionally, especially near transit corridors. Violent crime is rare. Solo female travelers and residents report feeling secure walking at reasonable hours. Standard urban precautions apply: avoid displaying valuables, stay aware in parking areas, and use common sense around the Route 128 commercial strips where transient activity concentrates.
Waltham benefits from stable governance, reliable police services, and no significant geopolitical risks. The city is politically mainstream Massachusetts with no protest hotspots or corruption concerns affecting daily life. For Americans considering relocation, this is a low-risk choiceâparticularly suitable for remote workers or retirees seeking New England proximity without Boston's density or higher crime rates. The main trade-off is cost of living rather than safety.
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đ¤ď¸ Climate
Best Months
Climate Notes
Waltham, MA experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, and generally maintains a moderate air quality due to its suburban nature and limited industrial output.
đť Digital Nomad
Community Notes
| Name | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regus - Waltham - CityPoint | $320 | Located in the CityPoint complex, this Regus offers standard amenities and easy access to major highways. It's a reliable option for those seeking a professional and convenient workspace. |
| Industrious Waltham | $450 | Industrious offers a more upscale coworking experience with a focus on design and community. Located in the heart of Waltham, it provides a premium workspace for remote workers seeking a sophisticated environment. |
| The Village Works | $375 | Located in nearby Brookline, MA, The Village Works is a popular coworking space with a focus on community and collaboration. It's a good option for those seeking a more social and engaging work environment, and is a short commute from Waltham. |
𧳠Expat Life
Expat Life Notes
The 'Watch City' is a major tech and research hub near Boston. It has a high-income, highly educated population.
Pros
- â Excellent tech job market
- â Very safe
- â Top-tier dining (Moody St)
Cons
- â Very high rent
- â Dense traffic
- â Competitive environment
Could living/working in Waltham, MA cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1650/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.