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Dedham, MA

Frequently asked questions

Dedham, MA

Dedham is a town in, and the county seat of, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Located on Boston's southwestern border, the population was 25,364 at the 2020 census.

First settled by English colonists in 1635 and incorporated in 1636, Dedham established the first public school in America in 1643. Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House, the oldest surviving timber-frame house in the United States. On January 1, 1643, by unanimous vote, Dedham authorized the first taxpayer-funded public school, "the seed of American education." The first man-made canal in North America, Mother Brook, was created in Dedham in 1639.

The town took an active part in the American Revolution and was home to the Dedham Liberty Pole in the late 18th century. When a split occurred at the First Church and Parish in Dedham, the resulting lawsuit became known as The Dedham Case, an important landmark in the separation of church and state. In 1921, the historic Sacco and Vanzetti trial was held in the Norfolk County Courthouse. Dedham is sometimes called the "mother of towns" because 14 present-day communities were included within its original broad borders.

Dedham is governed by a representative town meeting, a select board that appoints the town manager, and various other boards and committees. The town is served by the MBTA commuter rail and bus service. The Dedham Public Schools operates seven schools, and several private schools also operate within the town.

Dedham is located at 42°14′40″N 71°9′55″W (42.244609, −71.165531). On the northwest, it is bordered by Needham, on the southwest by Westwood, and the southeast by Canton.

On the northeastern corner of High Street and Court Street, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey placed a small medallion into a granite block showing an elevation of 112.288 feet. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27 km2), of which 10.4 square miles (27 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) (1.79%) is water.

Dedham places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Atrius Health Dedham offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Dedham Health & Athletic Complex is a premier fitness center that provides extensive workout facilities and wellness programs. For those seeking a more holistic approach, the Boston Ayurveda School offers classes in traditional Ayurvedic practices. At the Dedham Public Library, you can participate in various health and wellness workshops and book clubs. The Dedham Trails offer picturesque routes for hiking and biking, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Yoga enthusiasts can join classes at Stillpoint Yoga. The Endicott Estate hosts numerous wellness events throughout the year. The Blue Hills Reservation, just a short drive away, provides extensive trails for hiking and nature walks.

Top sites in Dedham, MA are Fairbanks House, Wilson Mountain Reservation, Showcase Cinema de Lux Legacy Place, and Legacy Place.

Population: 25,109 (2023). ZIP codes: 02026 (02027 for P.O. Boxes). Area codes: 781 / 339. Elevation: 120 ft (37 m). Area: 10.6 square miles (27 km2).

FAQs

Is Dedham, MA a good place to live?

Dedham is a suburb of Boston with a population of 25,150. Dedham is in Norfolk County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Dedham offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Dedham, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What is the average income in Dedham, MA?

The median household income in Dedham, MA is $118,877. In 2022, the place with the highest median household income in Dedham, MA was Census Tract 4023 with a value of $153,788, followed by Census Tract 4022 and Census Tract 4021.01, with respective values of $133,125 and $130,304. In 2022, the median household income of the 10.4k households in Dedham, MA grew to $118,877 from the previous year's value of $108,047. 4.08% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Dedham, MA (994 out of 24.4k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.5%.

What is Dedham, MA famous for?

Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House, which is the oldest standing timber-frame house in the United States. Dating back to 1637, it is now a historic house museum and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1643, Dedham unanimously voted to authorize the first taxpayer-funded public school, setting the stage for its continuing strong support of public education.  

Sources

Town of Dedham

Wikipedia

Niche

Data USA

Fairbanks House 

Wilson Mountain Reservation 

Showcase Cinema de Lux Legacy Place 

Legacy Place

Atrius Health Dedham

Dedham Health & Athletic Complex

Boston Ayurveda School

Dedham Public Library

Dedham Trails

Stillpoint Yoga

Endicott Estate

Blue Hills Reservation

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