Introduction

Belmont is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It is a part of the greater Boston metropolitan area. Geographically, Belmont has Watertown on its south, Arlington on its north, and Waltham on its west.

With the presence of innumerable entertainment options, safe neighborhoods, and a competent education system, Belmont offers its residents with a well-rounded living experience. If you’re looking for a town that is diverse and has a warm community, Belmont is a good option for you.

Quick Facts About Belmont

· Belmont is regarded as one of the best suburbs for young professionals in all of Massachusetts.

· The town is wonderful to raise kids.

· The public schools in Belmont are widely reputed and chosen for the competent education they provide.

· Overall, it is considered as one of the best places to live in the Boston area.

· The town was named after Bellmont, which was the 200-acre estate of John Perkins Cushing. He was one of the most reputed advocates and also the largest tax payer.

· Belmont is also known as ‘The Town of Homes’.

· During the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of the town grew by 10.4% in comparison to 2010.

· It was in 2004 that Belmont had its first annual community environmental fair. This was conducted to inculcate eco-friendly practices among the residents.

· The mansion-filled neighborhood of Belmont Hill is pretty popular for its luxurious elegance.

· During the 1900s, the town saw an increase in its population since a large number of authors, educators, artists, scientists, and other individuals moved to Belmont.

· Trolley services and smoother roads came into being in Belmont in the 20th century.

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History of Belmont

Established on 10th March, 1849, the town of Belmont was created by former citizens of the land who wanted a town where the buying or selling of alcohol couldn’t take place. Cushing Square, an area in Belmont, was named after John Perkins Cushing and whatever was remaining of his estate after suffering a burning accident. It was later converted into a branch of the Belmont Public Library. In 1880, Cambridge annexed the easternmost section of the town along with the western portion of Fresh Pond due to a disagreement over a slaughterhouse that was licensed in 1878 on Fresh Pond.

Frederick Tudor started his ice cutting business in 1805. As it grew and flourished, he utilized his wharves in Charleston to build a railroad in 1843. Since the railroad was so nearby, the citizens wished for the line to be extended to the village, a request that was granted, post which the line ran through what later transformed into the town of Belmont. Due to this railroad, the agricultural community of Belmont was made available to the affluent people of Boston.

Settlements, too, were made around Hill's crossing station, Waverley Station, and Belmont Center (previously known as Wellington Station). These settlements soon developed into villages, but the arrangements of the local government were wobbly, which is why the citizens had to travel to Waltham, Watertown, or West Cambridge to attend town meetings or cast their vote. A group of 1000 people came together during the 1850s to propose the creation of a separate town, and that’s how Belmont came into being. At that time, the population of the town was 1,175, of which there were 170 registered voters and 325 school children.

The new town that was developed housed several market gardens and fruit farms, and fresh produce from Belmont farms was sold at Faneuil Hall market. The specialties from these farms included berries, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, and small fruits. Belmont soon became synonymous with quality due to its good standard of produce. Some of the other commercial enterprises in Belmont were that of waste management and mining clay.

The John Birch Society, which was founded in 1958, had its headquarters in Belmont till it was relocated in 1989 to Appleton, Wisconsin. The building that housed this organization was later converted into the headquarters of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR).

Demographics and Population of Belmont, MA

As of 2021, the population of Belmont, MA is 26,116 and the median age is 41.1 years (39.4 years for men and 42.4 years for women).

Age Distribution

Most of Belmont’s population falls under the 35 to 54 age bracket. Kids aged 5 to 17 make up 19.1% of the population and 6.2% of them are below the age of 5. The 18 to 24-year-olds constitute 5.6% of the population and the individuals aged between 25 to 34 take up 10.5% of it. The older adults aged 55 to 64 fall under the percentage of 11.5 and the oldest population of 65 and above make up 16.5% of the town’s population.

Educational Attainment

97% of the residents in Belmont are high school graduates or hold higher degrees, which is almost 10% higher than the rate in Massachusetts. Those holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher come under 75.4% of the population, which happens to be 1.5 times higher in comparison to Massachusetts. 51% of the individuals in Belmont also end up attaining a Master’s degree.

Diversity in Belmont

The White population is in majority in Belmont, but the town does have diversity with the presence of people from various cultures. 17.2% of Belmont’s population is Asian, 4.3% of them are Hispanic or Latino individuals, 3.8% have a mix of two or more races, 1.4% are Black or African Americans, and 0.2% are American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

Getting a Home in Belmont

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Rentals and Properties in Belmont

Looking to rent a place in Belmont? Click here to check out some rentals in the town. Those wishing to buy a home can discover listings through this link.

Fields Chosen by the Residents of Belmont MA

The median household income in Belmont is $129,380 and the per capita income is $67,640. The fields and industries most prevalent in Belmont are:

· Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 20.3%

· Education: 18.4%

· Healthcare: 14.1%

· Manufacturing: 10.0%

· Finance: 6.2%

· Retail: 6.1%

· Information Technology: 3.7%

· Other: 3.6%

· Accommodation: 3.4%

· Public Service: 2.7%

· Administration: 2.7%

· Construction: 2.6%

Cost of Living in Belmont

The cost of living in Belmont is 207.7. Groceries, health products, and housing come up to 117.8, 83.4, and 429.5 respectively. Utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous items make up 119.9, 99.7, and 124.1 respectively. Belmont’s cost of living is 72% higher than the national average. In 2021, the area prices in Belmont went up by 2.5% as compared to 2020. The areas that saw an increase in 2021 in comparison to the previous year were transportation, food, and housing.

K-12 Schools in Belmont

The education offered in Belmont is on a substantial level, both before and after college. It has some of the highest-ranking public schools in all of Massachusetts. Some of the best schools in Belmont are Belmont High, Winthrop L Chenery Middle, Daniel Butler, Mary Lee Burbank, and Roger E Wellington.

The public schools in the town have an average reading proficiency score of 82% and math proficiency score of 83%. The average ranking of the schools in Belmont is 10/10, bringing them to the top 1% of the public schools in Massachusetts.

Private Schools

If you are looking for a private school in Belmont for your kids, here are the best ones:

· Belmont Hill School

· Waldorf High School of Massachusetts Bay

· Belmont Day School

Kindergarten

The preschool system in Belmont provides young kids with a warm and nurturing environment essential for their growth during their early years. Among the many efficient preschools in the town, some of the best ones to choose from for your child are:

- The Learning Zone Belmont

- Little Kids Academy

- Kids On The Hill Preschool Of The Arts

- The Learning Zone Ltd

- Montessori Escuela

- Belmont Cooperative Nursery School

- Plymouth Nursery School

- Adventures Preschool Children's Center

After-School Activities

For the parents looking for enriching after-school activities for their kids, Belmont has some fine options for you:

· Belmont After School Enrichment Collaborative

· Belmont Cooperative Nursery School

· Belmont Day

Crime Rate in Belmont, MA

The residents of Belmont consider the town to have an extremely safe ambience, with the police system being really vigilant, responsible, and responsive. The overall crime grade of the town is A+, thereby making the rate of crime significantly lower than the average US city.

Falling in the 95th percentile for safety, only 5% of the cities are safer than Belmont. In a given standard year, the crime rate in the town is 9.93 per 1,000 residents. The southwest part of the town is considered to be the safest by the residents.

Commute to and from Belmont

Numerous modes of transportation exist for the purpose of traveling to and from Belmont. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Fitchburg Commuter Rail line serves the town along with its trackless trolley lines and bus services. Concord Avenue, Pleasant Street, and Common Street are some of the busiest roads in the town. The MBTA provides bus connectivity, too, from Belmont to places nearby.

Commuter Trains

The Belmont Center station in the town serves the Fitchburg Line, which is located right at the intersection of Common Street, Concord Avenue, and Leonard Street. The other railroad station present in Belmont is the station of Waverley. It was in 1908 that the modern station was built in the town.

Nearby Airports

The international airports in and near Belmont are:

• Boston Logan International Airport (18 minutes away)
• Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (50 minutes away)

Community Life in Belmont

Belmont offers a safe and convenient lifestyle to anyone who chooses to live in the town. Having a mix of locals and outsiders, Belmont serves the picture of an eclectic community filled with groups of different backgrounds and ethnicities. Whether you’re living alone, with your partner, or your family, there’s always something to look forward to in this suburban town.

The residents of Belmont sing high praises regarding the town. They say that it’s a very warm and family-friendly place that is great to raise children. The safety it provides makes all its residents feel secure, and another reason for families to choose it is that the public schools are highly rated and ensure that your kids receive the best education possible.

Some of the places that reflect the community life in Belmont are as follows:

Belmont Village Senior Living

Belmont Village Senior Living is a senior living facility in Belmont that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The residents get to enjoy a thriving social life that opens them to new experiences, while also getting access to the dining program, transportation service, and fitness classes. Residents can register for it with their partners as well, knowing that all their needs will be taken care of by being assigned the respective program that will suit their requirements.

A care plan is created by the establishment based on the personal needs and interest of every individual. Well-trained teams and licensed nurses are available throughout the day along with the presence of technologically-advanced services. The programs curated by Belmont Village Senior Living are not only based on extensive research, but have also had their merits proven by being bestowed with awards and recognition.

Belmont Light

Belmont Light is the municipal light plant (MLP) that has been a part of the community of Belmont since 1898. They serve the commercial, residential, as well as municipal customers of the town.

The Bradford

The Bradford offers exclusive residences to the residents of Belmont, providing them with a unique luxury living experience. It gives you a wholesome small-town ambience while also being located near downtown Boston and having access to shops nearby, letting you get your hands on whatever you need quite easily. They give you the option of self-guided tours that you can avail as per your schedule. These give you the chance to explore the property and choose from the fabulous floor plans they have to offer.

Belmont Media Center

A non-profit community media center, the aim of the Belmont Media Center (BMC) is to develop electronic communications media that is easily accessible. Members of the Belmont Media Center can not only learn about how television programs are produced, but also make one of their own. This state-of-the-art facility has all the latest equipment, including an HD TV remote production kit.

Cultural Council

The cultural council in Belmont was established to encourage the individuals of the town to pursue their dreams in the field of arts and humanities by granting them the necessary funds. It is now a part of a network of local and regional cultural councils.

Activities for Kids in Belmont

Belmont exposes young minds to a plethora of exhilarating activities. You can keep them occupied with eventful days by choosing from the places listed below:

Indigo Fire: They offer classes in various activities and also have a Summer Kids Program.

Beaver Brook Spray Deck: Take your kids out for a fun-filled day with picnics, swimming, and more.

Belmont KidSpace: Leave your kids in the watch of well-trained and nurturing caretakers as they engage them in indoor activities.

Places of Interest in Belmont

Want to sit back and have a relaxing time with your friends and close ones in Belmont? The town has got you covered with its pubs, bars, and locations frequented by the young crowd. The cultural and adventurous side of Belmont can be explored through the following places:

Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary: An 88-acre mass full of meadows, forests, ponds, and trails, this sanctuary is a much-needed burst of greenery for all the nature lovers.

Homer House: Visit the place that was integral to the life and art of Winslow Homer.

Lone Tree Hill: For those looking to go for a hike, this is an ideal spot.

Belmont Gallery of Art: Feast your eyes on and peruse through the exemplary works of multiple artists.

Places of Worship in Belmont

Those planning to move to Belmont, can find the following places of worship in the town:

All Saints Episcopal Church
17 Clark St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-2228

Belmont First Armenian Church Ucc
380 Concord Ave # 1
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-4779

Christ Lutheran Church
597 Belmont St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-4352

Cornerstone Baptist Church
54 Brighton St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 489-2498

First Baptist Church
129 Lexington St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-1310

Greater Boston Nepali Church
16 Beech St
Cambridge, MA 02140
Contact: (617) 932-9018

Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church
198 Lexington St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 489-2280

Open Door Baptist Church
300 Pleasant St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-9014

Payson Park Church
365 Belmont St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-1542

St. Joseph Parish
130 Common St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-0279

St. Luke's Parish
132 Lexington St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 484-1996

Belmont Plymouth Congregational Ucc
582 Pleasant St
Belmont, MA 2478
Contact: (781) 484-5257

Belmont United Methodist Church
421 Common St
Belmont, MA 02478
Contact: (617) 489-0730

Crossroads Evangelical Church of the Assemblies of God
51 Lexington St
Belmont, MA 2478
Contact: (617) 489-4959

Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church
200 Lexington St
Belmont, MA 2478
Contact: (781) 489-2280

Belmont MA Haitian
471 Trapelo Rd
Belmont, MA 2478
Contact: (978) 733-1530

St. Andrew's
25 Marlboro St
Belmont, MA 2478
Contact: (617) 484-6371

Places to Eat in Belmont

Belmont has a mix of luxurious restaurants as well as affordable food joints for all the lovers of eclectic cuisines. According to TripAdvisor, here are some of the best restaurants to try out in Belmont:

- Il Casale

- Rancatore’s Ice Cream

- Savinos

- Vicki Lee's Bakeshop

- My Other Kitchen

- The Wellington

- Bellmont Caffe

- Ani Catering & Café

- Patou Thai

- Gen Sushi

- Shine’s Fresh Asian

- Stone Hearth Pizza

- Fiorella's Express

- Mark & Toni's Coal Fired Pizza

Comparison to Neighboring Towns

The towns nearest to Belmont are Arlington, Lexington, and Waltham.

Click here to compare Belmont MA to Arlington MA.

Click here to compare Belmont MA to Lexington MA.

Click here to compare Belmont MA to Waltham MA.

Compare all the towns together by clicking here .

Is Belmont a Good Place to Live In?

Belmont is well known for its low crime rate, affluence, dynamic school system, and geographical proximity to downtown Boston. A beautiful town that provides its residents with a warm and wonderful community feel, Belmont is situated just 9 miles away from the center of the city.

Whether you want large homes, luxury shopping options, or fine dining venues, Belmont has got it all. Belmont is also home to one of the largest Greek populations in the United States.

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FAQs About Belmont

Q: Is Belmont a safe town?

A: The crime rate in Belmont is lower than almost 51% of the towns and states in the US, thereby making it one of the safest places to live in not just Massachusetts but also the US as a whole.

Q: How are the schools in Belmont?

A: As per the residents of Belmont, the schools in the town are the top reason to select this as a place to live, as it provides your kids with quality education.

Q: What is it like to live in Belmont?

A: The people in Belmont are warm and friendly. The public transport system is very convenient and traveling to downtown Boston is pretty easy. With the high safety factor and good schools, living in Belmont is quite peaceful.

Q: Is Belmont expensive?

A: Yes, Belmont consistently ranks among the costliest places to live in America.

Q: What is Belmont MA known for?

A: The Belmont Hill neighborhood is one of the things Belmont is famous for. It’s filled with homes that resemble a mansion-like architecture and they provide a very luxurious feel to its residents.

Q: Does Belmont MA have a library?

A: Yes, Belmont does have a library, and it’s known as the Belmont Public Library.