About Medfield
Medfield is celebrating it’s 375th anniversary this year!
There is only ONE official town named Medfield in the entire United States of America. It was settled in 1649 and officially incorporated in 1651 as the 43rd town in Massachusetts.
Medfield is consistently recognized as one of the most sought-after suburban towns in the Greater Boston area (specifically the MetroWest region). Its desirability comes down to a perfect storm of top-tier schools, safety, historic charm, and abundant nature.
1. Top-Tier Public SchoolsFor families, the school district is often the number one draw. Medfield Public Schools are consistently ranked among the best in Massachusetts. High Rankings: Medfield High School regularly places among the top public high schools in the state. Well-Rounded Programs: The district is highly regarded not just for academics and high standardized test scores, but also for its exceptional athletics, music, and arts programs.
2. Walkable Town Center & Small-Town CharmUnlike some suburbs that feel like endless highway strips of fast food and big-box stores, Medfield has fiercely preserved its historic identity.Vibrant Downtown: The town center (centered around Routes 109 and 27) is a quintessential New England layout, featuring a walkable strip of local boutiques, cozy cafes, and independent restaurants like The Avenue. Preservation: The town maintains multiple local historic districts, ensuring that the traditional architecture and aesthetic remain intact.
Medfield State Hospital & Pop Culture (1896–Present)
In 1896, the state opened the Medfield Insane Asylum (later renamed Medfield State Hospital) on a massive tract of land in the northern part of town.
The Cottage Plan: It was revolutionary for its time, built as the first asylum in Massachusetts to use the "cottage plan." Instead of one massive, ominous institutional building, patients were housed in 25 separate brick buildings designed to maximize natural light and ventilation.
A Town Within a Town: The hospital operated its own massive farm, generated its own power, and at its peak housed over 1,500 patients, drastically shifting the town's demographics.
Hollywood Fame: The hospital closed its doors permanently in 2003. Because the historic, abandoned brick campus remains largely intact, it has caught the eye of Hollywood. It was famously used as the primary filming location for Martin Scorsese’s psychological thriller Shutter Island (2010), as well as the superhero horror film The New Mutants (2020).
Abundant Conservation Land & Nature
espite its proximity to a major city, Medfield feels peaceful and rural because a massive percentage of its land is protected from development.
The Trustees Properties: It is home to spectacular outdoor reservations managed by The Trustees of Reservations, including Rocky Woods (massive trail network, ponds, and open ledges) and Noon Hill (offering panoramic views of the hills).
Water Access: The Charles River borders the town, offering beautiful spots for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Ideal Commuter Location
Medfield offers a "best of both worlds" location for professionals.
It sits roughly 17 miles southwest of Boston, making an executive commute manageable.
While Medfield doesn't have its own train station (keeping the town quiet), residents are just a few minutes away from commuter rail lines in neighboring towns like Walpole and Westwood (University Station).
Because of all these factors, Medfield is an incredibly high-demand real estate market, with median home values hovering around $900,000+. It delivers an elevated, safe, and community-focused lifestyle that is hard to match.