Sigel, a Newton native, runs Moody Street’s popular Tempo restaurant with his girlfriend, Erin Barnicle. The pair have lived in the city for more than 10 years. While they love the buzzy food scene — Domenic’s Italian Bakery & Deli is a favorite spot — it’s the green space that keeps them happy.

Waltham residents are lucky: They don’t need to head into Boston for a special meal out. Moody Street is a culinary wonderland, offering everything from earthy Mexican to big-budget charcuterie. Indulge in cured meat at the swanky new Backroom at Moody’s or visit Red Bird for a cocktail. Or try Antojito’s Cafe for (cash-only) pupusas, Solea for tapas, or Santa Banta for a lavish Indian buffet of curried mutton and crisp samosas. In the words of longtime resident Nathan Sigel, “This is not a snoozer of a town.”


“We live on Worcester Lane, which is the single nicest neighborhood in Waltham, I think,” Sigel said with a laugh. “Our backyard is Prospect Hill Park. We’re adjacent to conservation land, and our dogs can run. It’s about 252 acres. We foster a lot of dogs and meet people that way, walking there or at the [Robert Treat] Paine Estate ,” he said.

Nathan Sigel owner of Tempo and his girlfriend, general manager Erin Barnicle, are long-time Waltham residents. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe

Barnicle chimed in. “This is definitely a real community,” she said. She sits on the Downtown Waltham Partnership board and on the committee for the Waltham Food & Wine Festival, where she’s befriended a cross section of residents who appreciate the walkable downtown, convenient access to the North and South shores, and urban vibe.

“I think more businesses downtown are drawing a new crowd who want to live here,” Barnicle said.

A 269-unit apartment community, The Merc, is slated to open at the base of Moody Street in August, and the converted Watch Factory is home to sleek lofts overlooking the Charles River.


“It seems like there’s been a big switch to young professionals,” Barnicle said.

From his perch on Moody Street, Sigel agreed. “There’s so much diversity. We’re seeing tons of new jobs, new hotels, and new businesses. Years ago, I moved Tempo here. . . . Fast-forward from 80 percent vacancies with bars on the windows to shops and restaurants being full,” he said.

Of course, sometimes people do have to cook at home. There’s a new 90,000-square-foot Market Basket overlooking Interstate 95 at the former Polaroid Corp. site. “It’s so big and crazy and nuts! Market Basket is crushing it over there,” Sigel said.

By the numbers

Dec. 11, 1972

Date when the British band Genesis made its US debut at Cholmondeley’s (“Chum’s”) Coffee House at Brandeis University

8,000

Number of visitors welcomed annually (not including weddings) at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation

19

Number of fireplaces at Stonehurst, the Robert Treat Paine Estate (below)

Pros and Cons

Pro Railroad

It’s easy to commute into Boston with two rail stops along the Fitchburg commuter rail line, Brandeis/Roberts and Waltham.

Con

Traffic

Its prime location — sandwiched between the Massachusetts Turnpike, Route 2, and Interstate 95 — makes traffic an ongoing aggravation.

Pro

Housing

There’s a diverse range of housing stock, from Colonials to lofts in converted factories.

The intersection of Moody and Main Steets in downtown Waltham. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

The Waltham Watch Factory on the Charles River. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

A piece from “Sea Pig” at the Rose Art Museum. Dina Rudick/Globe Staff/File

Bentley University beyond the spire of First Parish Church. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe

The Robert Treat Paine Estate and surrounding network of hiking trails. Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

Kara Baskin can be reached at kcbaskin@gmail.com.