A hamlet on the southern side of Wayland, Cochituate is considered by Niche to be the second-best suburb to raise a family in Massachusetts, and it’s not difficult to see why. “It’s a welcoming, lovely town that has beautiful open spaces, a top-rated school system and close proximity to Boston and Cambridge,” says Leah Hart, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who has been selling homes in the area for 18 years and a 30-year resident herself, currently serving as a trustee at the library. “These three factors are highly desirable to buyers because they can live in a more suburban environment but easily commute to work.” And it’s a suburban environment with tree-shaded lakes and beloved, long-running restaurants at that. The community’s desirability is reflected in home prices, Colonial Revival and raised ranch-style houses selling for between $650,000 to $1.2 million.
Lake Cochituate anchors local boating, paddling, and fishing.
Generous lawn space is common on Cochituate properties.
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Highly coveted homes
Homes are denser in Cochituate than northern Wayland, though some lots still near half an acre in size. Other homes have the added benefit of looking over bodies of water like Dudley Pond. Overall, the neighborhood feels practically as rural, with mature trees ensconcing homes. Sidewalks are uncommon, though some can be found beside busier roads like West Plain. Homes follow Colonial Revival, raised ranch, ranch-style and New Traditional designs, with 3 or bedrooms. Thanks to the neighborhood’s location and schools, homes usually go for between $650,000 and $1.2 million. Townhouses can be found on east side in subdivisions like The Hills at Mainstone, units offering similar amenities and square footage to homes and selling for roughly the same price range.
Contemporary homes appear alongside classic styles in Cochituate.
Detached garages are common among Cochituate homes.
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Some of America’s best public schools
“The education system, that’s what drives the town,” says Bill Jagher, a Realtor with Realty Executives Boston who has been selling homes for 13 years. “That’s what gives the town its value. Wayland has a very good school system.” Loker Elementary, Wayland Middle and Wayland High School all earn A-plus ratings from Niche, along with the whole Wayland Public School District, which Niche considers the 8th best in all of Massachusetts and 104th best in the entire US. Wayland High students can elect to study classical literature in its original Latin and Greek, perform in a full orchestra and learn how to provide technical support to their peers and teachers at the school’s Genius Bar. Extracurricular activities include coding club, mock trial, Model UN and the young playwrights club.
Wayland High School is highly rated by Niche.
Natick Mall is a local staple near the Cochituate neighborhood.
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Outdoor recreation in Cochituate
Cochituate State Park is one of the town’s main outdoor recreational attractions. Surrounding three sections of Lake Cochituate, the 872-acre park offers a boat ramp, hiking trails and picnic areas. And winter’s no reason to stay home, with residents cross-country skiing down trails and ice skating atop the frozen lakes. A summer day outside in Cochituate wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Wayland Town Beach, which is free for residents and offers sunny sands for tanning and shady picnic tables for lunches. “The beach also has offers swimming lessons and boat rentals,” Hart says.
Cochituate State Park offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard access.
In winter, Lake Cochituate often sees neighborhood ice skating.
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Local restaurants and big-box stores
Known as “The Chat,” Dudley Chateau is many locals’ stopping grounds. “It’s a long-standing, older-style local place that’s on Dudley Pond,” Hart says. “It was written up in ‘Chronicle’ for its food.” Mel’s Commonwealth has humble origins, starting off as Elmwood Donut Shop until the owners added a grill to start cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. Always receptive to ideas from customers, their signature mailman salad takes its name from the mail carriers who requested a warm, healthy meal to tide them through winter runs. A boatload of shopping options can be found just across the lake at Natick Mall and Shoppers World shopping center. Lowe’s, Hobby Lobby and Macy’s are just a few stores residents can visit. Alternatively, residents might stick locally and shop at Donelan’s Supermarket just off Commonwealth Road.
Dudley Chateau features a wraparound bar and local scene in Cochituate.
Big-box shopping, including Walmart, is a short drive from Cochituate.
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Natick Center commuter rail is a short drive from Cochituate.
Taking a car or the train
The Massachusetts Turnpike, or Interstate 90, marks the southern boundary of the neighborhood, with entrance and exit ramps just across Lake Cochituate. Residents can expect to reach downtown Boston in around 40 minutes. Alternatively, they can drive 10 minutes south to Natick Center station and take the commuter rail.
Celebrating Halloween
Ghosts and ghouls can swing by Town Hall to get free candy and participate in a spooky parade as part of the town’s Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treating Event.
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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