Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ashby, MA
Considering a move to Ashby, MA? This friendly rural community of 3,225 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price of $385,000 and average rents around $1,200. Crime rates are very low, ensuring peace of mind, and the area features highly rated schools and a high school graduation rate of nearly 97%. With average commutes of about 34 minutes, easy access to nearby cities, and four-season New England weather, Ashby is great for those seeking quiet charm, natural beauty, and a close-knit feel.
Demographics - Ashby, MA
Ashby is a small, close-knit community of 3,225 people with a median age of 45.1 and a population density of 91 per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with nearly 96% of residents identifying as such, and has a balanced gender ratio. A modest percentage of non-English speakers and a mature population make for a friendly, welcoming environment.
Population:
3,225
Density:
91 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.1
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ashby, MA?
The cost of living in Ashby is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116.2. Median home values stand at $385,000 and average rents are about $1,200, making housing relatively affordable for Massachusetts. Residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and state taxes that range from 5% to 9%.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.2
Grocery:
111.5
Housing:
122.3
Utilities:
113.0
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Ashby, MA a safe place to live?
Ashby boasts a very low crime rate, with just 62 violent crimes and 390 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1,613, offering residents a strong sense of safety and peace of mind. This makes Ashby an appealing choice for families and those prioritizing security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
62
Property Crimes Per 100k:
390
Crime Index:
452
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,613
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 827
Weather
What is the weather like in Ashby, MA year-round?
Ashby experiences classic New England seasons, including cold winters with lows around 14°F and warm summers reaching 81°F. The area receives about 44.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year. Residents can expect colorful autumns and crisp springs, perfect for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in Ashby have a comfortable median income of $102,700 and a low poverty rate of 4%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes average about 34 minutes, and public transit usage is limited, reflecting the town’s rural character.
Median Income:
$49,000
Household Income:
$102,700
Family Income:
$116,200
Per Capita Income:
$44,600
Income Male:
$56,000
Income Female:
$48,500
Poverty Rate:
4.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
33.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
39.0%
Education
How are the schools in Ashby, MA?
Ashby supports strong educational opportunities, with public schools offering low student-teacher ratios and a nearly 97% high school graduation rate. Nearby colleges like Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College provide higher education options within a short drive. The area’s commitment to education makes it attractive for families with children.
Public Schools
Name:
Ashby Elementary School
Street:
911 Main St
Phone:
(978) 386-2276
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
North Middlesex Regional High School
Street:
19 Main St, Townsend
Phone:
(978) 597-8721
Students:
865
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Colleges
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
4,000
Name:
Fitchburg State University
City:
Fitchburg
State:
MA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
6,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare nearby, with UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital just a short drive away. The area offers a high physician availability of 2.7 per 1,000 people, and over 97% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare in Ashby is reliable and well-rated.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital
Address:
60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453
Phone:
(978) 466-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
78.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ashby, MA?
Ashby’s housing market is largely owner-occupied, with 86.5% of residents owning their homes and a median home price of $385,000. The area has a low rental vacancy rate and home appreciation of over 6% in the last year, indicating stable property values. Limited new construction and low foreclosure rates make for a steady real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Ashby residents are provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in nearby Leominster. The local branch offers comprehensive DMV services, and information is easily accessible online. This convenient access helps residents manage licensing and registration efficiently.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
500 Research Dr, Leominster, MA 01453
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.