A Tour Around Metro West
When moving to Metro West knowing which town is the best fit for you can take time. They are ALL amazing choices, but each community offers something unique. We are so lucky to live in this area called Metro West- and here is my overview of some of the different towns just west of Boston. Hope its helpful!
Wellesley
Wellesley is a highly sought-after town with a perfect blend of charm, convenience, and character. Known for its exceptional schools and beautiful homes, Wellesley has maintained its popularity, making housing prices rise steadily in recent years. The town is characterized by a mix of classic New England architecture and newer, custom-built homes, offering a variety of options for different tastes. Wellesley is split into several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique vibe. The Wellesley Hills area, for example, features stately homes and tree-lined streets, while Wellesley Square boasts a vibrant downtown with chic shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town center is always bustling with locals enjoying the parks, local businesses, and attending events. The Wellesley Commuter Rail station provides easy access to downtown Boston, making it an ideal spot for commuters. Wellesley is also home to beautiful green spaces, including the popular Wellesley College campus and the Morses Pond, a local favorite for outdoor activities. With its strong community feel, excellent public services, and top-tier amenities, Wellesley offers an enviable suburban lifestyle with all the benefits of proximity to the city.
Favorite Spots
- Kenzie and Hope for shopping
- Bocado for tapas
- Truly Yogurt
- Alta Strada
- Walking the Brook Path
- Centennial Park
Weston
Weston is a bucolic town just west of Boston with easy access to the Mass Pike and Interstate 95. From the southern sphere of the town it can be less than a 15 minute drive into Boston. (Without traffic!) What makes Weston feel so special is that houses are for the most part sited on at least an acre of land, which in turn lends itself to many beautiful multi-acre properties. The nature of the landscape creates an abundance of beautiful vistas, nature and privacy for those who seek it. Houses can be quite sprawling and you will find many different styles of homes from contemporary to traditional. The streets are what I like to call, "country roads", since they are narrow and winding- sidewalks are not common. There are three elementary schools and one middle and high school. The schools are near each other and most students take the bus. Weston's picturesque downtown on the north side is a quaint New England scene with a smattering of great restaurants and a few gift shops. The commuter rail has stops in Weston and goes to North Station in Boston. My first job in high school was working at the local supermarket which is now Brothers.
Favorite Spots
- Walking the Weston Reservoir with my dog
- Dumpling Daughter for Chinese food
- Heirloom for lunch
- Land Sake Farm for fresh produce and family fun
Wayland
Drive through Weston on route twenty and you will hit Wayland. It's one of those, "not right off the highway" towns, but still close to major highways. Here, houses also sit on typically an acre of land. Many of the plush meadows and farmland have been developed over the years making way for estate-like properties on the north side of town. There are fabulous neighborhoods throughout Wayland. The three elementary schools are located across town and include- Claypit Hill, Loker and Happy Hollow. While many of the original town center buildings sit empty right now, a somewhat recent build out of a "new" town center with an outdoor mall vibe and condos is the best bet for an in-town destination. There are restaurants, some shops and work out centers. Wayland also has walking trails throughout.
Favorite Spots
- The town beach at Lake Cochituate
- Coach Grill
- Giacamos
- Mel's Diner for breakfast.
- Each spring I am eager to hit up Russell's Nursery to help get my garden ready for the season.
Natick
Natick has seen incredible growth in the last decade, and offers an incredible value. Housing has reached new highs due to the incredible popularity of the town. South Natick is a "woodsier" part of town on the Wellesley, Dover and Sherborn lines. Here you can find very pretty neighborhoods with a mix of newer homes as well as some built in the early 2000's and late 1990's. South Natick has its own small center with a coffee and pizza shop. The rest of town is quite densely populated, making for great trick or treating! This promotes a neighborhood feel that many people desire. Closer to the actual town center there are restaurants, and stores etc- as well as the commuter rail that takes you right into Boston's South Station. The Farmer's market in the warmer months is a hit. Natick is also home to the Natick Mall and other chain stores that make all of our lives easier, such as Target, TJ Max/Home Goods and Home Depot.
Favorite Spots
- Buttercup restaurant
- Natick Mall
- Scrub a Dub car wash
- Tiles Plus More when decorating
- Lookout Farm for apple picking
Needham - Find Classic Homes
Needham has a real estate market that NEVER sleeps. It has appreciated greatly in the last few decades. People want to live here! It's a wonderful community west of Boston just south of Wellesley. Like the neighboring towns, Needham has a vibrant center with excellent restaurants and shops. It's also home to two favorite supermarkets, Trader Joes and Sudbury Farm. Needham is known for it's fabulous neighborhoods which typically host lots of social gatherings. The Ladder Streets as they are called, are right outside of the town center and each street hosts a row of classic homes along the tree lined street. An enthusiastic sports town- Needham has a lot of town spirit. The commuter rail runs through Needham and also goes to South Station! There is a great spirit among the town and lots of support for the kid's sports teams and Needham High. A fabulous place to live.
Favorite Spots
- Pex Gym
- Cafe Fresh for Bagels
- Trader Joes
- The Farmhouse
- Cappella Italian Restaurant
- Fuji Steakhouse for the kids
Dover - Hike the Vistas
Another, "not on the highway" town, but Dover is certainly worth the drive. Dover is known as horse country years ago, but it is also a wonderful bedroom community to Boston. If privacy and land is what you desire, Dover is for you. The country roads lead you from one beautiful setting to another. The housing stock runs from older farmhouses or estates dotting the countryside, to new houses or those built in the last few decades. If you blink you will miss the town center. The surrounding towns will be your go-to for amenities such as food shopping and dining out. There are wonderful hiking trails throughout Dover, and horse farms too. While Dover has its own elementary and middle school, they share a high school with nearby Sherborn.
Favorite Spots
- Hiking and the Vistas
Currently on the Market
33 Royalston Road Wellesley
$6,595,000
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7 Cliff Road Wellesley
$2,295,000
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200 Pond Road Wellesley
$8,495,000
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