Dedham, Massachusetts
Established Boston Suburb | Value Opportunity
Comprehensive market research, demographics, schools, and real estate analysis combining census data, 135 recent sales, and investment recommendations
Executive Summary
December 2025 Analysis
Dedham is an established Boston suburb located approximately 9 miles southwest of downtown Boston, offering a mix of historic charm and suburban convenience. The town features diverse housing stock, strong schools (both public and private), and a significant price range from entry-level to luxury properties.
Key Highlights
- • Median Home Value: $601,700
- • Median Household Income: $118,877
- • Recent 3BR+ Sales Range: $540K - $5.5M
- • Education: 55.8% Bachelor's degree or higher
Market Position
- • Value Suburb - Better pricing than Newton/Brookline
- • Boston Proximity - 9 miles from downtown
- • Elite Private School - Noble and Greenough (Tier 1)
- • Diverse Price Range - Entry to luxury options
Housing Market Analysis
135 Recent Sales (3BR+ Single-Family, Past 36 Months)
Price Analysis
Market Characteristics
Wide Price Distribution: From $540K entry-level to $5.5M luxury estates, offering options for diverse buyer profiles.
Strong Upper-Middle Market: $1.5M-$2.5M range represents 15 sales with typical 4-5BR, 3,500-5,000 sqft homes.
Value Proposition: Better pricing than elite neighbors (Newton, Brookline, Needham) while maintaining solid fundamentals.
Demographics & Community
Census 2023 Data
Population
Education
Income
Schools & Education
Private & Public School Options
Private Schools in Dedham
Noble and Greenough School
Grades 7-12 • Independent/Secular • 5-Day Boarding • Co-ed
Prestigious college prep school at 10 Campus Drive
Dedham Country Day School
Grades PK-8 • Independent • Co-ed • Feeder School
90 Sandy Valley Road
The Rashi School
Grades K-8 • Religious (Jewish) • Co-ed
8000 Great Meadow Road
Ursuline Academy
Grades 7-12 • Religious (Catholic) • All-Girls
85 Lowder Street
School Insight: The presence of Noble and Greenough (Tier 1 prep school) is a significant asset, attracting affluent families seeking elite private education within commuting distance of Boston.
Competitive Positioning
Compared to Similar Boston Suburbs
| Metric | Dedham | Newton | Brookline | Needham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $119K | $176K | $150K+ | $165K+ |
| BA+ Education | 55.8% | ~78% | 84% | ~75% |
| Median Home Value | $602K | $1.2M+ | $1.4M+ | $950K |
| Population | 25K | 89K | 63K | 32K |
Positioning: Dedham offers better value than elite neighbors (Newton, Brookline, Needham) while maintaining solid fundamentals. It's a "value suburb" for those who want Boston access without premium pricing.
Strengths & Challenges
Market Assessment
Strengths
- Boston proximity - 9 miles from downtown
- Diverse price range - Entry at $540K to luxury at $5M+
- Elite private school - Noble and Greenough (Tier 1)
- Strong homeownership rate - 70.5%
- Above-average income - $119K median
- MBTA access - 15.6% use public transit
Challenges
- Aging population - 34.5% over 65
- Older housing stock - 66% pre-1970 (renovation costs)
- Lower family concentration - 24.6% households with kids
- Mid-tier educational attainment - 55.8% BA+ vs. elite suburbs (75-84%)
- Extended time on market - For higher-priced homes
Data Sources & Methodology: This report is based on 135 verified single-family home sales in Dedham, MA (3BR+ properties, past 36 months). Census data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 5-year estimates (2018-2022). School data from private K-12 schools database. Market data from Zillow and MLS.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or real estate advice. Individual property decisions depend on numerous factors beyond community-level dynamics. Always work with licensed real estate professionals and conduct thorough due diligence.