Dedham,MA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Dedham, MA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Dedham, MA: A Local Guide
Dedham, Massachusetts, is a charming town just southwest of Boston, known for its rich history and welcoming community vibe. When exploring Dedham neighborhoods, you'll find a blend of classic New England charm mixed with modern amenities. From quaint tree-lined streets to bustling commercial areas, Dedham offers a variety of living experiences suitable for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you're interested in historic sites, local eateries, or green spaces, the best neighborhoods in Dedham have something special to offer.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Dedham’s neighborhoods host a diverse demographic that adds to the town’s friendly atmosphere. Areas like East Dedham and Oakdale are known for their family-oriented communities, featuring a mix of longtime residents and newcomers. The population generally leans towards a middle to upper-middle class demographic, with a good representation of various age groups. Community events and local organizations thrive here, creating a tight-knit ambiance where neighbors know each other and participate actively in town life.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Each neighborhood in Dedham has its own unique lifestyle appeal. For example, the downtown area around Dedham Square is a hub for dining and shopping, with spots like The Tavern at Dedham and the historic Dedham Community Theatre bringing life to the evenings. Meanwhile, the Mill Valley neighborhood offers serene walking trails along the Charles River, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Families often gravitate towards the Riverdale area, which boasts excellent schools and easy access to parks like Memorial Park and the Dedham Community House.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
When it comes to real estate, Dedham neighborhoods present a range of options from historic colonial homes to modern condos. The housing market here tends to be competitive, especially in sought-after neighborhoods like East Dedham and Riverdale. While prices are generally higher than some surrounding towns, the convenience of proximity to Boston and quality of life make Dedham an attractive choice. For those looking for more affordable options, neighborhoods towards the western edges provide some hidden gems without sacrificing access to amenities.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Dedham’s neighborhoods each have a distinct personality shaped by their architecture, local businesses, and cultural events. Dedham Square serves as the cultural heartbeat, with seasonal farmers' markets, art shows, and community parades. In contrast, the more residential neighborhoods like Oakdale focus on a quieter, family-friendly environment with community playgrounds and neighborhood block parties. The blend of historic charm and progressive community spirit is what makes the best neighborhoods in Dedham truly stand out.
Dedham Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprague-Manor | 43 | 30.7% | $572,200 | $139,647 | 4.3 |
| Greenlodge | 44 | 25.6% | $720,617 | $151,332 | 4.9 |
| Oakdale | 42 | 29.8% | $608,375 | $127,422 | 5.1 |
| East Dedham | 39.4 | 28.4% | $565,100 | $98,647 | 5.7 |
| Dexter | 50.4 | 29.2% | $965,188 | $173,744 | 5.8 |
| Riverdale | 49.2 | 14.5% | $666,733 | $119,002 | 6.1 |
| Dedham Village | 46 | 24.4% | $738,000 | $125,785 | 6.2 |
Dedham neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Dedham—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Dedham, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Dedham
| Crime |
Reported |
Dedham /100k |
MA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 0 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | 19.7 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | 7.9 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 62 | 244.5 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 69 | 272 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 25 | 98.6 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 286 | 1,128.0 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 25 | 98.6 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 336 | 1,325 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 405 | 1,597 | 1,427 | 2,119 |