Massachusetts / Norfolk County

Moving to Needham, MA

Thinking of making a move to Needham, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Needham, MA

Considering a move to Needham, MA? This welcoming community of 32,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,050,000 and average rents near $3,050. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Needham's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Needham, MA

Needham has a population of 32,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 81% White, 3% Black, and 12% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
32,000
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
42.6
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
80.5%
Black
3.4%
Asian
12.2%
Others
3.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Needham, MA?

The cost of living in Needham is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 176.4. Median home values are around $1,050,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,050,000
Gross Rent
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
176.4
Grocery
122.0
Housing
246.5
Utilities
119.8
Transportation
135.6
Health Care
123.1
Miscellaneous
132.4

Crime

Is Needham, MA a safe place to live?

Needham is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 48 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 89. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
48
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,120
Crime Index
1,168
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 2,083
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 89

Weather

What is the weather like in Needham, MA year-round?

Needham experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $164,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.6%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 76% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$69,500
Household Income
$164,000
Family Income
$192,000
Per Capita Income
$79,500
Income Male
$92,000
Income Female
$74,500
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Non English Speakers
18.2%
Rent
$2,950
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Public Transport Usage
9.8%
Commute Time
29.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.4%
Bachelors or More
75.8%

Education

How are the schools in Needham, MA?

Needham offers quality education options, with public schools like Needham High School and Pollard Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Babson College, Boston College, and Wellesley College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Needham High School
Street
609 Webster St
Phone
781-455-0800
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
12.9
Name
Pollard Middle School
Street
200 Harris Ave
Phone
781-455-0450
Students
720
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Sebastian's School
Street
1191 Greendale Ave
Phone
617-254-4891
Students
375

Colleges

Name
Babson College
City
Wellesley
State
MA
Distance
6 miles
Students
3,300
Name
Boston College
City
Chestnut Hill
State
MA
Distance
8 miles
Students
15,000
Name
Wellesley College
City
Wellesley
State
MA
Distance
7 miles
Students
2,500

Healthcare

Needham residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham and Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.6 per 1,000 people and 97.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
Address
1153 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone
(617) 983-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
4.6
Health Insurance Coverage
97.0%
Health Care Index
85.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Needham, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,050,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. Needham offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$3,050
Owner Occupied Rate
71.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.7%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Needham handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Quincy. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
1-857-368-8000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Needham, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Needham, review the core fields on this page: population 32,000, median home value $1,050,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $3,050, commute time 29.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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