Moving to Needham, MA — 2026 Quick Reference
Needham is in Norfolk County, Massachusetts — ZIP 02492, population approximately 31,800. Located 14 miles southwest of Boston with direct MBTA Needham Line commuter rail service from four stations (Needham Heights, Needham Center, Hersey, Needham Junction) to South Station in approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Median home price approximately $1.1M (publisher to verify current MLS). Top-ranked public schools. One of the most sought-after relocation destinations in Norfolk County for Boston-area professionals and families.
Norfolk Co. County
02492 ZIP Code
~31,800 Population
14 mi To Boston
4 Stops MBTA Needham Line
~$1.1M Median Home Price
Moving to Needham, MA: Everything You Need to Know Before Relocating
Nestled in the heart of Norfolk County, Needham, Massachusetts offers a captivating blend of historical charm and contemporary attractions. This picturesque town, with its tree-lined streets and vibrant community, draws both families and professionals seeking a high quality of life within easy reach of Boston. From its rich colonial history to a thriving culinary scene, this guide covers everything buyers and residents need to know — cost of living, schools, commute, outdoor spaces, and the best local restaurants.
Needham, MA — At a Glance
| Category | Needham Detail |
|---|---|
| County | Norfolk County, Massachusetts |
| ZIP Code | 02492 (primary); 02494 (Needham Heights) |
| Population | Approximately 31,800 (U.S. Census Bureau) |
| Commute to Boston | ~30 to 40 min by MBTA Needham Line to South Station; ~25 to 45 min by car via I-95/Route 128 depending on traffic |
| Median Home Price | Approximately $1.1M (2025-2026 market -- publisher to verify against current MLS before deploying) |
| School District | Needham Public Schools -- consistently ranked top school district in Massachusetts; Needham High School among top public high schools in the state |
| MBTA Access | 4 stations on the Needham Line: Needham Heights, Needham Center, Hersey, Needham Junction -- nearly every neighborhood walkable to a stop |
| Summer High (avg.) | ~82 degrees F (July average) |
| Winter Low (avg.) | ~27 degrees F (January average) |
| Annual Snowfall | ~50 inches |
| Best Known For | Top schools, 4-station MBTA access, walkable Needham Center, Cutler Park, Olin College of Engineering, proximity to Boston |
Cost of Living in Needham, MA
The cost of living in Needham is above the Massachusetts average, primarily driven by housing. With a median home price of approximately $1.1M, Needham reflects the premium the market places on its school district quality, four-station MBTA commuter rail access, and walkable downtown. Daily expenses including groceries, utilities, and transportation are comparable to other Greater Boston suburbs. Explore current Needham homes for sale to understand today's market pricing before committing to a search.
Experience All Four Seasons in Needham
Needham has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters — offering residents year-round recreational opportunities. Summers are warm and moderately humid, with July highs typically reaching around 82 degrees F. Winters bring cold temperatures and significant snowfall — January lows average 27 degrees F, and the town receives roughly 50 inches of snow per year, making for scenic winter landscapes and ample opportunity for outdoor winter activities including cross-country skiing in Cutler Park and winter programming at Hale Reservation.
Things to Do in Needham, MA
Needham offers a wide variety of activities for all interests. The town's four-station MBTA commuter rail access means Boston's cultural amenities are always close, but Needham's local activity calendar is robust on its own terms.
Outdoor Recreation
Cutler Park Reservation spans more than 600 acres along the Charles River and offers trails for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking -- one of the most accessible conservation areas in the Boston metro. Needham Town Forest provides additional hiking trails and peaceful spots for picnics and relaxation. Echo Bridge and the Charles River Peninsula loop offer picturesque waterside walking just minutes from the town center.
History and Culture
The Needham History Center and Museum showcases artifacts tracing the town's evolution from a colonial settlement to a modern suburb. The historic Greendale Avenue district features well-preserved homes offering a clear view of the area's architectural heritage. Guided historical walking tours are available seasonally.
Town Center & Community Life
Needham Center is a genuine walkable downtown -- French Press Bakery and Cafe anchors the morning routine steps from the train station, Sweet Basil handles dinner, Covet + Lou covers home and fashion retail, and Reveler Beverage Company provides craft beer and cocktails for the evening. The Town Common serves as the community anchor for seasonal events and farmers markets year-round.
Needham's Culinary Scene
Needham's dining scene blends traditional and contemporary flavors, from cozy Elm Street cafes perfect for weekend brunch to upscale restaurants and international cuisine.
Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil is a refined Italian eatery known for its elegant ambiance and locally sourced ingredients. The well-curated wine list and attentive service make it a standout for date nights and special occasions.
The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse brings rustic American charm to Needham with a menu built on farm-fresh ingredients and comfort food done well. Expect hearty portions, a cozy atmosphere, and the kind of friendly service that keeps regulars coming back.
Latina Kitchen & Bar
With a vibrant tropical atmosphere, Latina Kitchen and Bar serves tapas, salads, entrees, and cocktails inspired by Latin American culinary traditions. A great option for groups and lively evenings out.
Cook
Cook is a casual yet elegant American restaurant with an open kitchen, modern decor, and a diverse menu balancing familiar favorites with innovative dishes. Staff are known for accommodating dietary preferences and special requests.
Cappella Restaurant
Cappella is a romantic Italian venue ideal for date nights and celebrations -- delicious pastas, pizzas, and seafood in a warm, tastefully decorated setting with attentive service.
Little Spoon Thai Kitchen
Little Spoon Thai Kitchen offers an intimate dining experience specializing in authentic Thai cuisine -- from classic Pad Thai to rich, aromatic curries. A reliable neighborhood favorite.
Thinking About Buying in Needham?
Needham's real estate market moves quickly -- homes in desirable neighborhoods routinely go under agreement within days. If you're comparing Needham to nearby towns, our Westwood vs Needham buyer's guide breaks down the key differences. For a full overview of the four MBTA station neighborhoods and which might suit you best, see the Needham neighborhood guide.
View Current Needham ListingsAbout Elena Price Elena Price is a top-ranked real estate professional specializing in Needham and the surrounding Norfolk County communities. With over $1 billion in career sales, 1,000-plus homes sold, and recognition as the #1 selling broker in Westwood by volume, Elena brings deep local market expertise to every transaction. She holds the International Society of Excellence Award -- awarded to fewer than 400 of 96,000 associates internationally. Learn more about Elena
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Needham, MA
Is Needham, MA a good place to live?
Yes. Needham consistently ranks among Massachusetts' best towns to live in, thanks to its top-rated public schools, low crime, walkable town center at Needham Center, four MBTA Needham Line commuter rail stations with direct South Station service, and easy access to Boston via Route 128. The combination of school quality and walkable train access at nearly every neighborhood makes it one of the most complete suburban communities in Norfolk County.
What is the cost of living in Needham, MA?
Needham's cost of living is above the Massachusetts average, largely driven by housing costs. The median home price is approximately $1.1M, reflecting the town's school quality, safety, four-station MBTA access, and location 14 miles from Boston. Everyday expenses including groceries, utilities, and transportation are comparable to other Greater Boston suburbs. Publisher to verify current median against MLS before deploying this page.
What are the best neighborhoods in Needham, MA?
Needham's neighborhoods are often best evaluated by proximity to the four MBTA Needham Line stations. Needham Heights offers newer construction and guaranteed seating on the first stop. Needham Center provides walkable access to dining and shops. The Hersey station area offers quiet residential character ideal for families. Needham Junction in the south provides the largest parking lot and access to more spacious lots. See the full Needham neighborhood and commuter guide for a station-by-station breakdown.
How far is Needham from Boston?
Needham is approximately 14 miles southwest of downtown Boston. By MBTA Needham Line commuter rail, the commute to South Station takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Needham Center or Needham Heights. By car via I-95/Route 128, the drive is typically 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. The four-station MBTA structure means nearly every Needham neighborhood has walkable train access to Boston -- a genuine rarity in the Norfolk County market.
What is the weather like in Needham, MA?
Needham experiences a four-season humid continental climate. Summers are warm with July highs around 82 degrees F. Winters are cold and snowy -- January lows average 27 degrees F with roughly 50 inches of annual snowfall. Spring and fall are mild and scenic, with the Charles River corridor and Cutler Park providing exceptional outdoor access through all seasons.
How does Needham compare to Westwood, MA?
Both towns offer excellent schools, safety, and suburban amenities near Boston. Needham's advantages over Westwood are its four-station MBTA Needham Line access (Westwood has two lines but a different station structure), its walkable Needham Center downtown, and its larger population with more commercial variety. Westwood's advantages are University Station's mixed-use retail corridor (Wegmans, LifeTime, Nordstrom Rack), Hale Reservation's 1,400-plus acres of open space, and typically more land per home. See the full Needham vs Westwood comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Ready to Move to Needham?
Elena Price is a nationally recognized real estate professional with over $1 billion in sales and deep expertise across Needham and the Greater Boston suburbs. Whether you're ready to buy or just beginning your search, Elena can help you find the right home in the right neighborhood -- and the right train station.
If you're buying or selling a home or have questions about the Needham real estate market, contact Elena Price today.
