3920 Mystic Valley Pkwy in Medford (Mystic River Park Condo)? (Boston: apartment complex, crime)

[athyna]

I was looking at the area in 100 Station Landing, then a condo in 3920 Mystic Valley Pkwy caught my eyes. It's 0.7 mile away from 100 station landing, but the price tag is much much affordable (almost 30-40% lower), and it is still walkable to Wellington T if the weather is not so bad.

Don't know the area very well. Can someone give me some input on the complex? Is it a safe place to live?

Per my agent, the condo 3920 Mystic Valley Pkwy has very high owner occupancy rate, and the reserve is very healthy. However, I've just heard horrible things in an apartment complex nearby 3610 Mystic Valley Pkway, which is only 0.6 mile away from the condo 3920 Mystic Valley Pkwy... Safety is my major concern so I am really hesitating now...

Anyone knows about this place?

[rethcir]

Nothing walkable in that area, you would need a car. But if you have one, you have a vast array of things to do within a 15 minute drive. Big box shopping in Everett, good italian food in South Medford, and a relatively quick trip to Somerville, Cambridge and Boston.

I believe one or the other of those complexes you mentioned has been phased away from public housing recently hence the reputation. That leads me to think that under-maintenance could have been an issue in the past.

[professeurpablo]

I do not know much about the specifics on that particular building, but I concur with rethcir's general sentiment about the walkability of that location. You're not too far from Wellington amenities or from the Meadow Glen Mall, but the area is not very pedestrian friendly or inviting for a jaunt on foot. The Wellington area offers a lot, but it is difficult to navigate on foot. The intersection is crazy enough in a car, but walking it is not really for the faint of hearth.

Back to the condo debate. The benefit of Station Landing - despite its relative sterility - is the convenience; most things you might need are there, including many restaurants, a gym, a pharmacy, dry cleaners, cafe, and an MBTA stop. The result of course is a higher price. If you're attached to the idea of living in a complex, that one is at least super convenient.

Personally, I'd suggest looking at a home in a residential area on a bus line to Wellington. That way, you can probably save a bit on funds but be in a more convenient location for errands. The area around Haines Square in Medford seems rather under-appreciated to me and offers a lot, including a supermarket, a pharmacy, many little shops and eateries, and bus connections to Malden (101, which also runs to Sullivan, though that can take a long time) and Wellington (100). On a nice day, you could walk the mile or so down Pleasant Street into Malden to catch the orange line. The area is safe and peaceful and also not too far from Medford Sq or the Fells reservation.

Just some food for thought for you - sorry for rambling a bit!

[athyna]

Thanks for the reply, rethcir and professeurpablo! It's really helpful. It seems that is really not a area for walking. What about the safety in the area? Can you also weigh in that?

[professeurpablo]

I don't think you have much to be worried about in the Medford area as far as safety goes. There is crime to be sure, but most of it is opportunistic and property related. If there's ever a violent incident, it is very rarely random. Using common sense and basic street smarts should be enough to keep you just fine!

[athyna]

Thanks, professeurpablo!