Westwood

About Westwood

Westwood is a small suburban community about 12 miles from Boston. Though it's within easy reach of the city and offers both commuter rail lines and MBTA bus service, Westwood maintains a quaint, small-town feel. It has been ranked among the top 15 best places to live in the nation by major publications, thanks to its friendly community, scenic setting and plentiful amenities.

Living in Westwood

Established in 1897, the town of Westwood maintains a historical feel that adds a unique sense of character to the town. Many of its streets are lined with large trees, and the fall season brings many bright shades of red, yellow and orange to the community. With more than 200 businesses and commercial establishments, this town offers plenty of everyday conveniences while still providing a quiet area to call home.

Westwood offers a range of amenities that draw young families, including an indoor pool, two libraries, a senior center, playgrounds and ball fields. Youth and adult sports leagues offer many options for staying active and make it easy to get to know fellow locals. The community is also known for its high-rated schools, making it particularly popular for families with young children. The Hale Reservation features many scenic trails that are especially popular with joggers. University Station is a major shopping destination in town, blending shops, restaurants and urban living just a few steps from the local train station.

Westwood also hosts several community events that are popular with locals. Westwood Day is an annual event centered on a football match between two of the local high schools, followed by fireworks, kid-friendly activities and live performances. The local farmers market is a weekly event during the summer months. There, you can shop for fresh produce, seafood and homemade bread, as well as locally-made crafts and gifts.

Westwood Schools

Westwood Public Schools oversees the local public schools. Because Westwood is fairly small, there aren't many private schools within its limits. However, you do have the option of enrolling your child in the local all-boys Catholic prep school or driving to a nearby community to access more private school options.

Resources for Moving to Westwood

As you prepare for your move to Westwood, use the following information to simplify the process:

• Utilities: Major utilities providers in the area include the Dedham-Westwood Water District and Eversource.
• Garbage and Recycling: You'll have assigned days for trash and recycling collection. Trash is picked up weekly, while recycling is collected every other week.
• Transportation: The MBTA facilitates commuter rail service through Westwood, including a line that connects the community with Boston.

Westwood Housing

The Westwood housing market can be very expensive, due largely to its proximity to Boston. It's not unusual to see homes prices above the million-dollar mark, but you can find other, more affordable options if you're willing to be flexible. The majority of homes in the area are colonial-style and fairly traditional, though some have been renovated and modernized.