Banks Square
A compact commercial-residential node near Brandeis University with academic influence, local shops, and proximity to campus amenities.
About Banks Square
Banks Square sits at the intersection of South Street and Main Street in the western part of Waltham, serving as the commercial anchor for the neighborhoods surrounding Brandeis University. The area has a collegial feel — coffee shops, a bookstore, and restaurants that cater to faculty and grad students as well as long-time residents. The housing mix includes everything from small single-family homes to condo conversions, with prices that benefit from being slightly off the beaten path. Brandeis's presence means access to cultural programming — concerts, lectures, the Rose Art Museum — that you wouldn't normally find in a mid-sized city. For buyers who value intellectual community and don't need to be on Moody Street, Banks Square offers a quieter, more academic version of Waltham life.
Property Character
Mix of single-family homes, condos, and small multi-families. Older housing stock near the square, newer development along South Street. Smaller lots, walkable to campus and local shops.
Typical Home Styles
Best For
Local Highlights
- •Brandeis University campus amenities — Rose Art Museum, concerts, lectures
- •Walkable commercial node with local shops and restaurants
- •Academic community feel distinct from Moody Street's nightlife scene
- •Proximity to conservation land along the Charles River
Getting Around
Brandeis/Roberts Commuter Rail stop is walking distance — direct service to Porter Square and North Station. Bus 553 to downtown Boston. Close to Route 128/I-95.
Schools Serving Banks Square
Feeds into Stanley Elementary and Waltham High. Brandeis connection means some families access university-affiliated childcare and after-school programs. Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall private school nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banks Square
What is Banks Square in Waltham like?
A compact commercial-residential node near Brandeis University with academic influence, local shops, and proximity to campus amenities. Banks Square sits at the intersection of South Street and Main Street in the western part of Waltham, serving as the commercial anchor for the neighborhoods surrounding Brandeis University. The area has a collegial feel — coffee shops, a bookstore, and restaurants that cater to faculty and grad students as well as long-time residents. The housing mix includes everything from small single-family homes to condo conversions, with prices that benefit from being slightly off the beaten path. Brandeis's presence means access to cultural programming — concerts, lectures, the Rose Art Museum — that you wouldn't normally find in a mid-sized city. For buyers who value intellectual community and don't need to be on Moody Street, Banks Square offers a quieter, more academic version of Waltham life. Banks Square is especially popular with brandeis faculty, staff, and grad students seeking proximity to campus and buyers who prefer a quieter, more academic neighborhood character. Contact Steinmetz Real Estate for a personalized tour of Banks Square.
What are home prices in Banks Square, Waltham?
Homes in Banks Square typically range from $400K (condo) – $850K (single-family). The Waltham market has seen a +5.8% year-over-year price change. Sarina Steinmetz has 26+ years of experience in this neighborhood — call (617) 610-0207 for a precise valuation.
What types of homes are in Banks Square?
Banks Square features Colonial, Cape Cod, Condo Conversion, Two-Family, Ranch homes. Mix of single-family homes, condos, and small multi-families. Older housing stock near the square, newer development along South Street. Smaller lots, walkable to campus and local shops. Browse active listings in Waltham on our listings page.
How is the commute from Banks Square, Waltham?
Brandeis/Roberts Commuter Rail stop is walking distance — direct service to Porter Square and North Station. Bus 553 to downtown Boston. Close to Route 128/I-95. From Waltham, the drive to Downtown Boston (North Station) is approximately 20-35 min and 30-40 min (Commuter Rail) by transit.
What are the best schools near Banks Square?
Feeds into Stanley Elementary and Waltham High. Brandeis connection means some families access university-affiliated childcare and after-school programs. Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall private school nearby. Top-rated schools include Waltham High School (6/10), McDevitt Middle School (6/10), Kennedy Middle School (6/10). The Steinmetz team can help you verify school zones for specific addresses in Banks Square.
Explore more of Waltham
Banks Square is just one part of what makes Waltham special.