With excellent schools, sprawling properties and access to countryside and the coast, the upscale suburbs of Dedham, Dover, and Westwood surrounding Boston, Massachusetts, may prove irresistible for some
A vast number of big technology and biotech companies are represented in and around Boston, Massachusetts, in addition to some of the country’s most revered universities. But it’s the lifestyle outside of this major city that attracts families, who come for the excellent public and private schools and stay for the fulfilling work-life balance. Dedham, Dover and Westwood are all located less than 45 minutes from downtown Boston, are connected by the Charles River, and each town has its own charms to consider.
“Property-wise, many of the residences in these suburbs were built in the early 20th century, originally as summer homes for the wealthy citizens of the post-Victorian era who had town houses in nearby Boston,” says Jay Boyle, broker for LandVest, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in the region. “Connected by the Charles River, and 45 minutes to the bridge across to Cape Cod, properties offer an outdoorsy lifestyle, while remaining within commutable distance of a major city. Furthermore, for the skier, hiker, or watersports enthusiast, opportunities are all within a morning’s drive. It’s not unusual for residents here to spend the day at the lakes and mountains of Northern New England or at the beaches of Cape Cod to the south.”
“One of the main reasons to move to Dover is the schools,” says Boyle. “The public school systems in Dover are consistently ranked as the best in the state.”
Located in Norfolk County, about 40 minutes’ drive from downtown Boston, Dover is a residential town in a peaceful rural setting with many scenic roads. “On the weekends you’ll see a lot of cyclists out touring the area. It’s very picturesque,” says Boyle.
The public school systems in Dover are consistently ranked as the best in the state
First settled around 1635, Dover has managed to keep vast swathes of its land building-free, maintaining a country-like feel thanks to residents’ strong support of protection plans such as Open Space. There are miles of shady trails and woods for walking, cross-country skiing, birding, and horseback riding, as well as access to the Charles River.
The original owners of 344 Dedham Street—a four-bedroom property originally built in 1951 and currently on the market with LandVest, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in the area—employed Hugh Stubbins as the architect. “Stubbins was the successor to Walter Gropius, who founded the Bauhaus movement in the greater Boston area,” says Boyle. “They were both at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and they were also affiliated with MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology].” The property has been thoroughly modernized with new systems throughout, while respecting the Mid-Century Modern architecture, which includes floor-to-ceiling windows that frame long views down the CharlesRiver.
Mid-Century Riverside Retreat in Dover, Massachusetts
Also founded in 1635, Dedham is one of the original colonial towns settled after Boston. Today, it’s mostly residential, with good public schools as well as access to the area’s top private schools, outdoor recreation, great shopping, restaurants, quick access to Interstate 95 and the commuter rail, and the cultural attractions of downtown Boston just 10 miles away.
“The first public school in the country was built here in the 1600s, and today there are both quality public and private schools,” says Boyle. “In Precinct One, the colonial area of the town, there are well known private schools: Noble and Greenough and Dedham Country Day. Adjacent to the town you have Milton Academy and St Sebastians. It’s fair to say families move here for the schools alone.”
Warerside Colonial Revival Mansion in Dedham, Massachusetts
Westwood dates back to 1641 and was originally part of the town of Dedham, called West Dedham, until it was officially incorporated in 1897. Ranked by Money magazine as one of the best places to live in the US, Westwood is known for its excellent public schools.
“Located between Dover and Dedham, it shares the convenience to downtown Boston, good commuting location, and excellent outdoor recreation,” says Boyle. “There are some great examples of the aforementioned properties built as summer homes here, including an absolutely beautiful property set in the midst of six acres (2.4 ha) of gardens and lawns, which the current owners have thoroughly restored.”
Manor House with Walled Garden in Westwood, Massachusetts
