Why Live in Riverdale
Riverdale, an island community in Dedham, is surrounded by the Charles River and connected to the rest of Dedham by four bridges. This suburban enclave offers a peaceful retreat with waterfront homes and scenic nature areas. The neighborhood features a variety of home styles, including cottages, Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, and raised ranches, built throughout the 1900s. Yard sizes range from 5,000 square feet to 1 acre, and many properties are well-landscaped. Riverdale is known for its outdoor activities, with numerous canoe and kayak launch sites along the Charles River. Riverdale Park, also known as Marie Louise Kehoe Park, offers basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and nearby Cutler Park Reservation provides hiking, bird watching, and fishing opportunities. Local dining options include Waterford's Family Restaurant, Brickhouse Café, and Pancho’s Taqueria. Dedham Mall, located across the river, features big-box retailers and franchise restaurants. Riverdale Elementary School and Dedham High School are highly rated, with the latter offering diverse academic and career-focused programs. The area is largely car-dependent, with Interstate 95 providing convenient access, and a commuter rail station in nearby West Roxbury. Boston and Logan International Airport are approximately 15 to 20 miles northeast. Community events such as the James Joyce Ramble, Flag Day Parade, and Dedham Day foster a strong sense of local engagement. Historic sites like the Fairbanks House and Dedham Museum & Archive add to the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverdale a good place to live?
Riverdale is a good place to live. Riverdale is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Riverdale is a suburban neighborhood. Riverdale has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.9 people per acre and a median age of 45. The average household income is $155,901 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 56.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Riverdale are home owners, with 24.7% of residents renting and 75.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Riverdale can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Riverdale neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Riverdale?
The median home price in Riverdale is $677,450. If you put a 20% down payment of $135,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,450 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $148K a year to afford the median home price in Riverdale. The average household income in Riverdale is $156K.
What are the best public schools in Riverdale?
The best public schools that serve Riverdale are:
- Dedham High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 11:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
- Dedham Middle School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 10:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
- Riverdale Elementary School has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 10:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
What are the best private schools in Riverdale?
The best private schools that serve Riverdale are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Riverdale, Dedham, MA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Riverdale, Dedham, MA?
Home Trends in Riverdale, MA
On average, homes in Riverdale, Dedham sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Riverdale, Dedham over the last 12 months is $702,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$702,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$712,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$530,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$476
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
34
Median List Price
$677,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
-3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%