Westwood Real Estate: High-End Homes, Elite Schools, and Easy Commuting

Westwood, MA continues to define what it means to live well in Greater Boston. In 2025, this upscale Norfolk County town remains one of the most coveted addresses for families, executives, and retirees seeking more than just a beautiful home — they want community, elite education, outdoor space, and ease of access to Boston and beyond. Westwood has managed to maintain its high standards and low-density charm, even as neighboring towns experience the pressure of overdevelopment and rapid urbanization. With a population just under 17,000, Westwood offers space, status, and a sense of serenity — all within a manageable daily commute to one of the country’s most active metro areas.

Real estate in Westwood reflects the town’s prestige. In 2025, the median home price sits around $1.35 million, but that number alone doesn’t capture the true picture. What distinguishes Westwood is not only the cost but the caliber of what you get: large lots, quiet cul-de-sacs, high-end construction, and architecture that blends timeless New England style with modern luxury. Most homes in the town feature over 3,000 square feet, with amenities ranging from three-car garages and home gyms to wine cellars and professionally designed landscaping. Many properties are newer builds or custom renovations, catering to buyers who expect attention to detail in both form and function.

The Highland Glen and Weatherbee Estates neighborhoods remain especially desirable, offering gated privacy, tree-lined roads, and proximity to Westwood’s best schools. Meanwhile, older, central parts of town — near the historic town center and Islington — continue to attract buyers who value charm and walkability. Buyers new to the area often express surprise at how quickly Westwood delivers a complete lifestyle. You don’t have to compromise on access, acreage, or quality — a rare trio in the tight Massachusetts real estate market.

One of Westwood’s enduring draws is its school system. Westwood Public Schools are top-ranked, known for their rigorous academics, strong arts programming, and emphasis on critical thinking from the earliest grades. The new Westwood High School, opened in 2023, is a state-of-the-art facility with advanced science labs, collaborative classrooms, a performance auditorium, and energy-efficient design. The curriculum includes more than 20 Advanced Placement courses, early college partnerships, and a robust athletics program that draws community-wide support.

Families moving to Westwood also take note of private options like Xaverian Brothers High School, which continues to rank among the best all-boys Catholic schools in the state. With its college prep focus and thriving alumni network, Xaverian attracts students from all over the South Shore and Greater Boston area. These options, coupled with the town’s consistently high MCAS performance and college placement statistics, make Westwood a magnet for education-minded households.

But education isn’t the only thing that sets Westwood apart. The town also offers unique advantages in terms of accessibility. The MBTA’s Route 128/University Park station sits at the edge of town, offering both commuter rail service and Amtrak access to Providence and New York City. Westwood is one of the few suburbs in Massachusetts where you can comfortably live in a six-bedroom home and take a direct train to Manhattan. For professionals working in Boston’s Financial District or the Longwood Medical Area, the average commute from Westwood is just over 30 minutes — an enviable statistic given the town’s green surroundings and large-lot zoning.

Major roadways like I-95, Route 1, and Route 109 pass through or skirt the town, giving drivers easy access to shopping centers, office parks, and regional hospitals. That includes Norwood Hospital, now under expansion, and Beth Israel Deaconess–Needham. In 2025, Westwood is particularly popular among healthcare professionals and academics commuting to Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard, or Tufts — many of whom appreciate being close but not crowded in.

University Station, Westwood’s massive mixed-use development, has further elevated the town’s convenience factor. Anchored by a flagship Wegmans, the shopping center also includes HomeGoods, Target, and dozens of restaurants, offices, and services. Unlike more chaotic retail hubs, University Station is thoughtfully designed with landscaped walkways and structured parking, making it accessible yet upscale. It’s common to find residents meeting up for coffee, walking their dogs, or attending fitness classes in the complex — a suburban downtown that avoids the usual congestion.

While the retail options are a draw, Westwood has preserved its natural appeal. Hale Reservation, which spans over 1,000 acres, offers trails, swimming ponds, summer camps, and outdoor education programs. Lowell Woods and Buckmaster Pond serve as peaceful escapes close to the town center. Active families take full advantage of these green spaces, with hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing all popular pastimes depending on the season. Westwood’s commitment to conservation ensures these amenities are not just accessible but protected.

Westwood also shines when it comes to civic engagement and services. Town government is transparent and proactive, with consistent AAA bond ratings and capital projects funded through long-term planning. In the past two years, Westwood completed a community center expansion, modernized its library facilities, and approved a new public safety building. The town’s infrastructure — from roads to broadband to emergency response — reflects its residents’ expectations for efficiency and excellence.

Public safety remains a hallmark. Westwood ranks as one of the safest communities in Norfolk County, with very low rates of property and violent crime. The police department emphasizes community partnerships and preventative policing. Schools are protected with updated security systems and active emergency response planning, offering families peace of mind that safety is treated as a priority, not an afterthought.

In terms of demographics, Westwood remains a blend of multigenerational families, professionals, and retirees. It’s not uncommon to find three generations living on the same street. New residents include younger professionals moving from the city to start families, as well as older buyers downsizing from larger estates while staying in town. The consistency in residency contributes to a tight-knit atmosphere — neighbors know each other, town events are well-attended, and civic groups flourish.

The real estate market here remains highly competitive, with limited new construction due to conservation and zoning rules. Buyers are advised to come prepared with pre-approvals and flexible closing timelines. Homes with modern upgrades, smart technology, or proximity to schools and rail lines often go under contract in less than two weeks. Sellers continue to receive strong offers, especially if their property checks the boxes of privacy, high-end kitchens, finished basements, and outdoor entertainment space.

Looking ahead, Westwood is poised for sustainable growth. With careful planning, the town is adding new housing while maintaining its character. Mixed-use developments near transit hubs are being reviewed, and small-scale senior housing proposals have gained traction to serve an aging population. But don’t expect rapid density increases — Westwood’s identity is rooted in spaciousness, privacy, and permanence. It’s not a place for skyscrapers; it’s a place for porches and perennial gardens.

Westwood’s cultural life is thriving too. Local events such as Westwood Day, the Public Library’s speaker series, and seasonal music concerts draw residents of all ages. The Council on Aging’s programs have expanded, and local businesses now host book clubs, trivia nights, and art workshops. The result is a community that feels active, engaged, and inclusive — not just in property value, but in human value.

🎥 See Westwood in Action

In 2025, Westwood offers more than high-end real estate — it offers a complete lifestyle package. For those seeking excellence in education, elegance in housing, and ease in everyday living, this Massachusetts town continues to stand out. Whether you're moving up, moving in, or moving back, Westwood is a place to build not just a house, but a legacy.