Needham

The picture-perfect Community of Needham is located on scenic, rocky uplands within a loop of the famous Charles River. This geography gives Needham a coveted, almost isolated location that stands out in the surrounding countryside. The early development of Needham was slow at best. Though the soil was rich and the countryside lovely, the relative isolation imposed by the river effectively cut Needham off from all that surrounded its boundaries.

In the earliest days of the town, Needham was used by residents of Dedham for its rich grazing. One could almost say that the earliest settlers of Needham were grazing animals! But the beautiful little hamlet would not stay undeveloped for long. Some brave early settlers came to Needham in 1680, primarily for the rich agriculture uses and green grazing, plus land ripe for winter lumbering, orchards, and tanneries. Needham was officially incorporated in 1711, and began to stand on its own as a thriving Community.

Early industry came in the form of saw mills and grist mills, opened by a growing number of settlers along the Charles through the 18th century. The expanding railroad nearby helped to encourage settlement in Needham, and the town saw a boom of industrial employment and production at the same time during the mid-19th century.

Early Needham manufacturers made knit goods, underwear, hats, shoes and silk, though the attempts to cultivate silk worms were short-lived. Land speculation, housing development and knitted underwear continued to be the foundation of Needham's economy into the 20th century, with the famous William Carter Corporation prominent leading Needham industry with their children's knitwear. The construction of Route 128 in 1931 opened portions of the town to development, as part of the hi-tech highway in the post-World War II electronic industrial boom.

Modern Needham remains a pleasant, homey, heavily suburban Community with access to Boston for commuters. A significant number of local job slots helps other Needham residents stay closer to home. If you live in Needham, you'll be rooting for the High School team every Thanksgiving as they play in the second-longest running High School football rivalry in the entire United States. Just remember to shout "beat Wellesley!" and you'll fit right in to the screaming crowds that gather to cheer for their team every Turkey Day.

The outdoor recreation in Needham can't be beat, and if you're a nature lover then you'll fall for Needham. A few of this lovely town's parks and fields include DeFazio Park, Greene's Field (which houses a playground and several sports fields), Memorial Park, Perry Park (featuring a playground and basketball court, among other attractions), the Walker-Gorden Field (where fishing is added to the list of possible activities), the Ridge Hill Reservation (for nature hiking at its best), Town Forest (where you'll enjoy everything from mountain biking and skiing to camping, and Cutter Park (a Massachusetts state park).

Want to take a leisurely canoe ride across the picturesque Charles River? Get on down to South Street, where it's all possible. The people of Needham love their town, and for good reason. Take a look at the site maintain by Needham residents to get a real feel of the spirit of Needham, and the friendliness of this charming town.

With a population of 28,911 at the 2000 census, Needham has the comfort and safety of a small town, but its closeness to Boston promises fine shopping, great dining, and the excitement of night life. The population density is 2,313 per square mile. The 2000 census also showed that the median income for a household in Needham was $88,079, and the median income for a family was $107,570.

Needham is populated by people just like you, people who are just trying to live well and raise their families. There are plenty of family-friendly entertainments to keep everyone busy in Needham. Get involved in the Community theater, currently doing two shows every single year. This theater house even stages productions of musical theater, shows that will delight Needham residents of all ages.

Get some exercise and some fun at the same time at the Rosemary Pool, with facilities to accommodate everyone. And if you're interested in the history of Needham and Massachusetts, the Needham Historical Society offers plenty of engaging exhibits. The Historical Society web site even offers online exhibits for anyone who can click a mouse why not check out what Needham's past has to offer?

Needham also boasts a good school system that includes the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, and private schools like Saint Joseph's and Saint Sebastian's. Public schools include five elementary institutions, the William Pollard Middle School, and, of course, Needham High. More than seventy restaurants, offering everything in cuisine, can be found within Needham and surrounding areas.