Is Wayland MA a good place to live? With beautiful scenery, small town charm, and a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle, living in Wayland MA is truly a magical experience.
Originally called East Sudbury when it was incorporated in 1780 and changed to Wayland in 1835, the area holds onto its historical roots while enjoying the perfect touch of modernity.
You’ll enjoy excellent schools and local businesses that enhance the allure of the area, all in a place that’s well-connected to major New England hot spots.
If you have plans on moving to Wayland, here’s everything there is to know!
Where Is Wayland Massachusetts?
You can visualize where those living in Boston MA are located or perhaps you have acquaintances living in Worcester, but where is Wayland MA, and what county is Wayland MA in?
Wayland enjoys an idealistic location in Middlesex County, situated to the east of Worcester and the west of Boston. Smaller cities and nearby towns that immediately border Wayland include Natick, Lincoln, Weston, Sudbury, and Saxonville.
With the Boston Post Rd. Highway running east to west directly in the middle of town and the Massachusetts Turnpike on its southern edge, it’s easy to get around when living in Wayland MA.
Common directions to Wayland include:
Wayland’s public transportation options are quite limited. The town has no MBTA bus or rail service, relying instead on a single MetroWest RTA bus route and an on-demand shuttle for seniors and residents with disabilities to connect to commuter rail stops in neighboring communities. As a result, most people drive or use ride-sharing services, so if you plan on living in Wayland MA, owning a car is fairly essential.
Wayland MA Population & Demographics
What is the population of Wayland MA? As of the 2020 Census, there are 13,943 people happily living in Wayland, MA, which is a slight increase of 7.3% since 2010. The Wayland MA population density is 926.8 people per square mile, so the environment is quite spread-out and you’ll enjoy a bit of breathing room from your neighbors. There are an average of 2.78 people under each roof, so families are common here.
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The area is quite youthful, with 25.2% of the town population under the age of 18, and 19.5% of the population is over the age of 65, offering the perfect balance of age demographics where anyone can find a peer community.
Additional Wayland MA Demographics
- Sex ratio: 51.4% women & 48.6% men
- Median age: 43.9 years
- Racial & ethnic composition: 76.1% White alone (74.6% White, non-Hispanic), 0.8% Black/African American, 0.0% American Indian/Alaska Native, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 14.1% Asian, 5.2% Hispanic/Latino, 6.4% two or more races.
- Wayland MA median household income: $221,250 year
- Education: 97.7% of residents 25+ years old living in Wayland MA have a high school diploma, while 77.8% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 18.2%
Is Wayland MA a safe place to live? As of the latest FBI statistics, you’ll be happy to hear that the Wayland MA crime rate is 87.4% less than the state and 92.4% less than the national average! So yes, living in Wayland MA is a safe, secure choice where you’re protected by the hard work of the Wayland Police Department.
Wayland MA Cost of Living
The only definitive cost of living index in Massachusetts is for the Boston MA Metro Area, and we know the cost of living in Boston is quite high, at 46.5% more than the national average. With this, the cost of living in Wayland MA is quite similar, estimated as around 38% higher than the national average.
The Family Budget Calculator recommends a family of four living in Wayland MA earn $154,387/year to comfortably meet the economic demands of the area, so considering the high median household income of over $220,000 and average household size of 2.78, residents typically do well at exceeding this.
Some common expenses you’ll face when living in Wayland MA include:
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $25.00
- Water (12 oz small bottle): $2.44
- Milk (regular), (1 gallon): $3.89
- Gasoline (1 gallon): $3.20
- Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment: $187.78
- Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data: $50.00
- Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: $2,738.10
- 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar): $67.54
Data sourced from Numbeo using Waltham Massachusetts statistics, the closest measured locale.
The Wayland MA real estate market is one of the biggest influences on the cost of living. To give you an idea and help you prepare before moving to Wayland, let’s look at the median home price. Homes for sale in Wayland MA typically go for $1,185,000, a number that’s up 27.4% since last year, so there’s definitely a premium here.
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Apartments in Wayland MA paint a similar picture of desirability, as average rent is a rather high $3,440/month.
Wayland MA Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Wayland MA
The various neighborhoods in Wayland MA are all wonderful places to lay down roots. Here’s a few of the best areas/neighborhoods to call home when living in Wayland MA:
Claypit Hill
An oasis of winding roads lined with stately Colonials and Cape-style homes, Claypit Hill envelops residents in a quintessential New England feel beneath towering trees. Situated north of Route 20, this prestigious neighborhood mixes quiet living with nearby top-rated schools, notably Claypit Hill Elementary School, community clubs, and easy access to town conveniences.
Oak Hill
Originally developed in the late 1960s, Oak Hill charms homeowners with spacious split-level, raised ranch, and Colonial homes set on well-kept streets. Tucked in Wayland’s southern corner with limited through-traffic, it strikes a perfect balance between a peaceful suburban retreat and proximity to shopping, schools, and major commuter routes.
Cochituate
A distinct village area and CDP within Wayland rather than a traditional neighborhood, Cochituate blends cozy bungalows, larger updated homes, and even some historic gems around scenic Lake Cochituate. Its inviting main street is dotted with local shops and eateries, while the nearby lake and Cochituate State Park add a refreshing touch of outdoor fun, making this close-knit community ideal for those seeking small-town charm while living in Wayland MA.
Wayland Massachusetts Weather & Climate
If you’re moving to Wayland, you can expect all four seasons in full force due to its humid continental climate. The winters here are quite cold, with the average January low dropping to a chilly 16.1 degrees. A blanket of white is sure to cover the town, averaging 50.2 inches of snowfall every year.
But don’t worry, falls are lovely and colorful, while summer temps rise to an enticing 83.1 degree average July high. The rainiest months are March and October, both averaging just above 4.3 inches. With 201 sunny days every year, the weather in Wayland MA is quite nice pretty often, allowing for ample opportunity to explore the outdoors or meander town.
Wayland MA Things to Do
Looking for a few things to do in Wayland MA? While shopping endeavors are plentiful, with local shops and malls such as Wayland Town Center or nearby Natick Mall catering to retail interest, here’s a few additional ideas to keep you busy while living in Wayland MA:
Sandy Burr Country Club
Perfect your swing on the rolling fairways of Sandy Burr Country Club, where classic New England scenery meets timeless golfing traditions.
103 Cochituate Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 (508-358-7211)
Cochituate State Park (just outside Wayland)
Escape to nature at Cochituate State Park – just minutes from Wayland – for kayaking, swimming, and lakeside picnics that rejuvenate the spirit.
43 Commonwealth Rd, Natick, MA 01760 (508-6539-641)
Hamlen Woods Hiking Area
Wander among whispering pines and gentle wetlands at Hamlen Woods, where each turn reveals a new pocket of peace awaiting discovery.
196 Rice Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 (978-4435-588)
Hannah Williams Playground
Watch imaginations soar at Hannah Williams Playground, a colorful community hub brimming with slides, swings, and endless fun for families living in Wayland MA!
Wayland MA Restaurants
Wayland is a great town for foodies, as there’s something to satisfy any craving. Here’s a few of the best restaurants in Wayland MA:
110 Grill
Indulge in a modern twist on classic American dishes at 110 Grill, a stylish eatery known for its scratch-made, allergy-friendly menu and inviting, contemporary flair.
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171 Commonwealth Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 (508-975-4437)
Dudley Chateau
Overlooking the tranquil Dudley Pond, “The Chat” enchants diners with cozy pub fare, cold brews, and a nostalgic lakeside ambiance that instantly feels like home.
20 Crest Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 (508-655-0010)
Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe
A Wayland staple since 1956, Mel’s whips up hearty breakfasts and comforting lunches with a neighborly warmth that keeps generations of hungry patrons coming back for more.
310 Commonwealth Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 (508-653-7777)
Wayland MA Schools
Wayland Public Schools oversees public education in the town, offering excellent pathways for K-12 children living in Wayland MA.
A few notable schools in Wayland include:
- Claypit Hill School (K–5)
- Happy Hollow School (K–5)
- Loker School (K–5)
- Wayland Middle School (6–8)
- Wayland High School (9–12)
The Wayland Town Library is a free public library that ensures the community always has access to learning and creative escapes.
Wayland MA Jobs
The local economy is centered on service industries – notably professional and technical services, education, and healthcare – rather than manufacturing. The area boasts a higher average wealth level where the average salary sits at an impressive $277,454/year, or $133/hour, reflecting this affluence.
With an average commute time to work of 30.8 minutes, most people living in Wayland MA actually work somewhere else, like Boston. Because of this, some of the largest employers in Wayland include Wayland Public Schools and local shops and restaurants such as 110 Grille.
Keep an eye out on Indeed Jobs Wayland or the Town of Wayland MA jobs for new opportunities in our area!
Wayland Massachusetts Statistics & Information
- Wayland MA County: Middlesex
- Wayland MA area: 15.9 square miles
- Wayland MA zip code: 01778
- Wayland MA area code: 508/774
- Wayland MA elevation: 127 ft
- Wayland MA time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Wayland MA: The Boston Logan International Airport is the closest major international airport to Wayland MA, located about 22-miles away.
Map of Wayland MA
Eager to explore living in Wayland MA? This interactive map is a great way to get a feel of the town!
Planning on Living in Wayland MA?
Whether you’re excited to move somewhere new in Wayland or have plans on moving to another Massachusetts locale or beyond our state, we have the local movers and hard working long distance movers that you can trust!
So call Mass Bay Movers, your clear choice for Wayland MA moving companies, at 978-587-3775 for your free quote.
