North Woburn - Woburn, MA

The city of Woburn was settled in 1640 and incorporated as a township two years later, originally encompassing the towns of Wilmington, Winchester and Burlington until they broke off from the township more than a century later. The community remained primarily agricultural until the 19th century, when its leather-tanning and rubber-making industries boomed. North Woburn stands as one of the newer districts of the city with the majority of homes built during the 1980s and 1990s.

For a walk through time, pay a visit to the Count Rumford Museum and take a tour through the birth home of a great American inventor and physicist. Keep an eye out for annual events in downtown Woburn such as the Greek Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox church.

North Woburn's vibrant dining scene reflects the neighborhood's fresh atmosphere with a diverse mix of upscale steakhouses, pizzerias, American grills and global cuisine. Restaurants in this neighborhood keep it classy with trendy decor and creative dishes, and specialty eateries such as the gluten-free bakery Something Sweet Without Wheat draw in a loyal crowd. Take a drive along Main Street or near the mall to discover what North Woburn has to offer.

North Woburn residents with a taste for exotic cuisine head to Pho #1 to slurp down authentic Vietnamese noodle soups and chow down on crispy spring rolls. When in doubt, try the mango curry or the drunken noodles for a satisfying lunch. Just remember to tell the wait staff how spicy you want your dish. This place gets packed during the lunch rush, so come early to get a table.

When you're craving soups and sandwiches, head over to David's World Famous for home-style plates at great prices. Try the falafel wrap for a flavor-packed taste of the Middle East, or choose the cilantro-glazed salmon with a side of sweet potato fries. Try the New England clam chowder if it's on the menu to taste the creamiest chowder in the city.

Italian-style BBQ and gourmet grilled steaks await you at Strega Prime, a modern steakhouse with a sense of style. For an extra special meal, go for the seafood tower, or keep it simple with an 8-ounce petite fillet cooked to your liking. Be sure to let the staff know if you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary to receive a crème brulée on the house.

A few sports bars grace the streets of North Woburn for a laid-back drink with your buddies, but you need to hop in your car to find a more energetic nightlife scene in the cities closer to Boston. When the sun sets, locals hit up Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill to sip on ice-cold beer while listening to local talent. Swing by to watch the game on one of more than two dozen TVs while snacking on some loaded nachos.

Enjoy an easy commute to downtown Boston and surrounding cities with access to both Interstate 93 and Interstate 95 from North Woburn. While exploring the neighborhood or running your errands, take advantage of free parking along streets and in retail lots. Call the Woburn Cab Company for a quick ride to the mall, or use your smartphone to call for a ride-share service such as Uber.

The Woburn Anderson Transportation Center provides commuter train service to the greater Boston area via the Lowell Line, the Haverhill Line and the Downeaster. The neighborhood also houses Mishawum Station just north of Interstate 95. Hop on one of the MBTA buses for a quick ride around the North Woburn. You'll find no bike lanes here, but careful bikers and pedestrians have an easy time running their errands.

When you want to kick back and feel the sun on your face after a long week at work, head to one of North Woburn's beautiful public parks. Be sure to check out Ferullo Field, a sports-centric green space with a major league baseball field, basketball courts and tennis courts. Let your kids climb on the playground or take a dip in the swimming pool. Just keep in mind that some facilities charge a small fee. For a more natural experience, head to Forest Park. This wooded conservation area has plenty of trails for hiking and jogging in summer or cross-country skiing during the winter.

The cost of living in North Woburn falls a little below average for the Boston area, but it remains one of Woburn's most upscale neighborhoods. Renters should expect an average rental rate of $1,628 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Riding the bus into downtown Woburn costs around $2.10 while gas prices hover around 11 percent above the national average. When you go out for a beer on Saturday night, expect to pay around $6 to $7 for a tall glass of your favorite ale.

North Woburn residents enjoy some of the best shopping in the area with a mix of big-box retailers, sports stores, resale shops and hobby shops scattered throughout the neighborhood. For fashion mainstays, go on a shopping spree at Woburn Mall, an indoor shopping center revitalized in recent years with anchors such as TJ Maxx. You may need to take a short drive to Burlington Mall for high-end boutiques, but all your basic amenities await in this vibrant retail district. Martial arts enthusiasts find everything they need at Oriental Gateway, a supply shop stocking everything from wooden practice kamas to sparring gear and karate uniforms. Stop by to pick up a martial arts-themed knickknack for the aspiring kung fu master in your life, or order screen printing or embroidery for your uniforms. Whether you want to make your own beer, wine or cheese, find all the supplies you need at Beer & Wine Hobby. Grab a kegging kit, grains, hops or wine bottles, or stop by to attend one of the classes or cheese-making demonstrations to get you started. The knowledgeable and passionate staff are available to answer questions about the brewing process or the best equipment to use. When you need to grab your weekly groceries, stop by local markets such as Super Stop & Shop or Market Basket for all your staples.