Needham Web Site

Today, Needham is recognized for its accessibility. Conveniently located on the Route 128 belt, Needham offers quick commutes to Boston as well as the western suburbs. At the same time, it has become very self-sufficient, and many residents find both employment and entertainment within Needham's borders.

Many Needham residents have come here to raise their families. among the conveniences and amenities the town provides. An indication that this mix of traditional and newer residents is working is that despite its size-Needham is home to nearly 30,000 people-residents still make decisions as a group in an annual town meeting.

Needham has an excellent school system, with several innovative programs. These programs begin at the earliest ages, with a kindergarten enrichment program and an extended day program that offers instruction during afterschool hours. Children also have the option of participating in foreign language programs at a young age.

There are two private schools in Needham, St. Joseph's School and St. Sebastian's Country Day School. Continuing education courses are available in Wellesley, at the Massachusetts Bay Community College, and through the Needham public schools' adult education programs.

Travel from Needham is easy, with MBTA bus service and four commuter rail stops in town. Boston is a half-hour trip by train and about 40 minutes by car at rush hour.

Many of Needham's residents choose to retire here and Needham has an active Council on Aging for its elderly citizens. The Council offers community service programs from the Stephen Palmer Senior Center. These include intergenerational programs, support groups, referrals and crisis intervention. The center serves lunch, which many seniors use as a chance to gather with friends. The Council also provides low-cost transportation for seniors.

Needham's corporate tax base has allowed it to preserve and staff several outdoor recreation areas. Rosemary Pool is a sandy beach with a lifeguard staffed swimming area within the larger Rosemary Lake recreation area. Sailing lessons are available on the lake, and during the winter, it is a popular spot for ice skating.

Needham's open space also includes town forest land and the Ridge Hill Reservation. Ridge Hill is a 350-acre conservation and outdoor recreation area that features hiking and riding trails.

During the summer, Rosemary Lake the site of the family-oriented "Friday, Fun Nights." Other civic events include summer concerts at the Memorial Gazebo, Spring Fair Days and Harvest Fair.

(reprinted from "Settling In" magazine)