Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Brightwood, MA
Thinking of relocating to Brightwood, MA? This vibrant Springfield neighborhood of about 12,800 residents offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $235,000 and rents near $1,250. Commute times average just 23.5 minutes, and you'll enjoy four distinct seasons with 54% sunny days annually. While the crime rate is higher than average, the area features easy access to major hospitals, public transit, and a diverse community. Local schools and community colleges are nearby, making Brightwood a practical choice for city living on a budget.
Demographics - Brightwood, MA
Demographics - Brightwood, MA
Brightwood is home to approximately 12,800 residents, with a youthful median age of 33.2 and a population density of 7,500 per square mile. The neighborhood is notably diverse, and about one-third of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
12,800
Density:
7,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
25.1%
Black:
21.4%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
51.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Brightwood, MA?
The cost of living in Brightwood is close to the national average, with a median home value of $235,000 and average rents around $1,250 per month. Utility costs and healthcare are slightly above average, but housing remains relatively affordable for the area.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,680
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.5
Grocery:
103.0
Housing:
96.0
Utilities:
108.5
Transportation:
97.5
Health Care:
105.2
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Brightwood, MA a safe place to live?
Brightwood experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 128 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a property crime rate of 2,850 incidents per 100,000 residents. Prospective residents should consider local safety measures when choosing a neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
780
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,850
Crime Index:
3,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 128
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Brightwood, MA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days, making for a varied climate.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Brightwood’s community has a median household income of $38,200 and a poverty rate of 27.5%, reflecting economic diversity. Commute times average 23.5 minutes, and about 14% of residents use public transportation for work.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$38,200
Family Income:
$41,700
Per Capita Income:
$16,350
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
27.5%
Non English Speakers:
32.0%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
7.9%
Public Transport Usage:
14.0%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Brightwood, MA?
Brightwood offers a selection of public and private schools with reasonable student-teacher ratios, as well as proximity to local colleges like Springfield Technical Community College and American International College. This provides families and students a range of educational opportunities within a few miles.
Public Schools
Name:
Brightwood Elementary School
Street:
471 Plainfield St
Phone:
413-787-7238
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Chestnut Accelerated Middle School
Street:
355 Plainfield St
Phone:
413-750-2333
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael's Academy
Street:
153 Eddywood St
Phone:
413-782-5246
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Springfield Technical Community College
City:
Springfield
State:
MA
Distance:
1.5 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
American International College
City:
Springfield
State:
MA
Distance:
3.5 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust, with major hospitals such as Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center nearby and nearly 95% of residents covered by health insurance. The area offers about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring reasonable availability of medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baystate Medical Center
Address:
759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01199
Phone:
(413) 794-0000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Medical Center
Address:
271 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104
Phone:
(413) 748-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Brightwood, MA?
The local housing market is affordable with a median home price of $235,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,250. Homeownership rates are lower than average at 29.3%, which means rental options are plentiful and vacancy rates are moderate.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
29.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle services at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles located at 1250 St James Ave in Springfield. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and registration services, both in person and online.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1250 St James Ave, Springfield, MA 01104
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.