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The Middlesex County Housing Market Update for October 2023! If you have any questions about how this might affect your property value, or house hunt, please reach out - fall has been a busy real estate season for us at 4Squares this year!! If you want more real estate info for Middlesex County - and beyond! - sign up for our monthly newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox!

Medford is often called a "hidden gem," and this description goes beyond its picturesque landscapes and impressive architecture; it's also a hub for a flourishing artist community. This month, we feature another of Medford's local artists, Poet Laureate Vijaya Sundaram. We spent some time with Vijaya to learn more about her Poet Laureate role and what makes Medford the place she calls home. You grew up in India and moved to the United States in the late 1980s. Tell me a little about your path to Medford. My husband and I arrived in late December 1988 and headed to Amherst to spend the holidays with his mother, who lived in Shutesbury, near Amherst. After Christmas, we made a trip to Columbia Falls, Maine, where my husband's father and stepmother lived at the time, and we stayed there for about three months. Following that, we moved to Arlington, Massachusetts, where we rented for a while, and in 2001, we found our home in Medford. What about our city makes you continue to choose Medford as your home? Moving to Medford was a matter of both convenience and economics at the time. We could afford to buy a house here (that seems harder for people to do now), and it was close enough for me to get to my teaching job. Making a home in Medford was a significant change for me, considering that my family moved a lot when I lived in India; this is the longest I've ever stayed in one place. We went through quite an adventure while setting up our home here. We found and renovated a house in the Fulton Heights area while still living within the house, surrounded by clouds of dust and particulate matter. My husband, our friends, and I took on various tasks, such as putting up drywall, painting, and even tackling the floors. We did enlist the help of a contractor friend for some of the major work, but we did a significant amount of the heavy lifting ourselves. It was a communal effort, in a way. We also dedicated ourselves to transforming the backyard and the front yard, making this place truly feel like home. We often joke that we've invested so much effort into this house that they'll have to carry us out of here feet first if we ever have to move again. Our home is situated on Fellsway West, right at the exit off 93, with the woods just beyond the highway. It's a beautiful location, because we're close to everything we need, and we're also close to nature. Our daughter loved to play at Carr Park as a child, and we now take our dog Holly to all the neighborhood parks. We also take walks as a family in the Fells. All we have to do is go across the bridge at Roosevelt Circle and venture straight into the woods near Bellevue Pond, enjoying the best of both worlds: city and nature. Photos: Bellevue Pond in fall, Vijaya at the City Hall ceremony honoring her as our city's Poet Laureate, Medford's branch of Modern Pastry and Vijaya's darling dog Holly, photographed by John Gallagher, While there is a great arts community here in Medford, there may be readers who aren't aware that we have a Poet Laureate. Tell us about that journey. I'm actually the second Poet Laureate in Medford. The first Poet Laureate (2021-2023) is Terry E. Carter, who, in addition to being a poet, has strong ties to West Medford and is actively involved in Medford's events and the West Medford Community Center, among other places. I learned about the Poet Laureate position during the time I was teaching my homeschooled teenage students online, in addition to my work as a professor at Bunker Hill Community College. For some background, I started teaching online while my daughter, who is homeschooled, became a teenager. (She's now a freshman at UMass Amherst). She and her group of homeschool friends, who are well-read, literate, and passionate about literature, attended my literature and poetry courses for several years. I offered these courses primarily for the benefit of my daughter and her friends. Just as an aside, this group of students also sought other educators for various subjects, like Milva McDonald in Medford, who teaches creative writing and short story reading/analysis. Anyway, back in 2021, the mother of two students in my online homeschoolers’ Poetry Club reached out to me, told me about the announcement about the Poet Laureate position, and encouraged me to apply. I did so, but didn’t make it the first time. The Poet Laureate term is two years, so when the time came around again this year, I initially didn't consider applying. However, I decided to submit my application at the very last minute because several people, including Heather Meeker Green, who manages the Medford Farmer's Market, and Ilene Lerner, who is deeply involved in our community and contributes significantly, encouraged me to do so. So, I thought, "Okay," and I submitted my application, along with recommendations from several friends in the community, just minutes before the midnight deadline on the designated date. When I learned that I was named Poet Laureate for 2023-25, I felt really moved and honored. The ceremony in August was at City Hall, and it was beautifully conducted, a real testament to our city’s commitment to upholding the role of poetry and the arts in our community. What a great testament to the community you've cultivated and are a part of! You'll be doing a poetry reading soon. Yes! I'll do a combined event with Medford clarinetist and composer Glenn Dickson at the Farmers Market on October 5th, from 3-5 p.m. Glenn and I have given a similar performance blending poetry and music at the West Medford Community Center. Heather Meeker Green invited us to perform at the Farmers Market event to celebrate my role as Poet Laureate. I was scheduled to perform on Sept. 23rd at the Medford Cultural Festival at the Condon Shell, which Laura Brereton manages, but it was canceled, due to rain. What are your favorite spots around the city? For folks new to Medford, where are the "hidden gem" spots you enjoy? Parks are a big part of our routine. As dog owners, we enjoy the parks a lot, which we also enjoyed often when our daughter was a baby. Our dog, Holly, absolutely adores places like Carr Park, McNally Park, Gillis Park, and Hickey Park, all within walking distance of our home. We are also huge fans of the library. My daughter used to go there all the time, and we'd borrow a ton of books. We also love Modern Pastry in Medford Square, and Chilli Garden is one of our favorite restaurants. I'm also excited to see the music venue, Deep Cuts, which has recently opened up and has a great sandwich menu and good entertainment. If your best friend told you they were considering a move to Medford, what would you tell them? I would tell them, "Please, please come!" I've been trying to convince my sister, who's in California, to move, but so far, no luck. What I love about Medford is that there is such diversity. It's multi-racial and has various neighborhoods, like ours in the Fellsway area, plus Medford Square, West Medford, and the Governor's Avenue area with its grand houses. Each neighborhood has its own flavor and distinction. I appreciate the diversity and enjoy all of it. I'm delighted to live here. In addition to being a poet and educator, Vijaya Sundaram is a musician and singer-songwriter. Her work has appeared in the Rising Phoenix Press, the Stardust Review, and TELL Magazine. Her first collection of poems in print, Fractured Lens, published by Červená Barva Press in August 2023, is available on The Lost Bookshelf (Červená Barva Press’s online bookstore), Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org, as well as at Grolier Poetry Book Shop. Like what you’re reading here? Want to know more? Sign up for the 4Squares Medford Newsletter and tune in to more conversations with great Medford neighbors!

Gobbling Good Times: Thanksgiving Day Races in Massachusetts Get ready to work off those pre-Thanksgiving jitters and make some room for the feast! The 4Squares Team is here with a lineup of Turkey Trots to kick off your day before you kick off your shoes for that post-dinner nap! So, grab your running shoes and your wackiest turkey-themed attire, and let's get trotting! Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race - Somerville Roadrunners Seven Hills Park, Davis Square, Somerville, MA Let's be honest; how can you resist a name like that? The Somerville Roadrunners have had this one nailed down for years. Starting and ending in Davis Square, this classic 4-mile road course through Somerville begins at 9 am sharp, rain or shine. A great time for participants and spectators alike; you'll either burn calories from running or from laughing at the costumes adorned by participants. Sightings have ranged from turkey hats to Big Bird; you'll be endlessly entertained. Register via the Somerville Roadrunners website for all details, including the post-race party! Franklin Park Turkey Trot - Franklin Park Coalition - Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse 1 Circuit Drive, Boston MA If you're traveling over the (Charles) River to grandmother's house in Boston, consider starting your day at The Franklin Park Turkey Trot. Take in the scenery of Frederick Law Olmsted's landscape architecture masterpiece, all while working up an appetite for the big Thanksgiving feast. The Franklin Park Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the City of Boston and welcomes all ages and paces – there are always walking groups at the end of the pack. Strollers, wheelchairs, and race-ready leashed dogs are welcome, and there are awards for fast finishers and costumes! For all details, including a map and video of the race route, visit the Franklin Park Coalition's website. Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run - Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem- 29 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970 Salem is more than a Halloween destination; it's also home to one of the biggest races on the North Shore: the Wild Turkey 5-Mile Run! Starting and ending at the esteemed Peabody Essex Museum, the route brings you through all the highlights of Salem, including the House of Seven Gables, the famous "Bewitched" statue, and dozens of other iconic sites. The race is incredibly well-attended, with competitors representing 22 states and parts of Canada, ages 7 to 80 years old. This year marks Wild Turkey's 20th year, and all proceeds benefit the Salem Boys & Girls Club. Learn more at the Wild Turkey 5-Mile Run website. Running of the Pilgrims 5K - South Shore Race Management - DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 60 Water St., Plymouth. Get your buckled hats and bonnets ready because it's time for the Running of the Pilgrims 5K in the birthplace of Thanksgiving: Plymouth, MA! A costume-optional event, the Running of the Pilgrims is a chance to run through history, all while earning your own Pilgrim badge of honor. Starting and ending at Plymouth Rock, you'll enjoy the salty air as you run past the Mayflower and through the downtown Plymouth waterfront. While runners and walkers of all speeds are welcome, only service dogs are permitted. For all information, including bib pickup and other important details, visit the race website here. Interested in more local Massachusetts insights and real estate news from 4Squares? Sign up for our newsletter - for Middlesex County and beyond!

Currently available off-market for private showings. Classic Cambridge Condo. Set back from the street, this spectacular luxury 2-bedroom+ townhouse is quiet, yet convenient to everything Cambridge has to offer. The unique floor plan and southern exposure plan allow for 5 sides of light all day long. The showcase of the main living level is the stunning Poggenpohl kitchen featuring an 8-burner Wolf gas range & dramatic center island with bar seating. The open plan living and dining area is cozy & comfortable with a gas fireplace, large windows & warm lighting; the main floor has a full-bathroom and a guest bedroom as well. Take the Virtual Tour The upper-level features the primary bedroom attached to a large sitting room or home office that opens onto a private roof deck. Enjoy a spa-like experience in the primary en-suite bath with an oversized soaking tub & ceramic tile shower. This home includes high ceilings, hardwood floors, recessed lighting & 2-zone HVAC, for a beautiful blend of classic Cambridge charm & modern amenities. The ground floor entrance has a spacious foyer with closets, and a bonus room. Exterior features include a paver patio, mature perennial gardens & rare 2-car garage. City living at its best w/ easy access to Harvard, MIT & just 2 blocks to the MBTA Red Line at Central Square. $1,650,000 Interested in more real estate news and local listings from 4Squares? Sign up for our newsletter!!

I'll always give you my monthly housing market updates for Medford, MA but I also want to keep you informed about the market in Middlesex County, and beyond! Arlington, Cambridge, Wakefield, Melrose, Malden, Billrica and more! So, I am sharing this overview of the most recent monthly housing market stats for some towns and cities north and west of Boston - besides Medford!! The KW Boston Northwest offices and the KW Cambridge offices are working together - but if you still don't see your town or city, or the info you need, you can ALWAYS be in touch, I do love to talk numbers ; ) Interested in market updates, real estate news and local listings from 4Squares? Sign up for our newsletter!!

Meticulously maintained unit at the coveted Roper Estates association located in the heart of Tewksbury. Set in the back of the complex and surrounded by nature, this unit is the epitome of peace and quiet. The floor plan is well thought out and provides room to spread out without any wasted space. Brand new kitchen features bright white cabinets, quartz counters with breakfast bar, and stainless-steel appliances. The living room is bright and sunny with western exposure and features recessed lighting and a lovely wood-burning fireplace. Upstairs features a primary bedroom with en suite bath plus a large second bedroom. Bonus lofted area with vaulted ceiling and skylight is perfect as a dedicated home office, gym or playroom. All this and more with fantastic storage throughout, central AC, private deck and attached garage. Roper Estates offers easy living with low condo fees, easy highway access and on-site amenities including an inground pool, tennis courts and clubhouse. $489,000 Open House, Saturday and Sunday, Oct 14-15, 11-1 PM both days, or call to schedule a private showing. Or take the virtual now! Floor Plans Condominium Documents Interested in more real estate news and local listings from 4Squares? Sign up for our newsletter!!

Welcome home to this lovely second floor unit in East Arlington. Clean and bright, this apartment has been well maintained and features hardwood floors, high ceilings and fantastic light all around. Lovely kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, gas cooking, dishwasher and disposal. Newer ceramic tile bathroom. Living room and dining room with original built-in china hutch. Bonus enclosed front porch with electric fireplace is a great home office space. Private laundry in the basement and attic storage available to the tenants. Private rear deck & shared yard. Tenant receives 1 off-street parking spot. Tenants pay gas, oil, electric and cable/internet in addition to the rent. Fantastic location, adjacent to Thorndike Field and the Minuteman Bike Path and approximately 1/2 mile to the MBTA Red Line at Alewife. $2,700/month. First, security and broker's fee. If you want more local listings, or great community info - sign up for the 4Squares Medford Newsletter!

Welcome home to this stately brick Dutch Colonial in the most coveted neighborhood in Quincy. With a fantastic floorplan and extensive room count, this home will easily accommodate large, multi-generational families. The stunning marble foyer with gorgeous period detail welcomes you upon entry. Entertaining is easy in the updated kitchen which features a center island, gas cooking, abundant cabinet storage and an attached homework or home office area. The main level also features the formal dining room, living room, den, and sunroom. The first floor rooms have well-preserved dentil mouldings, woodwork, hardwood floors and french doors throughout. The foyer stairs lead up to an airy balcony hallway, which hosts the primary suite and its en suite bathroom. The second floor also has a guest bedroom as well as 3 additional bedrooms, 2 full baths and a bright, sunny laundry room. A second "morning staircase" leads back to the first-floor kitchen area. The fully finished basement boasts 9' ceilings and is perfect for an in-law or au pair suite. This level includes a second full kitchen, a family room with a gas fireplace, another bonus room (or 6th bedroom) and full bathroom, and a second laundry room, all with walk-out access to the backyard. Situated on just under a 1/2 acre of land, enjoy your fully fenced yard, charming brick patio, mature perennials, & attached 2-car garage. $1,325,000 Open House, Saturday and Sunday, Oct 7-8, 12-2 PM both days, or call to schedule a private showing. Or take the virtual now! Interested in more real estate news and local listings from 4Squares? Sign up for our newsletter!!

My September Housing Market Recap for Medford, Massachusetts! The data for Medford, MA is all here, let me talk you through it - single-family homes, mulit-family properties and condos! Is this local real estate info helpful? Want to learn more? Sign up for the 4Squares Medford Newsletter and get our monthly Medford housing market updates straight to your inbox!

It’s not every day that you get to meet a trapeze artist, but that’s precisely what happened when we sat down to speak with Theresa Racicot. Once upon a time, they soared through the air with the greatest of ease with their partner-in-adventure, Mike. Today, they've transitioned to solid ground, dedicating themselves to keeping Medford active and healthy at Reimagym – the ultimate gym for anyone who is not a fan of the gym! We spent time with Theresa to learn more about Reimagym and what they and Mike enjoy most about living and working in Medford. We always start with the question: If you're originally from Medford, tell us where you grew up. And if you grew up elsewhere, what brought you to our fair city? I was born in Malden and grew up in Maine, but my grandmother lived here in Medford many years ago in the area where Wegmans is now, so you could say I have Medford roots. I found my way back to Medford by way of Washington D.C., where my spouse and business partner, Mike, and I worked as circus artists and taught flying trapeze through a company called The Trapeze School of New York. We left D.C. and moved to Medford in 2012, first living in the Medford Square area, then later, we found our home in South Medford, where we’ve been living ever since. And where you’ve made your business home! Tell us about Reimagym! Well, in a nutshell, Reimagym is the gym for people who don’t like gyms! So many people don’t feel comfortable in a traditional gym setting for a variety of reasons. Even as fitness professionals, we can relate to feeling intimidated or uncomfortable in the fitness world, and we wanted to do something to change that. So we reimagined the gym as a place where everyone, regardless of body type, exercise experience, gender, or gender identity, could feel welcome, and Reimagym was born. We have two main offerings: Small group personal training, with a maximum of four people in a training session led by a coach, which is a popular option. We also offer fitness classes in the traditional sense but with fun names like “Sweating to the 80s,” as well as strength training classes, mobility fitness, and flexibility classes. One of our member favorites is “Aaaah The Recovery Class,” which I like to describe as rolling around the floor and decompressing at the end of the week, and includes gentle stretching, some foam rolling, and deep breathing. What does ReImagym have in store for the Fall? Are there any events we should mark on our calendars? One way people can give us a try is our upcoming “21-Day Fall Into Fitness” special, which is essentially an intro to the studio for $89. You’ll get to try out a little of everything we offer, including one personal training session. There’s no pressure to join; we simply want to invite people to connect and see if we’re the place for you. We’ll take you through workouts at a pace that works for you, which is our opportunity to figure out the best starting point for you! What are some of the things you enjoy about your residential and business neighborhoods? I love that everything's close and within walking distance in South Medford; I can walk to a couple of different places with various food options or quick shopping. I’ve also walked from our house to Reimagym, and I can also hop on the bus. Plus, we’re close to the Green Line Extension. As a one-vehicle household, having so many public transportation options is great. Much like South Medford, the Salem Street Business District is very walkable, and there are plenty of stores where you can quickly grab groceries or anything else you need. We walk our dog in the neighborhood and have gotten to know many of our business neighbors, and we often give Reimagym members a gift card for one of the neighboring coffee shops for their birthday. What are some of your favorite spots in Medford? When it comes to food, we are big fans of Pinky’s Pizza on Main Street, especially because they have gluten-free pizza. We also enjoy Asian cuisine and love Sei Bar and Tom Yum Koong. As for outdoor locations, we’ve gone with some ReImagym members and friends to take kayaks out on the Mystic River from the PaddleBoston kiosk by the Condon Shell. We’ve also held events at the Medford Farmers Market and attended concerts at the Shell, which is a beautiful area. If your best friend told you they were considering a move to Medford, what would you tell them? I’d start with, “I hope you're getting a place near me!” I’d share that the people here are great and that Medford has a small-town vibe. As someone who embraces progressive values, I find comfort that we've elected individuals who champion forward-looking ideas into office, embodying our community's spirit. We’re a wonderfully diverse community of different cultures and ethnicities. And as a queer person, I've found more acceptance here than I did in the town where I grew up. Ready to reimagine your fitness routine? Embrace the Autumn of Opportunity and join Reimagym's '21 Days Fall into Fitness' this October. Like what you’re reading here? Want to know more? Sign up for the 4Squares Medford Newsletter and tune in to more conversations with great Medford neighbors!

The Middlesex County Housing Market Update for September 2023! If you have any questions about how this might affect your property value, or house hunt, please reach out soon - the fall is a lively real estate market here in Massachusetts, and October is looking busy already! If you want more real estate info for Middlesex County - and beyond! - sign up for our monthly newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox!

By 4Squares Residential Group in Partnership with Judi 411 Sip, Sip, Hooray! Here at 4Squares, we are all about the road less traveled. While many folks head to apple orchards (and we do have some recs for those), this year we're opting for another fruity fall sensation: wine. Believe it or not, Massachusetts is a haven for wine enthusiasts, boasting remarkable vineyards and wineries. If you're on the hunt for great wine and stunning landscapes, these destinations should be at the top of your list: Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery 417 Hixbridge Road, Westport, MA (pictured above) Nestled amidst the picturesque farmland of the South Coast, Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery offers an excellent selection of sparkling wines that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Take a leisurely stroll through the vineyard and enjoy the serene atmosphere while sipping their signature top-notch bubbly while kicking back in one of the Adirondack chairs on the expansive lawn. Spirit away mid-week for tastings, which are now back on the menu post-COVID between 11 am to 4:45 pm Monday through Saturday. Reservations are required for parties of more than 10 people. Photos, left to right: Nashoba flights, Nashoba bottled, and 1634 Mead. Nashoba Valley Winery 100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd, Bolton, MA For those who prefer a variety of wines, Nashoba Valley Winery is the place to be. With a diverse range of reds and whites, this winery has something for everyone. Enjoy traditional varietals such as Malbec, Chardonnay, or Cabernet Sauvignon, or tantalize your taste buds with some non-traditional Amora Blackberry Port Style Wine, Cherry wine, or Foggy Bog, a cranberry-apple dessert style aperitif. Take in the foliage and enjoy the company of fellow wine enthusiasts during your visit. Tours and tastings can be booked up to 21 days in advance, including dining at the Vintner's Knoll, the vineyard's on-site restaurant. Truro Vineyard 11 Shore Road, North Truro, MA The 4Squares Team is a big fan of the Cape off-season, and the Truro Vineyard is a must-see-and-sip as far as we're concerned. Sample their Lighthouse Wine Series — composed of Cranberry Red, Diamond White, Cape Blush, and Vignoles wines — all available in their signature lighthouse-shaped bottles while taking in the soothing sights of the nearby ocean. It's the perfect place to unwind and indulge in these regional flavors. For those seeking more potent potables, check out Truro’s South Hollow Spirits selection of whiskey, gin, rum, and amaro, all produced in stand-alone, small batches using local ingredients, right down to the copper barrels they’re aged in. Photos from top left: Jarl and his mead, at the nearby Somerville Winter Farmer's Market, casks at Truro, and an arbor and firepit at Westport. 1634 Meadery 3 Short Street, Ipswich, MA Now for something completely different: Mead! With its luscious honey-infused flavors, Mead delights the palate with a rich and indulgent sweetness that is truly irresistible, and the 1634 Meadery is where it's at. Explore the world of honey-infused beverages and discover a whole new realm of flavors, which run the gamut from Puritan Pride (“Nothing fancy here!”) to Devil’s Footprint (“You’ve been warned!”). Other notable potables include Mother Clucker (“Did someone say ‘tart’?”) and Minuteman, an homage to our Revolutionary roots. Interested in more local Massachusetts insights and real estate news from 4Squares? Sign up for our newsletter - for Middlesex County and beyond!