Needham
Small-town heart, big-city reach.
Needham is the town that people who grew up here never fully leave — they come back to raise their own families. With a walkable downtown, excellent schools, and a community spirit that shows up at every youth sports game and town meeting, Needham delivers the quintessential New England suburban experience with a commuter rail line to Back Bay.
Avg Sale Price
$1.9M
YoY Change
+5.1%
Avg Days on Market
69
Active Listings
52
Sold Last Month
24
Price / Sq Ft
$556
What It Feels Like
A town where the high school football team is a genuine community event, the downtown has real restaurants (not just chains), and you can commute to Boston without losing your mind. Needham is what people picture when they think 'great place to raise a family.'
About Needham
Needham has a chip on its shoulder in the best way — it's perpetually underestimated relative to its flashier neighbors (Wellesley, Newton), and its residents like it that way. The schools are excellent (Needham High regularly outperforms much wealthier districts), the downtown is genuinely walkable with a growing restaurant scene, and the commuter rail puts you in Back Bay in 25 minutes.
The town's housing stock is classic Massachusetts suburban: Colonials and Cape Cods from the 1940s-60s make up the backbone, with a growing number of new construction and major renovations adding modern inventory. The Needham Heights area offers slightly more affordable options, while the Needham Center neighborhood commands premium prices for its walkability.
What makes Needham special is hard to quantify — it's the volunteer fire department, the packed bleachers at Rocket football games, the neighbors who actually know your name. It's suburban in the best sense of the word.
Neighborhoods Within Needham
Needham Center
The walkable heart of Needham — shops, restaurants, the commuter rail, and the town green all within a few blocks.
$1M–$1.8M
Needham Heights
A slightly more affordable neighborhood with its own commuter rail stop, strong community identity, and easy highway access.
$750K–$1.3M
Charles River
Needham's most scenic area — riverside properties, conservation land, and a mix of established and newer homes along the Charles.
$1.1M–$2M+
Why Buy in Needham
Needham Public Schools punch well above their weight — the high school's academic programs rival much wealthier districts.
Commuter rail service to Back Bay Station in ~25 minutes from Needham Center or Needham Heights.
A walkable downtown with independent restaurants, shops, and a genuine town center feel — increasingly rare in suburbia.
Strong value relative to Newton and Wellesley — comparable schools and commute at a lower price point.
An authentic community where people know their neighbors and town government actually works.
Schools in Needham
Needham Public Schools
8 schools · 12:1 student-teacher ratio
A+
Niche
9/10
GreatSchools
Needham Public Schools ranks #12 in Massachusetts on Niche, serving 5,541 students with 71% math and 70% reading proficiency. The district features six elementary schools, one middle school, and a highly regarded high school that consistently ranks in the top 1% statewide. Strong community investment in education is a hallmark of Needham.
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needham High School | high | 9/10 | 1,600 |
| Pollard Middle School | middle | 8/10 | 900 |
| Hillside Elementary | elementary | 8/10 | 450 |
| Mitchell Elementary | elementary | 8/10 | 400 |
| St. Joseph Elementary | private | 7/10 | 250 |
Ratings from GreatSchools and Niche. Contact us for school zone verification for specific addresses.
Commute Times
Back Bay Station
Driving
20-35 min
Transit
25 min (Commuter Rail)
Downtown Boston
Driving
25-40 min
Transit
30-35 min (Commuter Rail)
Route 128 / I-95 Corridor
Driving
5-10 min
Transit
N/A
Newton / Wellesley
Driving
10-15 min
Transit
N/A
Local Highlights
Sweet Basil
Upscale Italian that's been a Needham staple for decades.
The Farmhouse
Farm-to-table dining in a converted house — Needham's rising star.
Ridge Hill Reservation
200+ acres of trails, meadows, and stunning views of the Boston skyline.
Cutler Park
Wetlands preserve along the Charles River — kayaking, birding, and quiet trails.
The Needham Free Public Library
A modern, well-funded library with excellent children's programming.
J.P. Bartlett Co.
The local coffee spot where half of Needham starts their morning.
Needham Dog Park at DeFazio Park
A well-maintained off-leash dog park at DeFazio Park — popular with Needham dog owners year-round.
Needham Farmers Market
Held on Sundays at the Town Common, June through October — local farms, baked goods, and community spirit.
Needham Senior Center
Located at the Charles River Center, 83 Pickering Street — programs, classes, and services for Needham seniors.
Recent Sales
32 Brewster Dr, Needham
4 bed · 3 bath · 2,600 sqft · Sold 2026-02-14
$1,225,000
156 Great Plain Ave
3 bed · 2 bath · 1,800 sqft · Sold 2026-02-07
$875,000
9 Kingsbury St
5 bed · 3.5 bath · 3,200 sqft · Sold 2026-01-31
$1,485,000
88 Marked Tree Rd
3 bed · 2 bath · 2,000 sqft · Sold 2026-01-22
$950,000
Frequently Asked Questions About Needham
What is the median home price in Needham?
The median home price in Needham is $1,871,663. Prices have changed +5.1% year-over-year. Contact Steinmetz Real Estate for a personalized market analysis.
What are the best schools in Needham?
Needham is known for excellent schools. Top-rated options include Needham High School, Pollard Middle School, Hillside Elementary. The Steinmetz team can help you find homes in the best school districts.
Is Needham a good place to buy a home?
Needham offers small-town heart, big-city reach.. With a median price of $1,871,663 and homes averaging 69 days on market, it's an active market. Sarina Steinmetz has 26+ years of experience in this area.
What is it like to live in Needham?
Needham is the town that people who grew up here never fully leave — they come back to raise their own families. With a walkable downtown, excellent schools, and a community spirit that shows up at ev... Contact us to learn more about daily life in Needham.
How do I find a real estate agent in Needham?
Steinmetz Real Estate Professionals specialize in Needham and surrounding communities. With $590M+ in career sales and 26+ years of local expertise, Sarina Steinmetz is ranked in the top 1.5% of agents nationally. Call (617) 610-0207 or visit steinmetzrealestate.com.
Ready to explore Needham?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring — we'll help you understand the market and find your opportunity.
Market data is estimated from available sources and may not reflect current MLS listings. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Last updated March 2026. Contact us for the most current market information.