Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charlestown, MA
Thinking about moving to Charlestown, MA? With a population of around 19,500, Charlestown combines historic charm with urban convenience. Expect a vibrant, well-educated community, with median home prices at $780,000 and average rents near $2,650. Commute times average about 30 minutes, and public transit is popular. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (246 per 100K), great public schools, and plenty of sunny days—making Charlestown a standout Boston neighborhood for those seeking city living with a neighborhood feel.
Demographics - Charlestown, MA
Demographics - Charlestown, MA
Charlestown is home to about 19,500 residents living at a high urban density, with a median age of 36.4 years. The neighborhood is predominantly White but includes a mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnicities, offering a diverse community feel. Around 13.6% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
19,500
Density:
10,750 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.2%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
8.2%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Charlestown, MA?
Living in Charlestown comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $780,000 and average monthly rent around $2,650. Utility and insurance costs are also above national averages, and a cost of living index of 154.2 highlights the area’s premium urban lifestyle. Residents should expect higher expenses, especially for housing and transportation.
Median House Value:
$780,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,000
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
154.2
Grocery:
126.1
Housing:
185.0
Utilities:
116.0
Transportation:
133.5
Health Care:
121.0
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Charlestown, MA a safe place to live?
Charlestown offers a relatively safe urban environment, with a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 406, notably lower than many urban neighborhoods. Overall, Charlestown is considered a secure choice for city living in Boston.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
246
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,666
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 406
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Charlestown, MA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in Charlestown, with summer highs around 83°F and winter lows dipping to 23°F. The area sees roughly 44 inches of annual rainfall and about 56% sunny days, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes bring variety, from snowy winters to mild, pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Charlestown’s community is well-educated, with over 96% holding a high school diploma and 62% a bachelor’s degree or higher. Median household incomes are robust at $136,000, and the unemployment rate is a low 3.2%. Many residents rely on public transit, with an average commute of just under 30 minutes, underscoring the neighborhood’s urban accessibility.
Median Income:
$55,200
Household Income:
$136,000
Family Income:
$168,000
Per Capita Income:
$74,300
Income Male:
$82,000
Income Female:
$68,500
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
13.6%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
37.6%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
62.5%
Education
How are the schools in Charlestown, MA?
Families in Charlestown benefit from well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Warren-Prescott K-8 and Harvard-Kent Elementary. Private education options and proximity to higher learning institutions, including MGH Institute of Health Professions and Bunker Hill Community College, make the area attractive for students of all ages. The neighborhood’s educational opportunities support a strong, well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
Warren-Prescott K-8 School
Street:
50 School St
Phone:
617-635-8346
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Harvard-Kent Elementary School
Street:
50 Bunker Hill St
Phone:
617-635-8358
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis de Sales School
Street:
300 Bunker Hill St
Phone:
617-242-3883
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
MGH Institute of Health Professions
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
0.5 miles
Students:
1,600
Name:
Bunker Hill Community College
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Charlestown residents benefit from access to top-tier healthcare, including the Massachusetts General Hospital – Charlestown HealthCare Center. With 3.4 physicians per 1,000 people and 97.5% health insurance coverage, medical services are both accessible and comprehensive. The area’s healthcare index of 77.0 reflects strong local health resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Massachusetts General Hospital – Charlestown HealthCare Center
Address:
73 High St, Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone:
(617) 724-8135
Type:
General & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MGH Institute of Health Professions (Nearby)
Address:
36 1st Ave, Boston, MA 02129
Phone:
(617) 726-2947
Type:
Academic/Health
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Charlestown, MA?
Charlestown’s housing market features a median home price of $780,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,650, with a relatively low owner-occupied rate of 37.2%. Home values have appreciated by 4.4% in the past year, indicating steady demand. The rental vacancy rate is low, reflecting a competitive and desirable market.
Median Home Price:
$780,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Charlestown residents are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located conveniently in nearby Boston. The RMV provides licensing, registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Residents can access up-to-date information and resources through the state’s official RMV website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
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.