"In Medford, the median incomes are above average, as is the quality of life. Medford has a number of popular amenities, like a very good commuter rail service, a waterside location on the Mystic River, and a bustling arts and culture scene, thanks to the historic Chevalier Theatre and the Tufts University Art Galleries."

In compiling its list, HGTV used U.S. Census Bureau data examining categories such as affordable housing, health care, incomes, jobs, and outdoor recreation. HGTV also consulted the Milken Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, which published its annual report on the Best Performing Cities. The Milken Institute considered U.S. cities that are advancing economic growth, evaluating categories such as housing affordability, jobs, wages, and access to broadband.