Needham

 

A beautiful suburb with a rich history, Needham is a superb destination for families. This community features many parks and conservations to appeal to lovers of the great outdoors and many theaters and museums for film and history geeks.

 

Colonialists first settled in Needham in 1640. Settlers tried to farm the land but found it nearly impossible. The area became industrial in 1865 when William Carter started a knitting mill company. Carter eventually became a prominent manufacturer of children’s clothing in the states, and his company owned seven different mills by the 1860s before he sold it in the 90s. In 1891, lithographer George Walker partnered with scientist Gustavo Gordon to establish Walker-Gordon Laboratories and create a superior baby formula.

 

With a median home value of $885 thousand, Needham is a moneyed area, though it’s a relatively inexpensive community for the greater Massachusetts area. American Colonial, A-frame, Cape Cod, Split-level, and Cape Dutch are just a few of the home architectural styles available to residents. Having sold over $300 million worth of real estate, realtor Miroslava Fitkova can find your family’s ideal home. 

 

 

This close-knit community of mostly home-owners is splendid for retirees, though it also has its share of professionals and families. Suburban life doesn’t have to be boring in Needham—there are many activities to enjoy here, including various restaurants, parks, and coffee shops. With four commuter rails to Boston’s South Station, residents find commuting to the city a breeze.

 

Whether you’re looking to throw some strikes at Needham Bowlaway or head to Wellesley’s The Painting Place to express yourself creatively with your loved ones, it’s easy to find entertainment in Needham. Watch a graceful performance a mere 10 minutes away at Boston Ballet, or catch a theater show at Arlekin Players Theatre.

 

Find apparel and home furnishing stores at Church Square in Wellesley. Boutiques include J. McLaughlin and Clementine, while home decor, unique gifts, and sleepwear can be found at Cachet. Linden Square is another shopping mall in the neighboring town of Wellesley, featuring premier stores, restaurants, and fitness opportunities. Get a ballet-inspired workout over at Pure Barre, or pick up an adorable outfit for your little ones at Tiny Hanger.

 

Dining options are far from limited in Needham. Latina Kitchen & Bar serves up tasty Latin-inspired treats like ceviche and gnocchi de platano, plantain gnocchis with short rib ragu. Enjoy some roasted parsnip and pear soup or a brew and short rib and ale pie over at The James Pub & Provisions. Feast on classic Italian favorites like chicken parmesan or bolognese with handmade tagliatelle at Sweet Basil.

 

Parks, museums, and theaters are just a few of the activities accessible to residents in Needham. Needham Community Theatre has been entertaining the town for over 60 years with its awe-inspiring performances, including a series of plays with anti-racist themes.

 

Family-friendly events run year-round in Needham. Head to the Needham Street Fair in the summer for local eats, activities galore, a KidZone, live music, and more. Children and adults are encouraged to parade around town in their best costumes during October’s Spooky Walk.

 

Lush forested surroundings make outdoor recreation a favorite activity for residents. Enjoy a picnic or whack a few balls at one of the athletic fields at DeFazio Park. You’ll love hiking, mountain biking, and taking in scenic views at Needham Town Forest and Farley Pond Loop, a 3.5-mile kid- and dog-friendly location.

 

Several noteworthy educational opportunities include: