Waltham

Waltham is a city in the American state of Massachusetts. It is 10 miles (16 km) west of central Boston on the Charles River, and 3 miles from the city limits to the east. Waltham is part of the Greater Boston conurbation; even so, it has a unique character compared to Boston's other suburbs, and is one of the most significant regional centers for employment, culture, education and food in the entire metro area. It is sometimes called "Watch City" because it was home to Waltham Watch Company. Many high-tech companies have made Waltham their home. It is also home to Bentley College and Brandeis University.

Understand
One of the oldest of American cities, Waltham was first settled by British settlers in 1634 and was incorporated in 1738. In 1813, the Boston Manufacturing Company was formed in Waltham by Francis Cabot Lowell. It was the first modern factory in the United States and history books have credited this as the beginning of America's industrial revolution. In 1854, the Waltham Watch Company was established by Aaron Dennison. The company went on to make the first watches with interchangeable parts and the first 100% American-made watch, designing advanced machinery that spread to other industries and led to America's industrial power. Waltham is also noted as the home of such famous persons as Governor Christopher Gore and General Nathaniel Banks.

By train
There are several commuter rail trains from Boston daily. From North Station in Boston, take the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Fitchburg line to either or. The trains are a good way to get into Boston, especially on the day of a sports game, because they go directly to the Boston Garden. They are moderately priced.

Although there are no T stations in Waltham, is fairly close to Waltham. Riverside is the last station on the Green Line's D branch. From Riverside, take a short, 3-mi (5-km) taxi ride to Waltham.

By bus
Local MBTA buses 70 and 70A run from Central Square in Cambridge to Waltham. Several MBTA Express Buses (553, 554, 556, 558, 505) also serve Waltham. They originate several blocks from South Station in Boston and go to Waltham on weekdays only. Buses are usually reliable and inexpensive, but tend to get crowded around rush hour as well (4:30PM to 6:30PM).

By car
Waltham is accessible via Interstate 95, also called Route 128, which connects to the Mass Pike (I-90). This is important if you are flying in or out of Logan Airport because you are going to take I-90 West to get into Waltham and vice versa to get back into Boston. On I-90, there are two sets of toll plazas of $1.25 each, and rush hour can set you back 25-30 minutes between 4:30PM and 6:30PM.

By car
Driving around Waltham is not difficult and you can be just about anywhere in the city in 15 to 20 minutes. There are three main streets to Waltham: Main Street, Moody Street, and Lexington Street. During rush hour(4:30 to 6:30PM) you will hit some traffic that may slow down your commute 10 to 15 minutes. Main Street is probably the worst during that time, and Moody Street can also be busy on a Friday or Saturday night. Parking is accessible with several public parking lots in high traffic areas, as well as on street parking.

By bus
Local city buses are a dependable way to get around the city. They are cheap and usually reliable, but can get crowded and stuffy at times. The best place to catch the bus from is on the Common, the bus stop is across the street from the train stop, with buses leaving fairly frequently to go throughout the city and surrounding towns, as well as to downtown Boston.

Buy
Waltham does not offer a lot of shopping.



Eat
Most of the good restaurants in Waltham are along Moody Street. This includes Thai, Chinese, Indian, and American diner fare. Start at one end and walk the length before deciding on one spot.

Go next
Waltham is at the start of the American Industry Tour, which goes on westwards to New York City and Chicago.