Living in Wellesley—A chic Boston suburb with a distinct New England vibe
Residents love living in Wellesley – and with a quick visit to this beautiful suburb, it’s easy to see why Niche named this community #1 on its Best Places to Raise a Family list.
Some reasons we love Wellesley?
It gets an A+ for education
Living in Wellesley comes with the privilege of being part of a community where public schools are recognized as some of the best in Massachusetts. The district operates on a “neighborhood” school model, assigning students to K-12 schools based on their residence.
Every Wednesday is a half-day for elementary students living in Wellesley, with classes wrapping up at 12:00 PM. Middle and high school students also have early release days, averaging once a month. Many of these schools are conveniently located within walking distance of the town center. Particularly on early release days, it’s common to see groups of students enjoying their time with friends at local spots.
Wellesley Public Schools don’t just excel in academics. They’re also known for their robust athletics programs. Many students participate in sports during their school years, fostering a strong sense of community and school spirit. The district doesn’t just focus on academic achievement; there’s a significant emphasis on social and emotional learning, which parents greatly appreciate. Moreover, with all schools in the district scoring an “A” or “A+” on Niche’s evaluations, residents living in Wellesley can rest easy knowing that any street they choose to live on leads to a top-tier school.
The Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) is a great organization that funds grants to educators in the Wellesley Public Schools System to further innovation and excellence. Over the last 10 years, WEF has granted nearly $2 million to the schools living in Wellesley, reaching over 5,000 students.
Elementary Schools:
Middle School:
High School:
And if private school is your next step? No surprise, private schools in and around Wellesley also score an A+. Some top choices in Wellesley include:
Dana Hall School (all girls)
Commuting into the city
If the top-rated schools weren’t enough, many families opt for living in Wellesley because of its easy commute to Boston and Cambridge. Conveniently located near the Mass Pike, 95/128, and Route 9, it’s easy to access the city, Logan Airport, and many other areas from this sought-after suburb. The commute into Boston by car is about 30 minutes on a light traffic day.
Living in Wellesley offers a quick commute plus convenient public transportation options. The area boasts three train stations with direct lines to Boston’s South Station: Wellesley Square, Wellesley Hills, and Wellesley Farms. The journey from Wellesley Square to Boston takes about 40 minutes; from Wellesley Farms, it’s even shorter at just 33 minutes. All three stations provide parking facilities, though availability varies, with Wellesley Hills offering 55 spots, compared to 224 at Wellesley Square and 190 at Wellesley Farms. However, finding a spot can be competitive during weekdays.
Hitting the town
The Wellesley town center is a vibrant hub for those living in Wellesley. Here, you’ll find shopping and dining enthusiasts. Residents can indulge in amazing meals at renowned restaurants like Smith & Wollensky, Juniper, The Local, and Alta Strada. The area also features a Roche Bros. supermarket, pharmacies, fitness centers, boutiques, cafes, pizzerias, juice bars, ice cream parlors, salons, spas, home decor stores, and Whole Foods.
For locals in search of quality groceries, the options are plentiful. Fells Market’s steak tips are a local favorite, as is the fresh seafood from Captain Marden’s, available for both take-out and dine-in. Other popular spots include Wasik’s for an impressive selection of cheeses, Tutto Italiano for authentic Italian cuisine, and the Linden Store, known for its great deli sandwiches. Living in Wellesley means having easy access to these delightful offerings in your neighborhood.
Year-round family-friendly activities and amenities
There’s always something to do for people visiting and living in Wellesley. In the warmer months, residents hit Morses Pond for swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing—season passes are available per family. In the winter, locals head to the surrounding mountains for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. And year-round residents enjoy walking through many trails and paths throughout town, covering 43 miles in all.
The Wellesley Sports Center is another hotspot featuring two NHL-size hockey rinks, two pools, a turf field, a fitness facility, and more.
The town has many sports programs and recreational offerings year-round for everyone living in Wellesley. Whether your child is interested in football, baseball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, field hockey, or dance, your child will have an activity here in any season.
Private clubs in Wellesley include Wellesley Country Club and Nehoiden Golf Club, plus many others in nearby towns.
Wellesley is home to three colleges: Wellesley College, Babson College, and Mass Bay Community College. Many school clubs and teams utilize the college’s facilities for practices and games. And there is a walking path around Lake Waban on the Wellesley College campus, particularly beautiful during the fall.
And when you do want to get out? Residents living in Wellesley have easy access to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, the Cape, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island are within driving distance and have become popular vacation hot spots.
If you want to meet people and get involved, check out the Wellesley Mothers Forum, the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club, and your local school’s PTO. Wellesley is an active community with many ways to engage and give back.
It all starts with preschool
A love for learning starts with preschools living in Wellesley, and there are some excellent options. Popular schools include:
Abbott
Children’s Corner Nursery School
Montessori Children’s House of Wellesley
P.A.W.S. Preschool at Wellesley Schools
And finally, Wellesley likes to boast that it rarely loses power, and if they do, it’s a quick fix because Wellesley owns its own Light Plant, The Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP).
Choosing the right town to call “home” is the most important decision you’ll ever make—why go it alone? Get in touch, and our expert Suburbs Strategists will help you navigate the ‘burbs and find the right town to call “home.”
