A Local’s Guide to Westwood

 

Westwood is a town in Norfolk County with just over 16,000 residents. Only a 30-minute drive southwest of Boston, Westwood is a great town to consider for those interested in luxury homes for sale in MA. It combines a small-town feel with close access to all that Boston offers. But in addition to Westwood’s proximity to Boston, the community is loaded with charm and plenty of restaurants, activities, and amenities to offer its residents. 

Westwood is growing in popularity as one of Massachusetts's best places to live. Locals love its many open spaces, which give off a breezy, suburban feel instead of a densely-packed urban vibe. Those working with a local Westwood realtor to find luxury homes for sale in MA will spot classic New England homes, from beautiful Colonial and Georgian-style mansions to stunning modern constructions and mid-century residences. Westwood is considered a driving city with easy access to highways like I-95. Amtrak train services can also take residents sightseeing in Washington D.C. and New York City. The neighborhood of Islington, an up-and-coming and blossoming section of Westwood, has locals talking — there are brand new condos on Washington Street in the bustling Islington Center, which features not only luxury housing options, but brand new shops and restaurants. 

 

Start the morning in the best way by visiting BiBi Cafe and Bakery on Church Street. This cute and colorful cafe specializes in homemade sweets and custom cakes and offers plenty of bites for breakfast or lunch. Order a cup of their breakfast blend with a quiche scone on the side, or pair a lemonade with their turkey and cheese on focaccia for lunch.

Craving a cheesy, hot pie with extra toppings? Visit the best pizza spot in town at Islington Pizza on Washington Street. Family owned and operated since 1995, this community staple is the heart of the Westwood neighborhood and the best place to go for a piping hot pie, loaded wraps, and incredible pasta dinners. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!

If you’re craving classic American diner food with a twist, visit The Toast Office on High Street. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can’t go wrong with any of the hundreds of options from The Toast Office! Try the chocolate, banana, and mascarpone pancakes or a loaded egg sandwich for breakfast, treat yourself to an enormous avocado salad with pears, pecans, and goat cheese for lunch, and leave room for the marinated, flame-grilled steak tips for dinner.

 

 

For a taste of the Mediterranean, Chiara Bistro on High Street is one of the best options in Westwood. Couples looking for luxury homes for sale in MA will love having proximity to Chiara for date nights. Locals love Chiara’s hospitality and charm. Try the Grilled Lamp Lollichop or Semolina Crusted Calamari as an appetizer before trying a plate of Pan-Seared Cod Loin or Wester Ross Scottish Salmon as the main course.

The brand new Islington Branch Library opened early in 2022, offering Westwood residents an updated, beautiful space to enjoy local events, programs, and family-friendly entertainment. Attend storytimes with the kids, join an adult book club, knitting club, or teen game nights.
 

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the stunning Massachusetts landscape, join the Hale Reservation, a private nonprofit group with access to thousands of acres, community events, educational programs, and summer camps. With over 20 miles of trails to explore and hundreds of events scheduled throughout the year to promote a love of nature, visiting Hale is the perfect opportunity to meet your neighbors and get outside. Take a virtual tour of this protected property and explore the many programs this community gem offers year-round!

Westwood residents also have access to Blue Hill Helicopters, a premier helicopter flight school in Boston. A quick ten-minute drive from Westwood, Blue Hill provides helicopter tours over Boston for a beautiful bird’s-eye view of the city. Those interested in aviation can even participate in Blue Hill’s professional pilot program.

 

University Station is known as the best one-stop shop in town, with dozens of restaurants and shops to visit. HomeGoods, Nordstrom Rack, and Target are just three of the stores included. Legacy Place is another option; it's an open-air shopping center only minutes away from town. Grab a coffee at Caffe Nero before hitting the shops. Stores in Legacy Place include Banana Republic, Athleta, babyGap,  GapKids, Lululemon, and more than 15 eateries.

With an abundance of outdoor space to enjoy and access to all the best amenities and venues of its surrounding cities, Westwood is a beautiful place to call home. Finding the right home near Westwood is easy with the help of a professional realtor who is an expert in the market. To work with a local expert in Westwood who can show you the best properties, consider hiring a real estate agent from the Mayer Realty Group for expert guidance.