Waban
Waban is one of Newton's most desirable residential villages — a serene, leafy enclave of beautiful homes on generous lots, tree-canopied streets, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. With Green Line D branch access, some of Newton's highest-rated schools (10/10), and a median home price around $1.6 million, Waban appeals to established families seeking quiet luxury, excellent schools, and convenient Boston access.
$1,600,000
Median Price
$800K – $4M+
Price Range
55
Walk Score
10/10
School Rating
30 min via Green Line D
Commute to Boston
Newton, MA
Location
What Is Waban Like?
Waban is the village Newton residents often describe as 'the best-kept secret in town.' Its wide, tree-lined streets radiate outward from the Waban Green Line stop and the small commercial cluster at the corner of Beacon Street and Waban Hill Road. The neighborhood has an overwhelmingly residential character — grand Colonials, stately Tudors, and elegant Cape Cods on generous lots define the streetscape. Waban lacks a large commercial center by design — residents cherish the quiet, residential atmosphere and often walk or drive a short distance to Newton Centre or Newton Highlands for dining and shopping. What Waban does have in abundance is natural beauty, mature trees, and a sense of unhurried tranquility rare in communities this close to Boston. The Green Line D branch (Waban stop) provides transit access to Boston in about 30 minutes. Waban's schools are among Newton's absolute best — Angier Elementary is rated 10/10, and students progress through the excellent Newton South High School feeder system. The Waban Library, a charming community hub, hosts programs and events year-round.
What Are Home Prices in Waban?
Waban commands premium prices with a median of approximately $1,600,000, reflecting its exceptional schools, generous lot sizes, and desirable residential character. Prices range from around $800,000 for smaller homes and condos to well over $4 million for the village's finest estates. The housing stock is predominantly single-family, with larger lots than many Newton villages — half-acre and larger parcels are not uncommon. Inventory is tight and turnover is low, as homeowners tend to stay for decades. When homes do come to market, they frequently receive multiple offers, especially those near the Green Line or Angier Elementary. Annual appreciation has been strong at 5-7%.
What Are the Schools Like in Waban?
Waban is served by Angier Elementary School, one of Newton's highest-rated schools at 10/10. Students then attend Brown Middle School before progressing to Newton South High School, which consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Massachusetts. The school pathway is a primary driver of Waban's real estate demand — families specifically seek out the Angier-Brown-South feeder pattern. Newton South offers extensive AP courses, championship athletics, outstanding performing arts, and exceptional college placement rates.
Where to Eat and Shop in Waban?
Waban's commercial center is intentionally small — a cluster of businesses near the Green Line stop including a small market, dry cleaner, and service establishments. Residents typically visit nearby Newton Centre (a 5-minute drive) for its vibrant restaurant and shopping scene, or Newton Highlands for its charming village center. The Street Chestnut Hill and Needham Street provide additional shopping options. Waban residents value the village's residential quiet and are happy to travel a few minutes for commercial needs.
Parks & Recreation in Waban
Waban features several neighborhood parks and green spaces that contribute to its leafy character. The Waban Hill Reservoir area provides walking paths with scenic views. Cold Spring Park in neighboring Newton Highlands is a popular destination for hiking and nature walks. Crystal Lake in Newton Centre offers summer swimming. Newton's extensive park system provides athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreation programs. The quiet, tree-lined streets themselves serve as pleasant walking routes for residents.
How Do You Get Around Waban?
The MBTA Green Line D branch (Waban station) provides direct service to Boston in approximately 30 minutes, reaching Longwood Medical Area, Kenmore, and downtown. For drivers, Route 9 and the Massachusetts Turnpike are accessible via nearby roads. The walk score of 55 reflects Waban's residential character — while the Green Line stop and a small cluster of businesses are walkable, most errands require a short drive. The quiet streets are popular with walkers and joggers.
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Neighborhood Highlights
- ✓Green Line D Branch
- ✓Waban Library
- ✓Large lots
- ✓Quiet residential
Frequently Asked Questions
Waban FAQ
What is Waban, Newton like?
Waban is a serene, leafy residential village in Newton known for beautiful homes on generous lots, tree-canopied streets, some of Newton's highest-rated schools (10/10), and Green Line access. It offers quiet luxury with a tight-knit community feel.
What are home prices in Waban?
Waban's median home price is approximately $1,600,000. Prices range from about $800,000 for smaller homes to over $4 million for premium estates. Lot sizes are larger than many Newton villages, and inventory is tight with low turnover.
What schools serve Waban?
Waban students attend Angier Elementary (rated 10/10), Brown Middle School, and Newton South High School — one of Massachusetts' top public high schools. The Angier-Brown-South feeder pattern is a primary driver of real estate demand.
Is Waban a good place for families?
Waban is one of Newton's best family neighborhoods, offering top-rated schools (Angier Elementary 10/10), safe tree-lined streets, generous yards, Green Line access, and a quiet residential atmosphere that families cherish.
How do you commute from Waban to Boston?
The MBTA Green Line D branch (Waban station) provides direct service to Boston in about 30 minutes. Route 9 and the Mass Turnpike are accessible by car. Many Waban residents also commute to Longwood Medical Area via the Green Line.
What types of homes are in Waban?
Waban features grand Colonials, stately Tudors, and elegant Cape Cods on generous lots — many half-acre or larger. The housing stock is predominantly single-family, giving the village its spacious, residential character.
Does Waban have restaurants and shops?
Waban's commercial center is intentionally small, with a few businesses near the Green Line stop. Residents enjoy the quiet residential character and drive 5 minutes to Newton Centre or Newton Highlands for dining and shopping.
How competitive is the Waban real estate market?
Waban's market is very competitive. Homeowners tend to stay for decades, keeping inventory tight. When homes do list, especially near Angier Elementary or the Green Line, they frequently receive multiple offers. Annual appreciation runs 5-7%.
What is the Waban Library?
The Waban Library is a charming community hub offering programs, events, and activities for children and adults year-round. It serves as a gathering place for the Waban community and hosts book groups, lectures, and children's programming.
Is Waban walkable?
Waban has a walk score of 55, reflecting its residential character. The Green Line stop and a small commercial cluster are walkable, but most shopping and dining requires a short drive. The quiet, tree-lined streets are popular for walking and jogging.