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Wellesley, MA

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Wellesley, MA

Wellesley is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Wellesley is part of Greater Boston. The population was 29,550 at the time of the 2020 census. Wellesley College, Babson College, and a campus of Massachusetts Bay Community College are located in the town.

Wellesley was settled in the 1600s as part of Dedham, Massachusetts. It was subsequently a part of Needham, Massachusetts called West Needham, Massachusetts. On October 23, 1880, West Needham residents voted to secede from Needham, and the town of Wellesley was later christened by the Massachusetts legislature on April 6, 1881. The town was named after the estate of local benefactor Horatio Hollis Hunnewell Wellesley's population grew by over 80 percent around the 1920s.

Wellesley is located in eastern Massachusetts. It is bordered on the east by Newton, on the north by Weston, on the south by Needham and Dover, and on the west by Natick. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 10.49 square miles (27.2 km2), of which 10.18 square miles (26.4 km2) is land and 0.32 square miles (0.83 km2) is water. 

The Census Bureau has also defined the town as a census-designated place with an area exactly equivalent to the town. As of the census of 2000, there were 26,613 people, 8,594 households, and 6,540 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,614.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,009.3/km2). There were 8,861 housing units at an average density of 870.4 per square mile (336.1/km2). According to a 2007 Census Bureau estimate, the racial makeup of the town was 84.6% White, 10.0% Asian, 2.2% Black, 0.01% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.4% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.

There were 8,594 households, out of which 39.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.2% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.9% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 13.9% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 77.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 71.1 males.

The median income for a household was $159,167, and the median income for a family was $186,518. The per capita income in the town was $72,046. About 2.4% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

Wellesley places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Newton-Wellesley Hospital offers the services and expertise of a major medical facility with the convenience and personal attention of a community hospital. FitClub Wellesley provides excellent gym facilities and fitness programs. For those looking for holistic healing, EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center offers personalized wellness services. For a comprehensive wellness experience, Ashland REIKI & Wellness Center focuses on Reiki and other alternative therapies. Fitness enthusiasts can head to Wellesley Fitness Center, offering state-of-the-art equipment and various classes. JG Chiropractic provides chiropractic care and wellness coaching for those needing specialized physical care. For acupuncture, Bamboo Wisdom Acupuncture offers traditional treatments to enhance health and wellness. Laughing Dog Yoga Studio is a great spot for yoga enthusiasts to practice in a supportive environment  
 

Top Sites in Wellesley, MA are Davis Museum, Massachusetts Horticultural Society - Garden at Elm Bank, Morses Pond Beach, and Echo Bridge.
 

ZIP Codes: 02481, 02482, 02457. Area code: 339/781. Elevation: 141 ft (43 m). Area: 10.49 square miles (27.2 km2). Population: 29,862 (2022).

FAQs

Is Wellesley, MA an expensive town?

Wellesley, Massachusetts's cost of living is 98% higher than the national average. Wellesley's housing expenses are 324% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 25% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 28% higher than the national average. Wellesley has grocery prices that are 14% higher than the national average. Healthcare in Wellesley is 19% higher than the national average.

What is the crime rate in Wellesley, MA?

Wellesley is safer than the majority of cities, towns, and villages in America (66%) and also has a lower crime rate than 51% of the communities in Massachusetts, according to NeighborhoodScout's analysis of FBI crime data. Your chance of becoming a victim in Wellesley is one in 156 based on the total crime rate (violent and property crimes, combined). In America overall, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 43. It is for these reasons that Wellesley is ranked as one of the top 100 safest cities in the U.S.A.

Is Wellesley, MA a good place to live?

Wellesley, MA, is one of those distinctive Massachusetts towns with many great things to enjoy and see. With just under 19,000 residents, Wellesley, MA is the 12th largest town in the state and one of the wealthiest. This chic suburban town in Norfolk County packs tons of history, natural beauty, and plenty of fun stuff to do. Wellesley, MA is a biker's paradise, whether you want to explore the town surroundings or exercise. Cycling around Wellesley is both practical and fun.

Sources

City of Wellesley

Wikipedia

Payscale

Neighborhoodscout

Suburbs of Boston

Davis Museum

Wellesley College Botanic Gardens

Morses Pond Beach

Echo Bridge

Newton-Wellesley Hospital

FitClub Wellesley

EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center

Ashland REIKI & Wellness Center 

Wellesley Fitness Center

JG Chiropractic

Bamboo Wisdom Acupuncture

Laughing Dog Yoga Studio

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.