Needham

Needham
Town
Town of Needham
Needham Town Hall Needham Town Hall
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Massachusetts
County	Norfolk
Settled	1680
Incorporated	1711
Government
• Type	Representative town meeting
Area
• Total	10.9 sq mi (28.2 km2)
• Land	10.7 sq mi (27.7 km2)
• Water	0.2 sq mi (0.5 km2)
Elevation	125 ft (38 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	32,000
• Density	2,900/sq mi (1,100/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP code	02492, 02494
Area code(s)	781/339
FIPS code	25-45000
GNIS feature ID	0618328
Website	www.needhamma.gov

Needham is a town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is a suburban community situated approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Boston. As of the 2020 census, the town had a population of 32,000.

History

Needham was first settled in 1680 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1711. The town was named after the village of Needham Market in Suffolk, England. In its early years, Needham was primarily an agricultural community, with farming and dairy production being the main economic activities.

During the 19th century, Needham experienced significant industrial growth, particularly in the manufacturing of shoes and textiles. The construction of the Boston and Providence Railroad in the mid-19th century further stimulated the town's development, as it provided easy access to Boston and other markets.

Geography

Needham covers a total area of 10.9 square miles, with 10.7 square miles of land and 0.2 square miles of water. The town is bordered by the Charles River to the northeast and the towns of Wellesley, Newton, Dedham, and Westwood.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Needham had a population of 32,000. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The median household income in Needham is above the state average, and the town has a high standard of living.

Education

Needham is known for its excellent public school system, which consistently ranks among the top in the state. The town has several elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. In addition to public schools, Needham is also home to several private schools and a campus of the Massachusetts Bay Community College.

Economy

Needham has a diverse economy, with a mix of industries including healthcare, technology, finance, and retail. The town is home to several major companies and organizations, including TripAdvisor, SharkNinja, and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Recreation

Needham offers a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The town has several parks and open spaces, including the Needham Town Forest and Cutler Park Reservation. There are also numerous sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails throughout the town.

Notable People

• John F. Kennedy - 35th President of the United States
• Aly Raisman - Olympic gymnast
• Michael Dukakis - Former Governor of Massachusetts and Democratic presidential nominee

External links

• Town of Needham official website
• Needham Public Schools
• Needham Historical Society