Weston, MA
Located 15 miles west of downtown Boston, Weston is an idyllic town full of natural beauty, historical import, and subtle New England charm. Here’s a brief introduction to the town’s history and character, as well as a brief primer about living in Weston.
About Weston
Incorporated in 1713, Weston occupies 17.3 square miles. Originally founded as part of the Watertown settlement, Weston was primarily used as a center for local agriculture, especially grazing cattle. Natural beauty is abundant in Weston, with 18% of its total acreage protected as parks, wetlands, forests, and fields. Country estates began to fill out the region in the late 19th century.
Today, Weston has a population of 11,851 (2020 census). Nearby cities and towns include Newton and Waltham to the east, Wellesley to the south, Natick and Wayland to the west, and Lincoln to the north. Weston is one of the wealthiest towns in the United States, known for its relaxed suburban feel and spread-out estates and homes.
Buying a Home in Weston
Weston, MA, homes for sale tend to be expensive. The average value of a Weston home is $2,027,115, with a median list price of $3,657,500 as of December 2023. Average property values have remained fairly consistent over the past five years. 135 home sales occurred in the 2023 calendar year. Single-family residences are the most common property type in Weston — there are very few townhouse or condominium parks within city limits.
The real estate market in Weston is competitive. On average, Weston homes for sale spend 39 days on the market before selling. About 12.5% of Weston homes sold above the list price in the last year, and 13.6% sold after the price was dropped. The most popular residential neighborhoods in Weston include Piety Corner, South Side, Bank Square, and Lakeview.
Living in Weston
Weston, MA, is suitable for well-to-do families looking for a relaxing, sedate environment just a few paces away from the big city. Many Weston homes are situated on big lots and make for an easy commute to Boston. Weston is the near-perfect definition of a New England bedroom community. Its rural character appeals to those looking for large plots of land for agricultural and equestrian pursuits.
The Weston Public Schools district oversees five public schools in town, including three elementary schools, Weston Middle School, and Weston High School. The Rivers School and Gifford School are private institutions specializing in coeducation and special education, respectively.
Several major roadways are situated in and around Weston, including the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) that intersects the northern part of town and Yankee Division Highway Route 128 on the eastern side of town. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides light rail service to Boston, with Waltham Station being the depot closest to Weston residents.
Most workers based in Weston — over 95% — hold white-collar jobs, and it’s safe to say most work in or close to downtown Boston. Job website Monster has its headquarters in Weston, and Smiths Medical and Regis College are two of the other main employers in the town. Private company workers make up almost 63% of Weston’s workforce, with 15.72% described as “entrepreneurs.”
Things to Do in Weston
Weston is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There are over 90 miles of trails within town or very close by that are perfect for activities like hiking and horseback riding. Cross-country skiing is a big attraction in town, with Weston Ski Track seeing most of the action on the snowy trails. Golf courses are abundant in the area, with the Weston Golf Club serving most local golfers.
There are a few restaurants within Weston town limits, including The Local on Forest Street and the Naked Fish sushi restaurant on Boston Post Road. However, most of the more popular dining establishments in the general Weston area are located in nearby towns. These include the Biltmore Bar & Grill in Newton, La Campania and Solea Restaurant and Tapas Bar in Waltham, and Mood Thai & Sushi in Watertown. The Weston Public Library is one of the busiest libraries on a per-capital loaning basis in Massachusetts. Other local attractions include the Weston Art and Innovation Center, the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History, Cat Rock Park, and the Golden Ball Tavern Museum.
Explore Living in Weston
Weston, MA, is a town for affluent families that’s replete with history, natural beauty, and suburban convenience. It’s one of the jewels of New England living.