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Highlands

Highlands

Suburban Neighborhood in Waltham, Massachusetts

Middlesex County 02451

$867,464 Average Value
$459 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Established suburb with access to Boston

With tree-lined streets tucked between the expansive green space of Prospect Hill Park and the Main Street of downtown Waltham, the Highlands offers a residential enclave with access to some of the city’s most popular attractions. “People love the convenience of the Highlands,” says Hans Brings, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty with over 30 years of experience in the industry. “You’re close to shops and restaurants, but the Highlands also borders Prospect Hill Park, which has miles of wooded areas with beautiful views of Boston.” In addition to its central location, the neighborhood offers access to major thoroughfares like Interstates 95 and 90, with Boston less than a 20-mile drive away. “Waltham is fantastic for commuting,” Brings says.

Boston skyline views from Prospect Hill Park in Waltham Highlands.
Boston skyline views from Prospect Hill Park in Waltham Highlands.
Waltham Highlands sign on an old train station.
Waltham Highlands sign on an old train station.
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Traditional homes on tree-lined streets

Most homes in the Highlands were built around the early-to-mid-1900s. “You rarely see two homes next to each other with the same architectural style,” Brings says. Cape Cods, New England-style cottages, Colonial Revivals and traditional American Foursquares are common architectural styles, and many homes sit side-by-side on modest lots with room for a small backyard. While some properties are over a century old, several have undergone recent renovations and feature modern appliances or updated kitchens. Prices for single-family homes typically range from $715,000 to $950,000, which Brings says is more affordable than bordering towns like Newton or Belmont. There is some newer construction in the neighborhood, although it tends to be more expensive. Modern Colonial Revival and New Traditional homes built throughout the 2000s typically sell for $850,000 to $1.3 million.

Colonial home along Sartell Rd in Waltham Highlands.
Colonial home along Sartell Rd in Waltham Highlands.
Homes in Waltham Highlands have so much character and a lot of green space.
Homes in Waltham Highlands have so much character and a lot of green space.
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Career and technical education at Waltham High School

Waltham Public Schools serves the neighborhood. The school district earns an overall grade of B from Niche and has an average student-teacher ratio of 10-to-1. Kids can walk to the neighborhood’s Plympton Elementary School before moving on to the nearby McDevitt Middle School, both of which score a B-minus. Waltham High School earns a B and has a comprehensive career and technical education department with pathways in fields such as automotive technology, culinary arts and graphic communications. The high school’s football and baseball teams compete at Leary and Yetten Fields, located along the eastern edge of the Highlands. Nearby private school options include the Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, a college-preparatory day and boarding school serving seventh through 12th grade with an A-plus from Niche. The neighborhood is also less than 2 miles from Brandeis University and Bentley University, both private universities with various undergraduate and graduate programs.

Plympton Elementary School building in Waltham Highlands.
Plympton Elementary School building in Waltham Highlands.
school
school
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Hiking at Prospect Hill Park and sports courts at Drake Playground

Prospect Hill Park offers more than 270 acres of green space and is best known for its hiking trails, scenic overlooks and dense woodlands. Known as Big Prospect, the summit of Prospect Hill stands tall at 485 feet, making it the second-highest point in the Boston area. It offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline, and hikers can also stop at the 435-foot-tall Little Prospect on their way up the hill. At the entrance to the park, there’s a splash pad, playground and basketball court. There are also several picnic areas along the trails, and the Amusements at Prospect Hill Park includes a carousel that’s open on select weekends throughout the summer. Next to Plympton Elementary School, Drake Playground features a playscape, basketball court, ballfield and a splash pad where kids can cool off in the summer. A paved section of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail runs along the neighborhood’s southern edge and is a popular spot for walking, running or biking. The entire trail system spans 104 miles between Boston and Northampton, making it the longest rail trail in New England, although just over 60 miles are currently open to the public. The Waltham Public Library is about a mile away and offers recreational and educational programming for all ages. Residents can become members of the Waltham Athletic Club, which is around a mile from the neighborhood and features an indoor sports complex with tennis courts, a swimming pool and a fitness center.

Prospect Hill Park overview in Waltham Highlands.
Prospect Hill Park overview in Waltham Highlands.
Drake Playground in Waltham Highlands has it all for the kids to enjoy.
Drake Playground in Waltham Highlands has it all for the kids to enjoy.
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Neighborhood shopping center and proximity to Waltham’s Restaurant Row

While the neighborhood is primarily residential, a small shopping center in its southwestern corner is a go-to spot for running errands. It features stores such as Marshalls, HomeGoods and Market Basket. The complex also offers restaurants like Jake n JOES Sports Grille and The Federal, an elevated seafood and chophouse where everything is made from scratch. The Highlands is also less than 2 miles from Moody Street, a quaint commercial corridor with red brick sidewalks leading past shops, restaurants and local businesses. The Outer Limits sells an assortment of comic books and pop culture collectibles, while Game Underground features an arcade with vintage pinball machines. The thoroughfare also hosts a variety of flavors and is perhaps best known as the city’s Restaurant Row. The dining scene ranges from traditional Spanish plates at Solea Restaurant and Tapas Bar to homestyle Italian food at Da Vinci Ristorante.

main street overview 2
main street overview 2
Stop by Hannaford near Waltham Highlands for your grocery needs.
Stop by Hannaford near Waltham Highlands for your grocery needs.
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Access to I-95, Boston commutes and MBTA bus service

Outside of its residential streets, Highlands is primarily car-dependent. The neighborhood offers access to I-95, which runs along its western edge and connects with major thoroughfares like U.S. Route 20 and Interstate 90. Boston is less than a 20-mile drive away via I-90, and Boston Logan International Airport is about 14 miles from the neighborhood. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides local bus service, connecting residents to downtown Waltham, among other destinations. Highlands is also less than 2 miles north of Boston Children’s Waltham, a satellite campus of Boston Children’s Hospital with nearly 100 different pediatric specialties. Prospect Hill Park separates the neighborhood from CityPoint, a mixed-use development with life sciences offices, restaurants and hotels.

interstate 95
interstate 95
Waltham Highlands offers many MBTA station throughout the village.
Waltham Highlands offers many MBTA station throughout the village.
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Local festivities include the July 4th Family Celebration

The city hosts various community events at Prospect Hill Park. The July 4th Family Celebration features live music, food trucks and activities like lawn games and inflatables. In May, Spring Fest celebrates the start of the season with crafts, carousel rides and a magic show in the park. Residents are also less than 2 miles from downtown Waltham, where thousands of people gather for annual events like the Watch City Steampunk Festival. Typically held in May, it brings locals to Main Street to dress in Victorian-era fashion, listen to live music and shop from artisanal vendors while they celebrate the history of steampunk.

Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Anhella Sanchez
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Jackson Nacey
Video By
Jackson Nacey

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 Michael Sokolowski, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

28 min drive

Bus

Main Shopping Center & Marshall's

Bus

Dale St & Claremont St

Bus

184 Hammond St

Bus

Main St & Stow St

Bus

Tomlin St & Dale St

Bus

Dale St Opp Caughey St

Bus

Hammond St & Plympton St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Highlands US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$825,000
Median Single Family Price
$837,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$459
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Months of Supply
1.80
Median List Price
$789,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
-4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
751
Median Year Built
1938
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,840
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,541
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
971
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
765
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11:30am - 1pm

    13 Marion St, Waltham, MA 02451

    $895,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,460 Sq Ft
    • 13 Marion St
    • New 3 days ago

    Located in the highly desirable Highlands community, this stunning brick sprawling ranch sits on a quiet side street, offering both charm and modern updates. The newer custom maple and granite kitchen features an island bar, and stainless steel appliances. A gas fireplaced living room with a bay window and a formal dining room with a picture window provide warm, inviting spaces. Gleaming hardwood

    Hans Brings Coldwell Banker Realty - Waltham

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    9 Lord St, Waltham, MA 02451

    $769,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,564 Sq Ft
    • 9 Lord St
    • New 4 days ago

    Welcome to this charming, Gambrel-style single-family home located in a desirable Waltham Highlands neighborhood. First time available in decades and meticulously maintained, this sun-splashed home features three bedrooms, one bath, granite kitchen and Boston skyline views. Enjoy family meals in the formal dining room and entertain effortlessly in the large, eat-in-kitchen with direct access to

    Arcangelo Mariano MINQ Property Group LLC

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 12pm

    25 Plympton St, Waltham, MA 02451

    $625,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,384 Sq Ft
    • 25 Plympton St
    • New 18 days ago

    Welcome to 25 Plympton Street, located in a prime saught after central location of Waltham Highlands.This 1,384 square foot top floor condo features a spacious layout with ample room throughout. The unit showcases hardwood flooring that extends throughout, complemented by the abundant natural light that fills the space. The primary bedroom offers a spacious and comfortable retreat, while the

    Shaundize Moosavizadeh Coldwell Banker Realty - Boston

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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 Michael Sokolowski, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,839
Median Age
42
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$100,238
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$137,841

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.7%
College Graduates
49.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
20''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

10 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

28 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

33 / 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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Reviews

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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
Highlands
Michael Sokolowski
Torii, Inc.
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