Wellesley Real Estate
Charming crown jewel of the Boston suburbs offers tranquil beauty in walkable, yet private, neighborhoods.
Most of the villages and towns that surround Boston have leafy green streets filled with Colonial and Federal homes, quaint town centers, and elite schools. The town of Wellesley is undoubtedly first among equals in these suburbs; the atmosphere and aesthetics from over 350 years of history have created an environment of cultured affluence combined with a strong sense of community and family. Fondly known as “Swellesley,” this is an even wealthier town than its Boston 'burb counterparts—the cost of living here is double the national average.
What's to Love
The thing most residents love about living here is the proximity to Boston, whether you take the train from one of three MBTA stations, or drive the 15 miles. Although many townspeople find they don't need to go into Boston at all—everything they need is right here:
- The town center has great shopping and restaurants
- Lots of local athletic programs for children and adults
- Academics, thought leaders, and professionals mix for a lively and intellectual vibe
- Beautiful neighborhoods with large lawns and homes in a variety of traditional architecture
Local Lifestyle
At heart, Wellesley is a laid-back college town—residents here are intellectually curious and take advantage of the museums, galleries, and gardens that populate the area. Outdoor enthusiasts hike the Elm Bank Reservation and take advantage of glorious winter days with cross-country skiing. Wellesley Town Hall hosts free summer concerts and kid's movie nights—both popular with families and students alike.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Wellesley isn’t a town for nightlife—until 2021, there were tight restrictions on serving alcohol in restaurants. However, there are some great eateries in town and lots of boutique shopping.
Alta Strada serves house-made pasta in an upscale Italian spot. The Cottage specializes in Southern California cuisine—fresh, healthy, and local—in a cozy location at Linden Square. Brunch is a must here.
You'll find your Wellesley neighbors to be quite friendly, so expect impromptu gatherings with charcuterie and wines from Wasik's Cheese Shop, the go-to for specialty and gourmet foods.
Ardan Medspa + Salon offers medspa and styling services in one elegant location. Catch up on your reading while you're in the stylist's chair—pick up the latest bestsellers and magazines at Wellesley Books, the local bookstore that calls itself a "destination for readers".
Things to Do
Many Wellesley residents are also members of the Wellesley Country Club, especially golfers. The club also welcomes guests.
Morses Pond Beach is the local swimming hole—a small lake that the Rec Department manages in the summer. Residents can join Morses Pond Beach for the season, and there are lifeguards for swimmers and boaters. There's also a fishing spot at this 100-acre lake.
Church Square and Linden Square are shopping destinations—without having to go into Boston! You'll find specialty retailers such as Dover Saddlery and Papa Wheelies at Church Square,
alongside classic clothiers J McLaughlin, EA Davis & Co, and Clementine. Linden Square is home to Talbots and Sara Campbell, with Tiny Hanger for the tots.
Schools
Education at any level is important at Wellesley, with both public and private education ranking among the best in the country:
- Dana Hall School—All-girls boarding school with some day students, founded in 1881
- Wellesley College—Women's college founded in 1870, one of the "Seven Sisters.” Noted alumnae include Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Andrea Mitchell. Students can take classes at MIT
- Babson College—Small and private, ranked #1 for entrepreneurship in both undergraduate and MBA programs
