Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Needham is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 31,177 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (86% White). Given that fact, Needham could be considered less diverse than other cities. 71% of the people in Needham (over the age of 15) are married and 51% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Needham offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Needham is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Massachusetts, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Needham and in the areas around Needham is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 84 out of 100, Needham is ranked #504 in the United States and #19 in Massachusetts. Compared to the United States average, Needham ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Needham also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Needham has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B+). There are some categories that Needham ranks poorly for, including: amenities (D) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Needham shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 81 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Needham, the average school test scores are an impressive 74%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Needham has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Needham real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Needham. Median real estate prices in Needham come in at $900,200, which is 164% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Needham, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 8.3% higher than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Needham | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.7% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.9% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 12.8% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.9% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.7% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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