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Dexter

Dexter

Neighborhood in Dedham, Massachusetts

Norfolk County 02026

$1,534,555 Average Value
$558 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Housing and convenience just outside downtown Dedham

The Dexter neighborhood lies 26 miles southwest of downtown Boston on the western side of Dedham. Residents have quick access to dining, shopping, well respected schools and a variety of green spaces, and prospective homebuyers have plenty of choices. “The area is primarily housing around here,” says Bob Stanley, the director of Dedham Parks and Recreation for over 17 years. Homes here include expansive historic colonials and smaller residences that are close to downtown. The neighborhood is connected by well-maintained sidewalks and streets, with mature oak and maple trees providing ample shade.

The village of Dexter makes up the city of Dedham, just South of Boston.
The village of Dexter makes up the city of Dedham, just South of Boston.
Residents of Dexter can enjoy all the shops at Legacy Place.
Residents of Dexter can enjoy all the shops at Legacy Place.
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17th Century Colonials and split-level homes

Around West Street and Common Street is where grand and, in some cases, historic homes give Dexter much of its character. Many of these are Colonial Revival, Cape Cod or Italianate styles, and some date back to the 17th century. “The town is home to the oldest wood-frame house in the U.S., known as the Fairbanks House,” Stanley says. Constructed in 1641, the house saw eight generations of the Fairbanks family and now functions as a museum. Although the community has a large stock of older residences, there are a few new builds in the area as well. Lots in the northern end tend to be larger than those near downtown. Prices in Dexter often range from around $900,000 to $3 million, and homes with around 10,000 square feet of space can cost over $5 million.

You can find many historical homes in the town of Dexter.
You can find many historical homes in the town of Dexter.
You can find large homes on large lots in the town of Dexter.
You can find large homes on large lots in the town of Dexter.
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Private, public, and college options in Dedham

Students can start their education at Riverdale Elementary School, which earns a B rating on Niche. Dedham Middle School is the next stop, earning a B-plus before students head to the A-minus-rated Dedham High School. The high school has been around since 1844 and has undergone renovations as recently as 2023. Families can also select from private school options, such as Noble and Greenough School, which is A-plus rated and has boarding options available during the school year. Those seeking higher education also have Northeastern University’s Dedham Campus in the neighborhood. “We have a very good relationship with the school,” Stanley says. “They help us out a lot and let us use their fields, and we let them do the same.”

Dedham High School in Upper Dedham.
Dedham High School in Upper Dedham.
Noble & Greenough School is a private boarding school in Riverdale.
Noble & Greenough School is a private boarding school in Riverdale.
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Dedham parks and Massachusetts reservations

The Dedham Parks & Recreation Complex offers a baseball diamond on Sugrue Field and a shaded dog park just off Common Street. There is also a boat ramp that leads into the Charles River for kayaking and canoeing during the warmer months. Just a little farther down Common Street is the Wilson Mountain Reservation, a popular spot for hiking up to the Wilson Mountain summit, which rises to Dedham's highest point, an elevation of 295 feet. The reservation also has fishing spots among its ponds and creeks.

Enjoy a walk through the trails of Wilson Mountain Reservation.
Enjoy a walk through the trails of Wilson Mountain Reservation.
Take your pets to the Dedham Dog Park in the town of Dexter.
Take your pets to the Dedham Dog Park in the town of Dexter.
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Nearby Dedham dining and local malls

The nearby Halfway Café has been around for about 80 years and is often recognized for its steamers and appetizers, including wings. Oscar’s is a modern gastropub with a bar area. Additional dining and shopping options can be found near the area's two malls. Legacy Place is a newer mall with a Whole Foods and several trendy stores and restaurants. The Dedham Mall is an older landmark for the community, home to familiar retailers like Lowe's and T.J. Maxx.

Halfway Cafe in Dexter offers a cool hipster interior with great food.
Halfway Cafe in Dexter offers a cool hipster interior with great food.
Residents of Dexter have many shopping options including Stop and Shop.
Residents of Dexter have many shopping options including Stop and Shop.
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Sidewalks surrounded by Boston highways

Interstate 95 and Boston Providence Highway allow for quick commutes to downtown Boston and several neighboring cities. Residential streets provide a different kind of convenience, with well-maintained sidewalks often used by dog walkers and residents heading downtown. "Lots of people walk in the neighborhood, but with the highway right there, there is a lot of driving; it’s a healthy mix,” Stanley says. Boston Logan International Airport is about 24 miles away, and Atrius Health’s Dedham campus is on the neighborhood’s northwestern end.

Commuters of Dexter have accessibility to the commuter rail, which takes you to Boston.
Commuters of Dexter have accessibility to the commuter rail, which takes you to Boston.
Dexter has accessibility to Downtown Dedham and all it's historical buildings.
Dexter has accessibility to Downtown Dedham and all it's historical buildings.
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Dedham Day and Flag Day Parade

The parks and recreation department organizes events for Dexter residents and visitors. The Flag Day Parade in June is a true community event with floats and marching bands. In September, the town's Dedham Day brings everyone together with music, barbeque, games and rides. There is also a cow plop event, where Juliette, a brown cow and local celebrity, is led around an open field with painted squares. Residents can win prizes by placing bets on where she “fertilizes” the field.

Braxton Puentes
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Anhella Sanchez
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Jacob Cooperman
Video By
Jacob Cooperman

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to BMN Group, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

32 min drive

Bus

Washington St Opp Holiday Inn

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,951,109
Median Single Family Price
$2,027,198
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,035,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$558
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Months of Supply
4.00
Median List Price
$1,945,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
72%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
585
Median Year Built
1958
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,205
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,159
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,006
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
40,075

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to BMN Group, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,776
Median Age
54
Population under 18
14.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
36.7%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$152,934
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$159,255

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.5%
College Graduates
59.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
30.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
50.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

4 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

4 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Dexter