Inside Medford | Glenwood & Riverside Avenue

By 4Squares Residential Group with Judi 411

Welcome to another quick tour of Medford's neighborhood favorites! We've got go-to information for all corners of town, including West Medford, Wellington, Hillside, Medford Square, South Medford and now, Glenwood!

Parks & recreation, restaurants & entertainment, shopping and the day to day - we're sharing all our best local recommendations to help you love the way you live in Medford, MA.

Tucked Away, But Right Where You Want to Be

Medford’s Glenwood area is the best neighborhood you didn’t know you needed to know about. Quietly nestled between Salem Street and Riverside Avenue in Medford, this under-the-radar gem delivers a rare mix of local charm, community feel, and can’t-beat convenience. It bridges the lively bustle of Salem Street and Haines Square with the peaceful natural beauty of the Mystic River—offering the perfect mix of “something’s happening” and “I can still breathe.”

Whether you’re hunting for global eats, convenient shopping, or a quiet corner to catch your breath, Glenwood punches above its weight. Let’s break it down in true 4Squares style.

Food & Flavor: Haitian-Inspired Eats + Classic Café Comfort

One of the best parts of discovering a hidden-gem neighborhood? Finding out the food scene is equally unexpected—and delicious—as the zip code itself. In Glenwood, the local eats quietly hold their own, offering everything from bold Haitian-inspired dishes to nostalgic neighborhood breakfasts.

Neighborhood Kitchen (84 Spring Street) This unassuming fusion spot is where Haitian heritage meets Asian influence—and the results are mouthwatering. Locals rave about the fried fish sandwich topped with spicy pikliz and the Haitian-style spaghetti (yes, that’s a thing, and yes, you should try it). Whether you’re brunching, lunching, or catering your next gathering, this place delivers big flavor with even bigger heart. And look out for Neighborhood Kitchen pop-ups in West Medford, at the Medford Brewing Company.

The Ford Tavern (61 Locust Street) Just across Riverside Avenue, The Ford Tavern is one of Medford’s favorite gathering spots—whether you’re popping in for an after-work cocktail, bringing the family for dinner, or meeting up with friends on the lively outdoor patio once the weather warms up. Known for crave-worthy bites like their famous Crab Rangoon dip and perfectly crisp fried pickles, the menu hits all the right notes for comfort food with a twist. Beyond great food and drinks, the Ford is deeply connected to the community, often sponsoring local fundraisers and supporting Medford organizations. It’s also a family-friendly hangout, with a welcoming vibe for kids and adults alike. Wednesdays bring the fun with trivia night, making it the perfect mid-week pick-me-up.

Classic Café (174 Spring Street) No hidden gem is complete without a no-frills, all-comfort local diner. At Classic Café, breakfast and lunch are done the old-school way: hearty portions, daily specials, and easy online ordering if you’re in a rush. It’s the kind of place where the coffee’s always hot and the regulars always say hello. They also accommodate the gluten-free crowd quite easily—and deliciously.

Shopping Central: Meadow Glen Means Business (and Groceries, and Sneakers, and...)

Riverside Avenue gives you easy access to the Meadow Glen Shopping Center at 3850 Mystic Valley Parkway, which has quietly reinvented itself in the past few years. Once a traditional indoor mall, it’s now a modern, open-air retail destination where convenience meets variety—all with plenty of parking.

Wegmans

Wegmans isn’t just a grocery store—it’s a full-blown experience. Grab your morning coffee and sip it on the patio, swing by the Market Café for a quick lunch that doesn’t feel like one, or turn dinner into an event with their prepared foods (yes, the sushi is that good). With plenty of seating, easy parking, and everything from gourmet cheese to family-sized frozen pizza, Wegmans makes even the weekly grocery run feel like a treat. Bonus: it's perfectly positioned for a quick bite before—or reward after—your retail circuit around Meadow Glen.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s is the flagship retail standby of the 21st century—the place you turn to when you need a little bit of everything, and fast. From clothes and cookware to throw pillows and sneakers, it’s the modern-day general store for suburbia. And if you’ve got Kohl’s Cash burning a hole in your pocket? Well, that just seals the deal.

Marshalls

No one actually needs to go to Marshalls, but somehow we all end up there—and walk out with the very thing we didn’t know we needed. It’s the unofficial home of the impulse buy: brand-name deals, stylish home finds, and prices that make it feel more like a win than a splurge. Whether you’re killing time or hunting for something specific, you’ll probably leave with both.

DICK’S Sporting Goods If you've got a kid in cleats, chances are you’ve made a few laps through DICK’S. From youth league must-haves to grown-up hiking gear, it’s the go-to for staying active—and looking the part. It’s also a bit of a local scene: part supply stop, part social checkpoint where Medford families cross paths between games, practices, and weekend adventures. Whether you’re chasing a soccer ball or just chasing a deal, this is where the action starts.

Petco Our four-legged family members deserve a little retail therapy, too—and that’s why Petco is where the pets go. From treats and toys to grooming services that leave them looking their best, it’s a one-stop shop for all things furry or feathered, swimming or scaled.

For Riverside/Glenwood residents, Meadow Glen isn’t merely the closest option—it’s the most efficient way to check off your list without straying far from home. Reliable, accessible, and low-key essential.

Parks & Recreation: Where Green Space Meets Everyday Living

One of the biggest draws of the Glenwood neighborhood is how seamlessly the outdoors weaves into daily life. Tree-lined streets lead to parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields, giving residents endless opportunities to stay active, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the fresh air year-round.

Riverbend Park & The Clippership Connector

As the neighborhood’s outdoor centerpiece, along the beautiful Mystic River Riverbend Park is more than a park—it’s a lifestyle hub. From the community garden and two dedicated dog parks to the peaceful labyrinth and the kayak and canoe access on the Mystic, it’s designed for all kinds of recreation. It even includes a brand-new universally accessible playground. Riverbend connects directly to Medford Square via the new Clippership Connector, a scenic walking and biking path that makes it easy to enjoy shops, dining, and community events without ever getting in the car.

LoConte Rink & Hormel Stadium

Right around the corner, you’ll find even more opportunities to stay active. LoConte Rink, managed by the city’s Recreation Department, offers open skating hours all winter long. Nearby, Hormel Stadium's fields host everything from adult rec soccer to Friday night lights football and marching band competitions. Hormel Stadium features a rubber track beloved by local runners - including Medford native and Boston Marathon Race Director, Dave McGillivray, who hosts Medford's annual fall 5K Run Medford. The track at Hormel Stadium was recently dedicated in his honor.

Neighborhood Parks

For everyday play, you’re never far from a playground or green retreat. Morrison, Logan, and Magoun Parks are all neighborhood staples, offering kid-friendly fun, shady spots to relax, and plenty of space to kick a ball, meet a friend, or enjoy a weekend picnic.

Living in Glenwood means Medford’s best outdoor amenities—and direct access to Medford Square—are practically your backyard.

Easy Access to Salem Street and Haines Square

One of Glenwood’s perks is its close proximity to the bustling Salem Street and Haines Square district to the north. This vibrant area features an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and services, offering a lively urban experience just minutes from your doorstep. Whether you’re heading out for a coffee, boutique shopping, or enjoying one of the many dining options, Salem Street adds an extra layer of convenience and culture to the Glenwood lifestyle.

Neighborhood Charm & History: Where Character Lives

Glenwood offers more than just convenience—it delivers a true sense of place. Beautiful tree-lined streets, historic landmarks, and welcoming community spaces set the tone, but it’s the homes that really tell the story.

The housing stock here is a dynamic mix of classic and contemporary. Glenwood includes the Old Ship Street historic district, where the Clippership ship builders lived and worked. You’ll find everything from stately Victorians and Colonial Revivals, to Craftsmans and Dutch Colonials—each with its own story and architectural charm. Many of these homes have been lovingly maintained or thoughtfully renovated, blending original details with modern upgrades.

In recent years, the neighborhood has evolved to include newer construction and luxury home developments, offering sleek design and upgraded amenities for today’s buyer. Condominium conversions in former school buildings add yet another layer of interest, merging history with contemporary urban living.

Whether you’re exploring the parks, sampling Haitian-inspired dishes, or stocking up at Meadow Glen, you’ll quickly see why Glenwood is one of those neighborhoods that just feels like home. Rich in character, full of variety, and quietly brimming with charm. Discover Glenwood — where culture, convenience, and community come together in Medford!

If you're a Medford resident - what are the local favorites in your part of town?

And if you’re thinking about making a move, whether it’s buying your dream home or selling your current one, connect with Jen Keenan today—we’re here to help you love where you live! Or stay in the loop by subscribing to our email newsletter today!