Needham, Wellesley or Newton? (Boston, Lexington: houses, neighborhoods, schools)

[tacovine]

Hi we are considering a move to one of these towns due to school system and proximity to my wife's office. We also want to be reasonably close to Boston. I'm more familiar with the Lexington, Belmont, Winchester area so would appreciate some feedback on these towns.

Any suggestions on which town you prefer for a young family (2 kids under 3). We are looking for friendly town where kids play outside, walk places and don't have to be driven everywhere. Also good town services and plenty to do. Any suggestions on neighborhoods to look at?

Thanks..

[kmann-sherborn]

I have friends who live off Oak St in Wellesley not far from Linden Square and they love it. It's a quiet neighborhood but they can walk to everything - trails, park, train, library, shops, restaurants, etc. There's also lots of places to play, hike, canoe, swim, etc nearby.

[purpelina]

Newton is closest to Boston, there are many places you can walk to, and schools are great. You also don't need a car necessarily to go to Boston, there's green line T for that. My dentist (who works in an upscale office on State street and lives in Newton) never drives to work. It is also one of the safest towns in US

Wellesley is similar in that sense, Linden st as mentoned is great area with small restaurants, boutiques, and Magic Beans store (that sells toys and strollers, as well as has play area for children, many parents stop by on a rainy day to let kids play there for a while) So is Washington St (rt 16)
You can also go to Boston by train from Wellesley, but than you are bound to schedule, Subway in Newton will give you more freedom.

Needham is a very nice area as well, no T but there's a train that goes to Boston.

Needham and Wellesley remind me of Coolidge Corner in Boston, somehow. Newton is more of it's own thing...
Hope this helps, let us know if you have other questions or concerns.

[tacovine]

Thanks for the input.. I have a little trouble getting my arms around Newton because its so big. What would be some of the nicer, more suburban feeling neighborhoods to look into? thanks..

[ogre]

Regarding Newton, it depends on what you picture when you say you want a "suburban" neighborhood. Most of Newton is nice. Most of Newton is suburban in an older established way--tree-shaded streets and well maintained older houses. The pictures from Newton's front page here on City Data show an area with an appearance typical of many neighborhoods in Newton:

//www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc54344.php

//www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc54343.php

//www.city-data.com/picfilesv/picv17026.php.

One section of Newton with a reputation for being especially nice is Chestnut Hill. You might want to check out Waban if you want something more leafy suburban. Nonantum, and areas north of the turnpike, or very close to the Pike's southern edge, are some neighborhoods where you'll find smaller yards and more modest houses.

[metrowest2012]

IMO Newton>Wellesley>Needham

[tacovine]

Metrowest, can you provide your reasons why? Thanks..

[verbcrunch]

I agree with Metrowest, the only reason I can surmise is longevity. Newton was an affluent suburb 100 years ago, followed by Welleslely. Needham only joined the ranks of "upscale" suburbs over the past 30 years. FWIW, Newton is really several towns - Newton Corner, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Waban, etc each with a distinctive flavor. Don't let the size deter you.

[tacovine]

Hi, anyone have feedback on "Woodlands" section of Wellesley or other recommendations? thnaks..

[kmann-sherborn]

It's a nice area. If you're looking for walkability how about the Dana Hall neighborhood. Handsome historic homes walking distance to shops, train, library, etc.