Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bernardston, MA
Considering a move to Bernardston, MA? This friendly town of 2,100 offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with affordable housing—median home prices around $301,000 and average rents at $1,130. Crime rates are low, and residents enjoy a relaxed 26-minute average commute. Bernardston is known for its excellent public schools, high health insurance coverage, and four-season New England charm with 54% sunny days each year. It's a great fit for those seeking a close-knit, safe community in scenic western Massachusetts.
Demographics - Bernardston, MA
Demographics - Bernardston, MA
Bernardston is a small, close-knit town with a population of about 2,100 residents. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of 48, and has a balanced gender ratio, creating a friendly and stable environment for families and retirees. A low percentage of non-English speakers and a moderate population density contribute to its rural charm.
Population:
2,100
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bernardston, MA?
Bernardston offers an affordable cost of living compared to many areas in Massachusetts, with a median home value of $301,000 and average rents around $1,130. Essential expenses like utilities and transportation are slightly higher than the national average, but overall living costs remain manageable for most households. State income taxes range from 5% to 9%, making budgeting straightforward for residents.
Median House Value:
$301,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$625
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.0
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
104.0
Utilities:
119.0
Transportation:
114.0
Health Care:
114.5
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Bernardston, MA a safe place to live?
Bernardston boasts low crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at only 92 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 830 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a high sense of safety, with the chance of experiencing a violent crime being just 1 in 1,087. This peaceful atmosphere makes the town especially attractive to families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
830
Crime Index:
922
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 120
Weather
What is the weather like in Bernardston, MA year-round?
Bernardston experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 15°F and warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. The town receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. These weather patterns provide residents with classic New England scenery and outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Bernardston benefit from a supportive community with a median household income of $71,200 and a poverty rate under 8%. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, with over a third holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The average commute is just over 26 minutes, offering a balance between rural tranquility and regional access.
Median Income:
$38,750
Household Income:
$71,200
Family Income:
$87,600
Per Capita Income:
$36,950
Income Male:
$52,100
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.1%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
26.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
34.6%
Education
How are the schools in Bernardston, MA?
Bernardston is served by well-regarded public schools, including Bernardston Elementary with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.5. For higher education, residents are within easy reach of Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, offering diverse academic and career opportunities. The town's educational resources make it a solid choice for families and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Bernardston Elementary School
Street:
37 School St
Phone:
413-648-9355
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Colleges
Name:
Greenfield Community College
City:
Greenfield
State:
MA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
32,000
Healthcare
Bernardston residents have access to quality healthcare, including nearby Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. The town has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 97%, and about 2.3 physicians are available per 1,000 residents. This ensures that families and individuals have convenient access to medical services and emergency care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Address:
164 High St, Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone:
(413) 773-0211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bernardston, MA?
The housing market in Bernardston is stable and attractive, with a median home price of $301,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 84%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, reflecting a healthy real estate environment. Rental opportunities are available but limited, supporting a strong sense of community among homeowners.
Median Home Price:
$301,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Greenfield. This convenient location provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and vehicle titling. For more information, residents can visit the official state website or call the local office.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
18 Miner Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
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.