Village of Waban
Welcome To
Waban
This week we are headed to Waban, one of Newton's favorites! It's not so much a hidden gem, as a coveted part of town with an adorable village, train stop and known for its beautiful homes on sprawling lots of land!
Did You Know?
1
Waban was named after Waban, who was believed to be one of the first members of the "Massachusett" tribe converted to Christianity in the 1600s (although he lived in Nonantum, he may have fished and hunted along the Charles in today's Waban).
2
In the 1800s it was a heavily forested area known for its orchards, farms, and nurseries; it wasn't until the rail station came in 1886 that it began to develop rapidly and grew from about 20 homes to what it is today!
3
It was once home to Ralph Waldo Emerson (who lived on Woodward St) and Harry Bentley (the founder of Bentley University).
4
In 2013, the Washington Post named Waban's zip code (02468) the 3rd most affluent and well-educated zip code in America.
5
The Eleazer Hyde House in Waban, a 2-story timber-frame house built in 1770, is one of the city's few surviving high-style Late Georgian houses.
6
It abuts Cold Spring Park, a 67-acre green treasure in the heart of Newton with walking trails, tennis courts and more... you can often find residents lounging on beach chairs letting their dogs run around on its field in the middle of the forest (although this part is really Newton Highlands!)
7
In 2017, the community opened Waban Common, a lovely green space right in the heart of the village - which has a T stop, Starbucks & the famous Stone L'Oven Pizza.
8
Waban Village Day has been an annual tradition for 15+ years, with a "Family Fun Run" in the morning with a 3-mile course open to all ages!
Do you live in Waban and know any other fun facts or secret spots you'd like to share? Please reach out us as we work on our Newton favs collection!!
