Needham
"Family-friendly without the snobbery of Wellesley"
Editorial median as of February 3, 2025. 109 closed single-family sales in 2026, through November 6, 2026.
Home Values in Needham, MA
The median home price in Needham, MA is $1,648,000, with homes trading at $513/sqft. Home values in Needham have appreciated at roughly 4% per year, reflecting strong ongoing demand from buyers prioritizing schools and commute access.
Census estimated median home value: $1077K (ACS 2022 5-year). Current market prices typically run higher due to post-2022 appreciation.
Financing Considerations
Properties in Needham typically require jumbo financing with stricter underwriting, larger down payments (20–25%+), and higher reserve requirements.
Learn about loan thresholds, property condition impact, flood/wind insurance, and how vintage homes (common in many MA towns) affect mortgage approval.
The Vibe
Welcoming community where kids ride bikes to school
What It's Really Like
Family-friendly suburb with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong community
Best For
- ✓Growing families
- ✓School quality
- ✓Suburban lifestyle
- ✓Community involvement
Avoid If
- ✗You want urban amenities
- ✗You're on a tight budget
- ✗You hate driving
Highlights
Insider Tips
- Needham Heights near town center
- Great value compared to Wellesley
- Strong sense of community
Demographics
Source: Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates
Is Needham Safe?
Needham is safer than 93% of Massachusetts communities. Violent crime is extremely rare — roughly 1 incident per 1,700 residents annually. Property crime is well below the state average, making it one of the safest suburbs in Greater Boston.
Economic Profile
Religious Community
Housing Stock Age
Moderate Insurance Risk
Median home built in 1965. Insurance premiums estimated at $2,200/year. Some older homes may require system updates (electrical, plumbing, HVAC).
Insurance Cost Calculator
Estimate your annual homeowners insurance premium
Leave blank to use town median (1965)
30-Year Mortgage Impact
Total insurance cost over 30-year mortgage (equivalent to 0.1% of home value)
Age Penalty
This home costs $589 more per year to insure than a newly built home. Over 30 years, that's $17,670 in additional insurance costs.
Ways to Lower Your Premium
- Bundle home + auto insurance with same carrier (10-25% discount)
- Increase deductible from $500 to $2,500 (save 15-30%)
- Install monitored security system (5-20% discount)
- Update electrical panel and remove knob-and-tube wiring
- Replace roof with impact-resistant materials (save 5-15%)
- Upgrade plumbing to PEX or copper
- Complete full home inspection and address major issues
- Consider MAPFRE or Chubb for historic home coverage
* Estimates based on Massachusetts state averages and typical underwriting criteria. Actual premiums vary by carrier, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, and credit score. For accurate quotes, contact a licensed insurance agent.
Construction Era Distribution
Resources & Research
School Information
Compare 48 high schools by SAT scores, MCAS proficiency & college enrollment
Market Analysis
Recent sales data, price drivers, and market trends for Needham
Vote on what live Needham listings will actually close for — shareable price checkpoints
Break-even math, SALT cap impacts & decision framework for Boston buyers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Property in Needham?
Compare this town with others, or look through homes that have already sold here.
Property report for an address in Needham
Enter a street address in Needham. The free preview shows closed-sales coverage for that town; the full printable report adds comps, a town summary, risk flags, and an AI write-up.