Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alford, MA
Considering a move to Alford, MA? This picturesque rural town of 480 residents features a high median home price of $648,000, an above-average cost of living, and a safe, close-knit atmosphere with very low crime rates. Residents enjoy short commute times of around 26 minutes, excellent educational attainment, and proximity to quality schools and healthcare in nearby towns. Alford’s natural beauty, quiet lifestyle, and four-season climate make it an appealing choice for those seeking tranquility in the Berkshires.
Demographics - Alford, MA
Demographics - Alford, MA
Alford is a small, close-knit town with a population of 480 and a notably high median age of 56.4, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The community is predominantly White, with limited ethnic diversity, and a balanced gender ratio. Residents benefit from a relaxed rural setting with low population density.
Population:
480
Density:
23 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.4
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alford, MA?
The cost of living in Alford is above the national average, driven by a median house value of $648,000 and a cost of living index of 125.6. Residents can expect higher expenses for housing, groceries, and utilities, making it ideal for those with stable incomes or looking for a premium rural experience. State taxes and monthly living costs further reflect the area’s upscale character.
Median House Value:
$648,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,330
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$860
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
125.6
Grocery:
119.0
Housing:
138.5
Utilities:
112.3
Transportation:
116.0
Health Care:
108.4
Miscellaneous:
107.8
Crime
Is Alford, MA a safe place to live?
Alford boasts a very low crime rate, with just 68 violent crimes and 430 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer communities in Massachusetts. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is extremely low at 1 in 1,470, providing peace of mind for families and retirees. The town’s safe environment is a key attraction for new residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
68
Property Crimes Per 100k:
430
Crime Index:
498
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,470
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 233
Weather
What is the weather like in Alford, MA year-round?
Alford experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 14°F and warm summers reaching up to 80°F. The area receives about 46.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 51% of the year. Residents can appreciate a variety of seasonal outdoor activities amid the scenic Berkshire landscape.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Alford’s residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with a median household income of $99,800 and a low poverty rate of 4.5%. The community is highly educated, with over 60% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment remains low. Most people commute around 26 minutes, and public transit use is minimal, reflecting the town’s rural character.
Median Income:
$52,000
Household Income:
$99,800
Family Income:
$112,600
Per Capita Income:
$58,400
Income Male:
$62,000
Income Female:
$47,000
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.4%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
60.2%
Education
How are the schools in Alford, MA?
Alford families benefit from access to quality public schools such as Monument Mountain Regional High School and Muddy Brook Regional Elementary, both located in nearby Great Barrington. Private and higher education options are also close at hand, including Bard College at Simon’s Rock just six miles away. The area’s schools are known for low student-teacher ratios and strong academic support.
Public Schools
Name:
Monument Mountain Regional High School
Street:
600 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington
Phone:
413-528-3346
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.9
Name:
Muddy Brook Regional Elementary
Street:
318 Monument Valley Rd, Great Barrington
Phone:
413-644-2350
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Private Schools
Name:
Berkshire Country Day School
Street:
55 Interlaken Rd, Stockbridge
Phone:
413-637-0755
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Bard College at Simon's Rock
City:
Great Barrington
State:
MA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
400
Name:
Berkshire Community College
City:
Pittsfield
State:
MA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong in Alford, with major hospitals such as Fairview Hospital and Berkshire Medical Center located nearby, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The town has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 97.2% and an above-average physician-to-population ratio. Residents benefit from reliable medical care within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairview Hospital
Address:
29 Lewis Ave, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone:
(413) 528-8600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Berkshire Medical Center
Address:
725 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone:
(413) 447-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alford, MA?
Alford’s housing market features a high median home price of $648,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 89.1%, indicating a stable and established community. Home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year, and rental options are limited but available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,450. The town’s low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect strong housing demand.
Median Home Price:
$648,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
89.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Alford access vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in nearby Pittsfield. The DMV offers comprehensive licensing and registration services, and information is readily available online or by phone. Proximity to these services ensures convenience for drivers in the area.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
333 East St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.