- The City of Malden is a city on the move. Just five miles north of Boston, it is served by Interstate 93, Routes 1, 16, 28, 60 and 99. It is also served by two stops each by the MBTA commuter rail on the Haverhill Line and the Orange Line subway. This proximity to Boston and ease of access makes it appealing to students, young professionals and immigrants.
- Once the state's richest city, Malden boasts several longtime families who have influenced state and national politics. Our United States Senator, Ed Markey, was born and raised in Malden. Many of those families remain and tout the city's changing face as a blessing for the city.
- Malden is composed of a mixed housing stock that is on pace to grow rapidly in the next few years. Several projects for luxury high-rise condominium and apartment complexes aim to make Malden a desirable bedroom community to Boston and the surrounding north suburbs. The mayor has said he believes this luxury construction will be a catalyst to convert many of the cities thousands of residential rental units into condos similar to the type of conversion seen in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston.
- Demographically, Malden is as economically diverse as it is ethnically. Estimates put the city's Asian population at 20 percent. Also Latinos and Haitians make up about another 15 percent combined. Several other ethnicities from around the world round out the mix along with the families who have lived in Malden for several generations.
- Many of the city's residents earn a living in the public sector, such as police, firefighters, teachers and state workers, while still more work in skilled trades, often in a union, and in the medicine. Malden has become attractive of late to young married couples and new families looking to settle down in a one- or two-family home, who love urban living but cannot afford prices in Cambridge, Somerville, Medford or Arlington.
Malden, Massachusetts boasts a history over three centuries old, from the small settlement called Mystic Side to the modern, energetic city of today. Residents state proudly that Malden MA has always been at the heart of things, a major contributor to the everyday fabric of American life, having given birth to writers and industrialists, revolutionaries and governors, actors, and artists. From Elisha Converse to John Volpe, from Walter Brennan to Louise Stokes to Frank Stella, Maldonians have participated in every facet of American culture.
Even now Malden is at the heart of an innovative New England economy. The city is situated in close proximity to metropolitan Boston's major arteries and interstates. There is direct access to one of the world's busiest international airports and the city is serviced by both commuter rail and the MBTA Orange Line. Some of America's best universities are within a stone's throw, as are many of the world's best high-tech and medical research facilities. The city is only minutes away from some of New England's great beaches.
Amidst all this activity. Malden has tenaciously preserved its neighborly and small town tradition. Malden enjoys an active business community, a downtown in the process of rejuvenation, a fine system of parks and playgrounds and a variety of social, cultural and fraternal organizations. To loyal town residents. Malden has the best of both worlds; ready availability to the best of the big city and the familiar feel of a small town.
It is located in eastern Massachusetts, bordered by Stoneham and Melrose on the north. Revere on the east, Everett on the south, and Medford on the west. Malden is 5 miles north of Boston, 7 miles west of Lynn, 20 miles south of Lawrence, and 225 miles from New York City.
Compiled by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
Location
Five miles northwest of Boston bordered by Melrose/Stoneham to the North, Medford to the West, Everett on the South, Revere to the East. Convenient to Logan Airport and Routes 1, 16, 93, 99 and 128.
Date of Founding
Established as a town on May 2, 1649; incorporated as a city on March 31, 1882. Malden observed its 350th anniversary during a year-long celebration from May 1999 to June 2000.
Land
5 square miles
Population
61,200 (approx.)
Government
Mayor elected to a four year term and an eleven member City Council elected biennially. Nine member School Committee, including the Mayor, who serves as chairperson, elected for four years.
Public Transportation
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority - Two Orange Line stations connecting all points. Commuter rail service linking Malden to Haverhill via the Reading/Haverhill Commuter Line. Regional bus terminal for seven communities. The Malden Center Orange Line Station is the fifth busiest station on the MBTA's Orange Line system of 18 stations. More than 12,000 commuters use the station on a daily basis.
Housing
24,000 (approx.) units comprised of owner-occupied one, two and three family homes and several multi-family residential complexes. Styles vary; Malden is noted for its rich collection of fine Victorian-era homes.
Business
Approximately 1800 businesses are located in the City. The business base is quite diverse. Many manufacturers, service-oriented companies and financial institutions have made Malden their home. Malden boasts an active Chamber of Commerce, 200 Pleasant Street, (781)322-4500.
Labor Force
30,000 Malden residents of diverse backgrounds including professional, skilled and clerical. There is an additional labor pool of 300,000 within a five-mile radius.
Income
Median family income, $60,800 (2017 U.S. Census)
Education
Public: Five new K-8 schools, a citywide pre-school for 400 youngsters and one comprehensive high school (Grades 9-12). Malden students also attend the publicly-funded Mystic Valley Charter School (K-8), located in Malden. Parochial: Two elementary and one high school. Malden is also a member of the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School System. Massachusetts Department of Education is headquartered in downtown Malden.
Fire
Three fire stations; headed by a Commissioner and Chief.
Police
One police station; headed by a Commissioner and Chief.
Recreation
Approximately 30 park sites throughout the city providing a variety of recreational facilities including tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds and ballfields. Other sites include a 400-meter synthetic running track at Macdonald Stadium; the 56-acre Middlesex Fells Reservation; the 25 acre Fellsmere Pond; a DCR-owned and operated swimming pool; a 30,000 sq. ft. fieldhouse built under the new school rebuilding plan; and Pine Banks Park, operated by a Board of Trustees with equal representation by the cities of Malden and Melrose.
Youth Activities
Babe Ruth League, Little League, Pop Warner, Youth Soccer, Youth Hockey, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA and YWCA.
Houses of Worship
Over 25, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Seventh Day Adventist, Haitienne and Chinese.
Library
A $6.5 million addition to the library, dedicated in 1996, houses over 220,000 books and other materials. Services include a computerized database with many full-text magazine articles, CD-ROM databases and Internet access for the public. The original building, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers access to local history, genealogy and other special book collections. The Ryder Art Gallery, housing an impressive collection of European and American art, is open on request.
Organizations
A wide variety of civic, charitable, social and fraternal organizations are active in the community.
Arts/Entertainment
The City is within easy distance of all major urban amenities including theaters, institutions of higher learning, museums and medical facilities.
Average Housing Costs
Single family: $363,631 (Source: MLS)
Community Resources
The Malden Redevelopment Authority serves as the city's economic development agency providing assistance to business and operating low-interest rehab and mortgage programs for business and homeowners 781-324-5720; the Malden Housing Authority, manages some 1,400 units of state and federal housing, as well as a Section 8 subsidized housing program; Malden Access Television, 145 Pleasant Street, operates three public access stations, Newspapers: Malden Observer, & Malden Advocate