The charming and historic town of Dedham MA has everything a family looking for a new home could ask for. With terrific schools, easy commutes, plenty for kids and adults alike to do, and a wide diversity in housing stock, Dedham is a fantastic place to live, work, and play.
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With just under 25,000 people as of the 2010 census, Dedham is one of those towns big enough to provide just about everything you want, but small enough to retain a true community feel. Two-thirds of all the households in the town are comprised of families, and roughly 30% of all residents are children under the age of 21. Commuters have several rental options, including luxury apartments constructed near train stations, but the vast majority of homes are owner occupied.
Many also choose to grow old in town, and with a brand new senior center under construction they have even more reason to do so. In fact, nearly 1,000 people can claim to have seen their 85th birthday. For those who have 90 or more candles on their cake, the Council on Aging puts together a special celebration each year. Recent years have seen new high end housing developments that cater towards seniors providing a vast array of amenities and services for those in their golden years.
Almost 9 out of ten residents across town are White, with Hispanic residents comprising 5.5% of the population, and other races making up the difference. More than half the population identifies as Catholic. The town has two Roman Catholic churches serving them, including the 150 year old St. Mary's, constructed to be a "cathedral in the wilderness" out of beautiful Dedham granite. The next largest segment, at just over one-third, is unaffiliated with any faith community.
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Dedham is a town of neighborhoods, and people identify closely with where they live. From the mansions of Precinct One to the growing artist community in East Dedham, each has its own distinct character. Befitting its name, Riverdale is an island in the Charles River, and Oakdale enjoys the stately Endicott Estate. Beautiful homes in Greenlodge and the Manor abut the Neponset River and offer quiet streets and great sledding hills.
The seven schools in Dedham boast test scores that consistently beat state averages. The Oakdale Elementary School recently had the 10th highest score in English, and had the highest scores of any elementary school in the Commonwealth on the science exam. The percentage of students at Dedham High School who take Advanced Placement exams far exceeds for state and national averages. Students who take honors or Advanced Placement classes there can dual enroll at the nearby Massachusetts Bay Community College for college credit.
Shoppers have plenty of options, as nearly every neighborhood has a small downtown area with shops. In the center of town is the bustling Dedham Square, which recently underwent a major renovation and facelift. The Dedham Plaza and Dedham Mall have plenty of offerings, but further down Route 1 is Legacy Place with 675,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, attractions, and more.
Sports leagues for youths and adults abound, and the Parks and Recreation Department has instituted a number of activities in its Pathfinders program for children with special needs. The Council on Aging offers an endless list of activities for older Dedhamites, and civic and community groups such as the Knights of Columbus, the Moose Club, and the Society in Dedham for the Apprehension of Horse Thieves provide both charitable and social events that the entire community enjoys. A growing arts presence is also evident in the Mother Brook Arts and Community Center, the shops in Dedham Square for local artists to sell their wares, and the special zoning to help artists work from home studios.
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From either the Dedham Corporate or Endicott commuter rail stops, South Station in downtown Boston is a ride of fewer than 25 minutes away. Routes 1 and 128 intersect in town, and several smaller surface roads provide convenient access to both Boston and points north, south, and west. Most residents have a commute of under 30 minutes.
Nature lovers will love Wilson Mountain and the Town Forest, as well as the scenic vistas of the Charles and Neponset Rivers. Film buffs will love the independent movie house in Dedham Square and the blockbusters shown at Legacy Place. Those with an interest in history will find endless fascination at the Dedham Historical Society and Museum, and everyone will benefit from the farmers market that grows in size and duration each summer.
Dedham should have excellent schools. After all, with the oldest public school district in the country, they have been doing it longer than anyone else. As one of the oldest communities in the state, Dedham is full of other historic firsts. The Fairbanks House, for example, is today the oldest house in America.
Across town, Mother Brook was the first manmade waterway in America. Originally dug to power a grist mill, it served as the economic and industrial backbone of the community for centuries. Today, the old factories have been replaced by ball fields and passive parks, while one 1835 mill has been renovated into beautiful waterfront condominiums.
While historically a community of families, Dedham truly has something for everyone. With great commutes, schools, and residents, you won't find many better places to call home.
