Needham is a tight-knit, family-friendly suburban community located in Norfolk County, approximately 10 miles southwest from Boston. Aside from its convenient access to the city, Needham is home to a number of good schools that have created an impact in the community. According to 2010 estimates, Needham is home to roughly 28,900 residents.
The town is home to a downtown area that’s been known as a hub for local merchants. Expect homegrown restaurants, markets, and businesses lining up the street.
Surrounding communities include Wellesley to north and west, Dedham, Westwood, and Dover on the south, Newton on the north, and the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston on the east. Needham is a small town that encompasses a total area of a little over 12.7 square miles.
Schools
Like its neighbor Wellesley, Needham is home to some of the best public schools in the state. The two towns can be considered rivals when it comes to public education opportunities and competitive sports.
Public schools in Needham are operated by Needham Public Schools (NPS). The school district only oversees one high school. Other institutions managed by NPS include Pollard Middle School, Broadmeadow School, High Rock Middle School, Eliot School, and Newman School.
There are also several private schools located in Needham, such as Saint Sebastian’s, an independent all-boys Catholic secondary school and The Walker School, a special education institution.
Needham is also the home of the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering.
Real estate
Needham real estate is composed of a variety of housing options, from single-family residences, condominiums, new constructions, and luxury homes. With the right real estate agent, home buyers will be able to locate homes priced under $800,000.
The architecture of homes in Needham contribute to the overall feel of a small New England town. Colonials and Tudor-style homes are among the most common options in the area.
Home buyers who want to build their own dream home from the ground up can do so in Needham – the local real estate also offers large lots of land, perfect for spacious homes or even estates. In Needham, space is never an issue.
Quick facts about Needham
- Commuting is easy in Needham – the town has for MBTA Commuter Rail stops that offer regular trips to South Station in Boston.
- Development in Needham began as early as the mid-17th century, when a group of colonists explored the area. These settlers made use of the land by farming English crops such as rye, barley, and wheat. Their efforts proved to be futile, however, as such crops can’t survive Needham’s poor soil quality. The area proved to be great for hunting and fishing, though.
- Needham was officially incorporated as a town in 1711. Aside from agriculture and grazing, inhabitants dabbled in tanneries and winter lumbering to boost the economy.
- Needham became the second home of the famous William Carter Company, a reputable manufacturer of knitwear.
Needham is a lovely town to live in. If you’d like to know more about Needham real estate, don’t hesitate to contact Traci Shulkin today at 617-939-6309 or send her a message at traci.shulkin@compass.com.
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