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, Massachusetts is a moderately-sized city with a population of 32,325 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Needham is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If finding a family friendly city is important to you, look no further. With more than 71% of the population considered married and 51% with kids under the age of 18, Needham could be considered a very suitable city for families. 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.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Needham, Massachusetts could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Needham and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Needham to Massachusetts and the national average.
The livability score in Needham is 84 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the United States average, Needham ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Needham has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Needham has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A). Regrettably for Needham, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (D) and cost of living (F).
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 52 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Needham boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Needham, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Needham excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Needham. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Needham are affordable. The median home price for Needham homes is $1,663,621, which is 166.5% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Needham, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.3, which is 6.8% 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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