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West Side

West Side

Suburban Neighborhood in Winchester, Massachusetts

Middlesex County 01890

$1,742,203 Average Value
$492 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

The wooded suburbs to the west of downtown

Winchester is a small town just north of Boston where the idea of separate neighborhoods likely doesn’t occur to long-time residents. “Winchester is a small town, with a nice community feel that really sets it apart,” says Realtor Catherine Albiani, broker with Better Homes and Gardens Realty who has lived in the area for almost 20 years. “The school system is good and there are highlights like the photography museum that you wouldn’t expect to find here.” The West Side of town, separated from the central district by a two-lane highway, is defined by residential streets that wind beneath tall trees and along the banks of Mystic Lake. A popular country club and several boat clubs help complete the picture, as do the many trails that weave through preserved woodland and up the tallest point in town. Yet although the West Side presents more the sylvan facet of the town’s makeup, those who live in Winchester consider all of it their neighborhood.

An overview of the West Side neighborhood's large single family homes in Winchester, MA.
An overview of the West Side neighborhood's large single family homes in Winchester, MA.
You can learn to sail at the Winchester CC Boat Club in the West Side neighborhood.
You can learn to sail at the Winchester CC Boat Club in the West Side neighborhood.
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Continuous construction, from the 1920s till today

Homes on the West Side sit on lots that are often shaded by dense patches of woodland, with large front and back lawns. The houses reflect architectural sensibilities of the early- to mid-20th century. Colonials from the 1920s and 1930s sit just a few yards down from midcentury Cape Cods, ranch-styles and split-levels, towered over by neighboring Modern Traditional builds constructed between 2015 and 2024. Two-unit townhouses on the south side of the neighborhood complete the picture. Nearly all homes feature driveways that set them back from winding webs of suburban streets. There are no sidewalks, so neighbors walk their dogs along the slightly raised curbs. Townhouses range in price from around $850,000 to over $1 million. Prices for detached single-family homes begin around $1 million and can rise to over $4 million depending on build year, number of bedrooms and size of the lot.

A row of homes including a Colonial Revival styled in West Side of Winchester, MA.
A row of homes including a Colonial Revival styled in West Side of Winchester, MA.
A brand new, Modern Traditional styled home in the West Side neighborhood of Winchester, MA.
A brand new, Modern Traditional styled home in the West Side neighborhood of Winchester, MA.
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The well-regarded Winchester Public Schools

The Winchester Public School district is very well-regarded, ranking in Niche’s Top 10 for the state of Massachusetts. Vinson-Owen Elementary sits in the center of the West Side neighborhood, walkable from the nearest cul-de-sacs and home to the Vinson-Owen Science Park, an educational green space on school grounds. McCall Middle, in the heart of Winchester, is the closest public middle school, and Winchester High is likewise the closest public high school. All three institutions receive an A-plus rating from Niche. Lexington Christian Academy is a private day and boarding school just outside the neighborhood, which has served students in grades 6 through 12 since it opened in 1946. The Academy also scores an A-plus.

McCall Middle School is right in the city center of Winchester and nearby the West Side.
McCall Middle School is right in the city center of Winchester and nearby the West Side.
Winchester High School's is nearby to the West Side and an A-plus rating from Niche.
Winchester High School's is nearby to the West Side and an A-plus rating from Niche.
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The tallest point in all of Winchester

Several backyards in the West Side open on Mount Pisgah, the highest point in Winchester. The trailhead is accessible from Andrews Road, and residents can follow its winding way up the 350-foot incline, observing many unique wildflowers along the way. There is an old water tower at the woodland’s center, but hikers should avoid it as it is encircled by poison ivy. Nearby Whipple Hill boasts a more extensive trail system where pet owners may allow their trustworthy dogs to roam off-leash beside them. Golfers will prefer to get their exercise on the Winchester Country Club’s 18-hole course, planned by famed designer Donald Ross. Local anglers can head to Upper Mystic Lake to cast their lines and enjoy a tranquil fishing trip, though they will want to avoid Shannon Beach, which tends to be a popular destination for families looking to splash about on summer days. Adventurous cyclists are not left out of the fun. “The Minuteman Commuter Bikeway runs from Mystic Street all the way through Lexington,” Albiani says. This 9-mile trail can be picked up at many places along the way, including Arlington’s Great Meadows. “It sounds pretty intense, but it doesn’t have to be,” Albiani adds. “It’s pretty flat.”

You can access the Whipple Hill Nature Reserve from Winchester's West Side neighborhood.
You can access the Whipple Hill Nature Reserve from Winchester's West Side neighborhood.
The Winchester Country Club is a membership club in the West Side neighborhood.
The Winchester Country Club is a membership club in the West Side neighborhood.
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Between Boston and Burlington

The Whole Foods at Horn Pond Plaza in Woburn is the closest supermarket to the West Side, just 3 miles from most homes. The Market Basket and the H-Mart in Burlington are 4 miles north as well. There is a Target at the Burlington Crossroads shopping center, just one block south of Atrius Health Medical Center. Gardeners can pick up supplies at Mahoney’s Garden Center without having to leave the neighborhood. Burlington Mall is less than 5 miles up Middlesex Turnpike, home to over 185 retailers and restaurants, ranging from upmarket national staples like Legal Seafood to homegrown local chains like Frank Pepe Pizzeria, famous for their New Haven-style white clam pies. Downtown Winchester has developed into a popular shopping destination as well. “There are lots of nice boutiques and great restaurants there,” Albiani says. “It’s a great place to walk around and grab a unique gift. Our chamber of commerce is amazing and always looking for ways to boost desirability.”

Residents can find a Whole Foogs Market close by to West Side neighborhood of Winchester, MA.
Residents can find a Whole Foogs Market close by to West Side neighborhood of Winchester, MA.
For fresh and local produce, visit Mahoney's Farmstand in the West Side neighborhood.
For fresh and local produce, visit Mahoney's Farmstand in the West Side neighborhood.
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The Lowell Line to downtown

Route 3 traces the eastern edge of the neighborhood, running north of the West Side 4 miles to Burlington and south 5 miles to the outskirts of Boston. This road affords residents access to Interstate 95, the effective boundary between Lexington and Burlington to the north. I-95 is, of course, infamous for its backups, but public transportation is readily available. Wedgemere train station is the closest to the neighborhood, where locals can catch the Lowell Line train and arrive at North Station in the heart of Boston within roughly 20 minutes. When looking to get out of town, Logan International Airport is about a 14-mile drive southeast via Interstate 93.

You can take the commuter rail to Boston from the Wedgmere or Winchester Center stations.
You can take the commuter rail to Boston from the Wedgmere or Winchester Center stations.
An aerial from Winchester's West Side of Route 3 towards Boston, MA.
An aerial from Winchester's West Side of Route 3 towards Boston, MA.
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Spirit Weekend in central Winchester

While Winchester is a quick train ride from everything happening in Boston, residents do not need to venture far from home to experience the spirit of Massachusetts. “Downtown is always doing community events,” Albiani says. “Right now, it’s Spirit Weekend, so the high school football team goes through the center of town and the shops are all offering discounts. I’m sponsoring a beer garden at the Arthur Griffin Photography Museum soon, which is a great little spot that you wouldn’t even know it’s there unless you’ve been there.”

Hugh Taylor
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Sam Adams
Mark Tilley
Video By
Mark Tilley

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 Catharine Bray, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

23 min drive

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,670,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,910,000
Median Townhouse Price
$1,897,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,200,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$492
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Last 12 months Home Sales
55
Months of Supply
3.50
Median List Price
$1,725,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,524
Median Year Built
1965
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,121
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,693
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,450
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
800
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
20,037

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 Catharine Bray, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,793
Median Age
46
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$233,726
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$235,217

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.1%
College Graduates
83.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
51.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.1%

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®

24 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

20 / 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
West Side