: A town chock full of urban and suburban living
The centrally located Natick neighborhood combines lively natural landscapes, sprawling modern retail, and the comfort of a small New England town. Houses in the neighborhood range from Colonial-era residences to recently constructed farmhouses and Cape Cods. These homes are set alongside many green spaces, offering access to the outdoors after a day at one of the area's highly rated public and private schools. Many chose Natick due to its “proximity to Boston and busy highways, along with the Natick Mall being right there,” says Betsy Wilson, a Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate, who has served the area for over 12 years and been a resident for around 32 years. “It is a lot more affordable than other places closer to Boston.”
Dining staples at the Natick Mall
Natick is known for a massive number of shopping and dining options in its center and at the nearby Natick Mall. Casey’s Diner is famous for breakfast and steamed hot dogs and has been a “staple in Natick for longer than I have been here,” Wilson says. “My kids have always loved it there.” Dinner options can be found at Agostino's Italian Restaurant, which has been serving home-style Italian cooking to the community for almost 40 years. For retail needs, most residents browse Natick Mall. The mall is one of the largest in the region and gets “a lot of out-of-town visits,” Wilson says. Other local attractions include The Center for Arts In Natick, a popular venue for national touring musicians and comedians. It also has a cinema room for viewing arthouse films. Shoppers can pick up groceries at the local Stop & Shop and the Natick Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Multiple popular roads and T stations
Natick has easy access to bustling Route 9 and the Massachusetts Turnpike since they stretch through town. For those who dread rush-hour traffic, there are two nearby commuter rail stations with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, or the “T” to locals. The coverage, cleanliness, and reliability of the ‘T’ have helped rank the Greater Boston area as one of the nation’s best for public transport, according to US News & World Report. A 30-to-40-minute train ride will lead straight to the heart of Boston. Wilson says that a lot of people in the area are looking to buy a house within walking distance of the rail station. MetroWest Medical Center is centrally located in the neighborhood, and Boston Logan International Airport is 26 miles away for flights.
Natick homes with a wide range of sizes and ages
Homes in Natick span a number of sizes and styles, as the neighborhood has both urban and suburban areas. There are some Colonial homes, which Wilson says can shock a lot of people with how old they are —some date back to the early to mid-1700s. Wilson says that lots of new construction has been popping up in recent years as well. Small older homes are being replaced with larger Cape Cods and farmhouse homes with more square footage. Cape Cods and ranch-style homes often sell between $500,000 and $900,000, while older Colonial Revivals and sprawling estates range from $900,000 to $2 million.
Hiking at Hunnewell to games at Murphy Field
Natick is home to many parks and fields, ranging from massive expanses to small playsets, with the largest being Hunnewell Town Forest, a 100-acre hiker’s haven. Its 3.3-mile loop trail offers views of a lush green canopy and the occasional beaver sighting. Murphy Field is another popular Natick park with various amenities, from baseball diamonds to a partially shaded playset beside a wide-open field. The Natick Common, across the street from the iconic First Congregational Church of Natick, is home to the farmers market on Saturday mornings and several concerts in the summer.
High-ranking public and private Natick schools
Nearby schools include Lilja Elementary School, which receives an A-minus rating on Niche. Wilson Middle School and Natick High School both earn A ratings. The neighborhood is also home to Walnut Hill School for the Arts, which receives an A-plus rating and is voted by Niche as the No.1 Best High School for the Arts in Massachusetts.
Events at the Natick Common
With a number of events throughout the year, there is always something to do in downtown Natick. One of the more significant events is Natick Days, the biggest fundraising day in town. On this day in September, the community comes together at Natick Common to help support local organizations with fun activities for the whole family, from pony rides to raffles and touch-a-trucks. Downtown Natick also has annual Memorial Day and Halloween celebrations. Each April, miles 8-12 of the Boston Marathon run through town as well. “With lots of local events for kids and families throughout the year, the area is a great place to raise your kids,” Wilson says.
