Massachusetts Senator Markey Claims His Humble Home Is in Malden

For years, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts has faced questions about where he hangs his hat. Is it the 1,135-square-foot home in Malden, which he claims as his primary residence? Or is it in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he and his wife, Washington insider Susan Blumenthal, own a much larger crib on a cul-de-sac in the more elaborate Rolling Hills neighborhood?

A Modest Malden Home With Political Significance

Boston.com reported Markey purchased the small home at 7 Townsend Street in Malden, where he grew up, from his father in 2001 for $150,000, when his mother became ill.

Throughout his political career, Markey has always listed the house on Townsend Street as his primary residence, even when he didn't own it.

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The Associated Press reported in 2013 that Markey, then a candidate for the U.S. Senate, "released eight years of state and federal tax returns Wednesday showing he reported his home address as 7 Townsend Street in Malden."

Markey served in the U.S. House before being elected to the U.S. Senate.
Before that, Markey operated an ice cream vending truck, running afoul of Malden officials for violating vendor rules.

Zillow.com lists the Townsend Street home as a single-family residence with three bedrooms and one bathroom, valued at $531,100. According to Realtor.com, the Markey home has 1.5 baths and is worth $577,981.

In 2013, Markey told Boston.com, "My home will always be in Malden."

What Senate Rules Require

Why it matters where Sen. Markey lives is that simple: U.S. Senate rules require "residency in the state a senator represents at the time of election."

While it is doubtful that Markey spends a lot of time in Malden, residents say he does attend local meetings from time to time and is involved in local issues.

Finbold estimates Sen. Markey to be worth between $1.8 million and $3.8 million.