GE A Boon for Local Real Estate in Weston

General Electric, one of the country’s largest and most innovative companies, recently announced it’s moving its headquarters to Boston making GE the largest company to ever relocate to Boston. Although incentive deals put Boston above Rhode Island, New York, Georgia and other competition for GE’s headquarters, it was Boston’s innovative and cutting- edge culture that may have pushed Boston to #1. Chief Executive Jeffrey Immelt said “we want to be at the center of an ecosystem that shares our aspirations”, and with the up and coming seaport district as the likely new location for the office, GE is certainly looking in the right place.”

This transition is expected to bring over 800 employees, but there's another expected influx that hasn't received as much attention: residential real estate. When the company moved its previous headquarters to Fairfield, Connecticut, it was a boon for sellers, because of its awarded schools, proximity to New York City, and family friendly dynamic. With many GE staffers starting to look for homes in and around Boston -- some of the area's most popular high-profile neighborhoods will likely see the same influx of house hunters looking to settle into a similar locale.

MetroWest towns like Weston will be a draw for executives, with its own acclaimed school systems, easy transportation, accessibility to downtown Boston, and trendy communities; it will be a top choice in the suburban market. However, it’s not just the GE move that will change the real estate landscape. Companies like Sonos, which just moved its Cambridge headquarters to Downtown Crossing to accommodate its growing staff, will also make an impact. The overall resurgence in business in the commonwealth always translates into an uptick in real estate transactions.

Established in 1713, the town of Weston remains one of the most prestigious suburbs in Massachusetts. There are several aspects unique to Weston that makes the town one of the most desirable areas in the Greater Boston Area.

So, where will these new executives live? Their new residences will have to be unique – and offer up some features that will enable them to settle in, entertain, and make the greater Boston area their new home.

1.) With only twelve miles to Downtown Boston, Weston Offers a short and simple commute into the city through public transportation and easy access to the state’s major highways.

2.) Recreational activities access to two golf courses, 100 miles of land designated for hiking, horse trails, cross country skiing, resident basketball and tennis courts, ice skating arenas and several playgrounds all help make Weston a bustling, dynamic community.

3.) Weston houses one of the best public school systems in the nation. Ranked as the top public school in Massachusetts by Boston Magazine in 2012, Weston High School achieved a graduation rate of over 95.6% and average SAT scores of around 1900. Small class sizes and an innovative curriculum also make Weston public schools a challenging yet nurturing environment.

4.) On top of everything else, Weston retains one of the lowest crime rates in Massachusetts making it one of the safest communities to raise a family.

As the GE workforce starts to relocate to the area this spring, sellers should see an increase in traffic to their open houses, and buyers – a bit more competition for the already-low inventory. A strong real estate market thrives on supply and demand, and the impending increase in both should make for a powerful connection in the marketplace.