Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Needham Heights, MA
Considering a move to Needham Heights, MA? With a population of about 7,500, this vibrant suburb offers outstanding schools, low crime (just 58 violent crimes per 100K), and a highly educated community. Median home prices are high at $970,000, with average rents around $2,680, reflecting the area's desirability and strong incomes. Residents enjoy a short 28-minute average commute, easy access to top healthcare, and four distinct seasons with over half the days sunny. Explore Needham Heights for an affluent, family-friendly environment with excellent amenities.
Demographics - Needham Heights, MA
Demographics - Needham Heights, MA
Needham Heights is home to about 7,500 residents with a median age of 42, reflecting a balanced, established community. The area is predominantly White (81.5%) with a notable Asian population (10.2%), and around 15% of residents speak a language other than English, adding to the suburb's cultural diversity.
Population:
7,500
Density:
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
10.2%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Needham Heights, MA?
The cost of living in Needham Heights is significantly above the national average, driven by a median home value of $970,000 and an average rent of $2,680 per month. Utilities and groceries are also higher than average, making this community best suited for those with strong household incomes.
Median House Value:
$970,000
Gross Rent:
$2,680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,280
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
156.4
Grocery:
122.0
Housing:
201.0
Utilities:
116.4
Transportation:
138.0
Health Care:
125.3
Miscellaneous:
119.7
Crime
Is Needham Heights, MA a safe place to live?
Needham Heights offers a safe environment, with violent crime rates at just 58 per 100,000 people and property crime rates well below national averages. Residents enjoy a low risk of crime, contributing to the neighborhood's family-friendly appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
58
Property Crimes Per 100k:
590
Crime Index:
648
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,725
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 127
Weather
What is the weather like in Needham Heights, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 46.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days, making for a pleasant and varied climate throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The neighborhood boasts high median household incomes around $160,700 and a low poverty rate of 3.2%. Most residents are highly educated, with nearly 98% holding at least a high school diploma and over 78% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher, fostering a vibrant and engaged community.
Median Income:
$62,500
Household Income:
$160,700
Family Income:
$189,000
Per Capita Income:
$73,800
Income Male:
$100,300
Income Female:
$64,900
Poverty Rate:
3.2%
Non English Speakers:
15.1%
Rent:
$2,680
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
13.2%
Commute Time:
28.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
78.5%
Education
How are the schools in Needham Heights, MA?
Needham Heights is known for its outstanding public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios around 13:1 and access to top-rated institutions. The suburb is also close to renowned colleges such as Babson College and Boston College, making it ideal for families prioritizing education.

Public Schools
Name:
Needham High School
Street:
609 Webster St
Phone:
781-455-0800
Students:
1,750
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Mitchell Elementary School
Street:
187 Brookline St
Phone:
781-455-0466
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Elementary School
Street:
90 Pickering St
Phone:
781-444-4459
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
Babson College
City:
Wellesley
State:
MA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
3,400
Name:
Boston College
City:
Chestnut Hill
State:
MA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
14,600
Healthcare
Needham Heights residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Beth Israel Deaconess and Newton-Wellesley nearby and a high rate of insured individuals (97.1%). The area also features a strong physician presence, ensuring quality and timely medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham
Address:
148 Chestnut St, Needham, MA 02492
Phone:
(781) 453-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Address:
2014 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462
Phone:
(617) 243-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
82.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Needham Heights, MA?
The housing market in Needham Heights is robust, with a median home price of $970,000 and most properties owner-occupied. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates, along with a steady 6.3% annual home appreciation, reflect the area’s stability and ongoing demand.
Median Home Price:
$970,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,680
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents take care of vehicle licensing and registration through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston. The RMV provides comprehensive services and resources both in-person and online for local drivers.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.