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.
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Brandon Flash Craigie
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GreatSchools:
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Gracefully set on a private, landscaped lot in an exclusive neighborhood, this beautifully updated center-entrance colonial blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. A fireplaced front-to-back living room is filled with natural light, complemented by a spacious family room ideal for entertaining. Rich hardwood floors run throughout. The second level offers four well-appointed bedrooms,
Simply move in! Easy condo living at desirable "The Hills at Mainstone!" Leave landscaping, snow removal & home maintenance behind. Start enjoying a professionally-managed, vibrant & pet-friendly community w/clubhouse, pool & tennis/pickleball courts. Nestled among conservation land, this suburban oasis offers beautifully landscaped grounds, nearby trails & top-rated Wayland schools. All just
Presenting 136 Commonwealth Road, Wayland, Massachusetts — a rare opportunity to own a fully renovated multi-family residence in one of Wayland’s most desirable locations. This exceptional property combines timeless charm with modern updates, offering over 3,000 sq. ft. of living space on a generous 1⁄2-acre lot. The home features two spacious units, each thoughtfully designed with light-filled
Gracefully set on a private, landscaped lot in an exclusive neighborhood, this beautifully updated center-entrance colonial blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. A fireplaced front-to-back living room is filled with natural light, complemented by a spacious family room ideal for entertaining. Rich hardwood floors run throughout. The second level offers four well-appointed bedrooms,
Set along one of Wayland’s most convenient and connected corridors, 78 East Plain Street offers a thoughtful balance of comfort, space, and accessibility. Beautifully maintained and move-in ready, the home features sun-filled living spaces, a flexible floor plan, and a natural flow ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen opens seamlessly to inviting gathering areas, creating
Gina AndersonMGS Group Real Estate LTD - Wellesley
Welcome to a fully gut-renovated multi-family gem in the heart of Wayland- This dramatically transformed two-family (8bd/3ba, 3,201 sq ft) retains its 19th-century charm while offering today’s modern comforts. Inside, discover sleek, contemporary finishes across both units, with open layouts, new kitchens featuring stainless appliances and designer cabinetry, spa-like bathrooms, updated
Rare Dudley Pond opportunity — now confirmed buildable by the Wayland Building Commissioner. This approved .85-acre parcel offers unobstructed 360-degree water views, deeded direct water access, and private dock rights on a lot assembled from 12 original subdivision parcels. In January 2026, a formal written determination confirmed 108 Dudley Road is buildable for a single-family home without
Simply move in! Easy condo living at desirable "The Hills at Mainstone!" Leave landscaping, snow removal & home maintenance behind. Start enjoying a professionally-managed, vibrant & pet-friendly community w/clubhouse, pool & tennis/pickleball courts. Nestled among conservation land, this suburban oasis offers beautifully landscaped grounds, nearby trails & top-rated Wayland schools. All just
This property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Wayland and bring both the home and its lot to their full potential. The residence features three well-sized bedrooms, providing flexible living arrangements to suit a variety of needs. A full bathroom, along with an additional half bath, adds everyday convenience for both residents and guests. Set on an expansive lot, the property offers
Surrounded by acres of conservation land, this meticulously maintained end-unit 2 Bedrooms+Den+2.5 Bathrooms townhome offers privacy and beautiful wooded views from many rooms. Beautifully upgraded kitchen with lovely granite counters, stainless appliances, custom cabinetry and a breakfast area. The open concept floor plan is perfect for entertaining and everyday living. Spacious living and
Fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 bath, first floor apartment in pristine condition! Kitchen has lots of cabinets, granite counters, stainless appliances including gas cooking, and tile floor. Modern, tiled bathrooms. Gorgeous mellow hardwood floors and vinyl replacement windows. Exclusive use side porch or mudroom. Dedicated laundry hookups and extra storage space in the basement. Lots of off street
The advertised rate of $9,706/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 31, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Desirable Happy Hollow neighborhood, short distance to all schools (elementary, WMS & WHS), abutting Aqueduct conservation area with direct access to the Dudley Pond. Private setting away from street. Light and nature are pouring into this unique contemporary home. Spacious front foyer with a large walk-in mudroom closet. Living & dining room & kitchen are very bright, each one with multiple
The advertised rate of $5,967/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 13, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Beautiful single family young colonial home on a cul-de-sac, open floor plan. Four bedrooms with three full bathrooms. Half bath on the first floor. Hardwood floors on the first floor and carpet in the bedrooms. Huge open kitchen with dining area. Sunken family room. Double sided fireplace into kitchen/dining area and family room. Jacuzzi in the master bedroom. Fully finished 1200 sq ft basement
Property Id: 2380686GREAT LOCATION! RIGHT ON MAIN STREET! OPPOSITE THE PARK. NEXT TO CONVENIENCE STORES, STARBUCKS, DINERS AND RESTAURANTS. GREAT SCHOOLING SYSTEM RANKED ONE OF THE BEST IN MA. COME AND GET IT!
The advertised rate of $5,850/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 3, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
The advertised rate of $6,373/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 29, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 1577707Spacious unit! Right on main st. Close to parks, state park and town beach! Easy access to shops, services, banks, coffee shops. Wayland has a great school system! Come and get it!
Desirable Happy Hollow neighborhood, short distance to all schools (elementary, WMS & WHS), abutting Aqueduct conservation area with direct access to the Dudley Pond. Private setting away from street. Light and nature are pouring into this unique contemporary home. Spacious front foyer has a large walk-in mudroom closet. Living & dining room & kitchen are very bright, each one with multiple
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