South Medford, Massachusetts

South Medford is the southern part of Medford, Massachusetts. The neighborhood is predominantly Italian American in South Medford.

South Medford was founded together with Medford in 1630, making it the 4th oldest English settlement in North America.

Location and demographics

South Medford is closer to Downtown Boston than most of Boston. Its southern borders stretch to Winter Hill, Somerville, and its northern borders are often disputed as stretching to Alexander's market, Barry Park, or even sometimes historic Medford Square. The Prudential Center can be seen in the background looking south from Main Street. Charlestown is only about 1 mile away from its most southern border. South Medford often identifies with being part of Boston's inner core as it is one of the nation's most densely populated regions. Neighboring Somerville is the most densely populated city in New England, and 5th in the U.S.; South Medford is adjacent to Somerville and almost just as densely populated. Much of South Medford surrounds the beautiful Tufts University campus.

South Medford still has more Italian bakeries than the North End of Boston, most notably La Cascia's, Italo's, and many more. Bob's Foods is often named to have the best Steak & Cheese's in the country, and mainstream media such as Fox News, Phantom Gourmet, and Boston Magazine has picked up on this. Frank Sinatra used to frequent DePasquale's in South Medford, along with "Crazy Guggenheimer" Frank Fontaine, and Rocky Marciano. You can still hear many of the residents speaking Italian in South Medford, as well as remnants from the rich Italian-American past such as a bocce court at the South Medford Fire Station, as well as "Video Italiano", an Italian video store in South Medford that was around before an English video store.

Parks of South Medford

South Medford is home to many urban parks, including:

* Tufts Park
* Columbus Park
* Barry Park
* Spicer Field

Notable residents

* Mike Pagliarulo - Former NY Yankees & San Diego Padres hitter
* Joe Sacco - NHL & U.S. Olympic hockey star, Toronto Maple Leafs
* Dave Sacco - NHL & U.S. Olympic hockey star, Anaheim Mighty Ducks