Tufts University's three Massachusetts campuses include the city streets of downtown Boston, the neighborhoods of Medford and Somerville and the rolling hills of Grafton. The cities and towns that surround the University are vibrant, exciting and multicultural communities that offer an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, galleries, theaters, clubs, shops and museums. Art lovers can enjoy some of the nation's finest drama, music and dance while sports fans can watch the Red Sox play at Fenway Park. Great skiing, hiking and fishing are just an hour to the north in the mountains of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
The University's neighboring communities are rich with history - from Paul Revere's ride through Boston, Medford and Somerville to the thriving mills in Grafton that helped kick start the industrial revolution. The first American flag was raised on Somerville's Prospect Hill while one of the world's largest collections of Civil War photographs resides in Medford. And Boston's Freedom Trail and Black Heritage Trail provide fascinating walking tours of the city's historic past.
Boston, Mass.
The University's health sciences campus is located in downtown Boston's Chinatown - a bustling city center offering an eclectic mix of restaurants, theaters, stores and family-owned and-operated businesses. The campus sits in Chinatown, a vibrant cultural and historic neighborhood featuring some of the best Chinese restaurants in the country, between the main commercial, financial and theater districts. Boston's "emerald necklace," represented by the spacious Commons and always-flowering Gardens and famous swan boats are just a few blocks away as well.
Population (Boston): 574,000
Total Area: 89.63 square miles
Mayor: Thomas M. Menino
On the web: City of Boston | Chinatown
Grafton, Mass.
The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is located on an expansive 585-acre campus in Grafton, Massachusetts - about 30 miles to the west of Boston. The semi-rural town dates to the 17th century and was a thriving mill town during the mid-1800s. Grafton's residents are proud of the town's historic structures and districts as well as its beautiful landscapes, which include forests, farms and the impressive Blackstone River.
The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine occupies land and buildings that were part of another historical trend - the move to treat patients with mental illness in the country in the hope that fresh air and natural beauty would be part of the cure.
Population: 13,000
Total Area: 22.74 square miles
Board of Selectmen
On the web: Town of Grafton
Medford, Mass.
The northern portion of the University's oldest campus, home to the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and the Fletcher School, falls within the city of Medford. Located just five miles from Boston, the community is comprised of suburban neighborhoods, parks and eclectic city squares. First settled in the late 1600s as the fourth oldest English settlement in America, Medford was home to shipbuilding and manufacturing industries for more than a century. The historic city retains its rich architectural heritage, which features a collection of Federal, Greek revival and Victorian buildings. Medford is also home to the third largest collection of civil war prints in the world.
Population: 57,000
Total Area: 8.14 square miles
Mayor: Michael McGlynn
On the web: City of Medford
Somerville, Mass.
The southern portion of the University's oldest campus, home to the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and the Fletcher School, falls within the city of Somerville. A small business and residential haven, the city is located just one and a half miles from Boston. The compact, vibrant community prides itself on its diversity -- more than 50 different languages and 15 religions make up an important part of Somerville's fabric. The City also boasts a collection of unique neighborhoods and squares, including Davis Square, recently ranked by the Utne Readers as one of the top 15 "hippest" neighborhoods in the country. Bookstores, coffee shops, theaters, restaurants, music stores and clubs are among the many attractions in Davis Square, which is just a short walk from campus and a frequent hangout for Tufts students.
Population: 76,000
Total Area: 4.22 square miles
Mayor: Joseph Curtatone
On the web: City of Somerville
Information provided in part by town officials and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
