In 2025, Tufts University broke ground on a major student housing development in Medford, MA, marking a pivotal moment for the local real estate scene. Partnering with Capstone Development Partners, the university plans to deliver 664 apartment-style beds across two new residence halls along Boston Avenue, with completion targeted for Fall 2027.
This development is designed to ease the pressure on off-campus housing and help balance the area’s growing rental demand.
Key Details
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Location: Adjacent to the Medford/Tufts Green Line Station
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Size: 271,000 square feet across two buildings (up to 10 stories)
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Housing Units: Studio, 2-, 4-, and 6-bedroom apartment-style layouts
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Amenities:
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Retail Space: 4,000 sq ft of ground-level commercial and social space on Boston Ave
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Target Audience: Upper-division students seeking campus-connected apartment living
Sustainability & Design
The residence halls are designed to meet Passive House standards, featuring:
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Airtight, energy-efficient building envelopes
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Fully electric systems
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Improved indoor air quality
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Pedestrian-focused streetscape enhancements along Boston Avenue
These features not only promote sustainability but also better integrate the buildings into the neighborhood.
What This Means for Medford Real Estate
This project could bring several changes to the local market:
Less Pressure on Rentals
By housing more students on-campus, Tufts may reduce demand for nearby off-campus rentals. This could slow rent increases and open new opportunities for landlords to pivot toward professionals and families.
Better Street Life & Retail Growth
The added retail space and foot traffic near the Green Line station could boost local businesses and enhance the neighborhood’s walkability and appeal.
Increased Buyer & Investor Interest
As Tufts and other institutions invest in the area, long-term property values could see upward momentum—especially near new infrastructure…