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Needham, MA

Frequently asked questions

Needham, MA

Needham is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. A suburb of Boston, its population was 32,091 at the 2020 U.S. Census. It is the home of Olin College.

Needham was first settled in 1680 with the purchase of a tract of land measuring 4 miles (6.4 km) by 5 miles (8.0 km) from Chief Nehoiden for the sum of 10 pounds, 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land, and 40 shillings worth of corn. It was officially incorporated in 1711. Originally part of the Dedham Grant, Needham split from Dedham and was named after the town of Needham Market in Suffolk, England.

In 1881 the West Parish was separately incorporated as the town of Wellesley. The following year, Needham and Wellesley high schools began playing an annual football game on Thanksgiving, now the second-longest-running high school football rivalry in the United States (and the longest such contest on Thanksgiving). Also the longest-running public high school rivalry. In 2013 Wellesley broke a three-year Thanksgiving game losing streak to the Needham Rockets, defeating them 22–6. The Wellesley Raiders now hold a 60–57–9 advantage in the historic rivalry.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 12.7 square miles (32.9 km2), of which 12.6 square miles (32.7 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km2) is water.

Needham's area is roughly in the shape of an acute, northward-pointing triangle. The Charles River forms nearly all of the southern and northeastern boundaries, the town line with Wellesley forming the third, northwestern one. In addition to Wellesley on the northwest, Needham borders Newton and the West Roxbury section of Boston on the northeast, and Dover, Westwood, and Dedham on the south. The majority of Cutler Park is in Needham and is located along the Charles River and the border with Newton and West Roxbury. Elevations in Needham range from 85 feet above sea level at Rosemary Meadows to 180 feet at Needham Square and 300 feet at Bird's Hill.

Needham places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham (BID Needham) offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Begin your fitness journey at PEX Health and Fitness or at Fitness Together for personalized training sessions. For a more holistic approach, visit Laughing Dog Yoga offering various yoga classes. Club Pilates Wellesley is perfect for strengthening and flexibility training. Experience relaxing massages and spa treatments at Body & Soul Massage. Charles River YMCA provides diverse fitness programs and recreational activities for all ages. Needham Town Pool is great for swimming and aquatic exercises.  
 

Top Sites in Needham, MA are Arlekin Players Theatre, Charles River Peninsula, Volante Farms, and Cutler Park Reservation.

Population: 32,091 (2020). ZIP Code: 02492 and 02494. Elevation: 49 m. Area code: 781. Area: 12.7 square miles (32.9 km2).
 

FAQs

What is Needham MA famous for?

Needham was incorporated in 1711 and has experienced numerous changes over its history. Early settlers relied primarily on agriculture and grazing plus some winter lumbering with orchards and tanneries as supplements in the 1700s. Saw and grist mills were opened along the Charles River through the 18th century. The most famous of these was the William Carter Company, which still produces fine knitwear (though no longer in Needham). Needham manufacturers made knit goods, underwear, hats, shoes, and silk, although attempts to cultivate silkworms were short-lived.

Is Needham, MA a wealthy town?

According to new ACS estimates, the typical American household earned an average of $69,021 over the five years ending in 2021. Needham, Massachusetts, is one place where the median household income is more than double the national figure. The typical household in the area earns $182,813 a year, the 16th highest among all cities with sufficient data and 164.9% more than the national median.

Why is Needham, MA so expensive?

Needham is 101% more expensive to live in than the national average and 74% more costly than the Massachusetts average. This high cost of living is mainly due to Neeham’s housing costs. Housing costs 300% more than the US average and 224% higher than the Massachusetts average. Fortunately, other essentials in Needham aren’t as expensive. Healthcare in Needham is 17% less expensive than the national average and utilities are 1% less costly than the Massachusetts average. Groceries are 9% more expensive than the rest of Massachusetts and transportation is 15% higher.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Needham

24/7 Wall St

Mass Bay Movers

Arlekin Players Theatre 

Charles River Peninsula

Volante Farms 

Cutler Park Reservation

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham

PEX Health and Fitness

Fitness Together

Laughing Dog Yoga

Club Pilates Wellesley

Body & Soul Massage

Charles River YMCA

Needham Town Pool

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