Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chestnut Hill, MA
Considering Chestnut Hill, MA for your next move? With a population of about 22,000 and a median home value of $1.15 million, Chestnut Hill offers a prestigious community with top-ranked schools and proximity to Boston College. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (103 per 100K), strong public transport options, and highly educated neighbors—over 76% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. Expect a higher cost of living and a classic New England climate, with four distinct seasons and plenty of sunny days.
Demographics - Chestnut Hill, MA
Demographics - Chestnut Hill, MA
Chestnut Hill is home to approximately 22,000 residents, featuring a predominantly White and Asian population and a median age of 41.2 years. The community is moderately dense and diverse, with nearly 15% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This established neighborhood offers a balanced gender ratio and reflects a cosmopolitan, family-friendly environment.
Population:
22,000
Density:
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
5.0%
Asian:
15.0%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chestnut Hill, MA?
Living in Chestnut Hill comes with a high cost of living, as the median home value stands at $1,150,000 and the cost of living index is 68% above the national average. Housing, utilities, and groceries are all noticeably more expensive than in many other areas, making it best suited for those seeking an upscale lifestyle. Residents should also be prepared for higher state taxes and monthly housing costs.
Median House Value:
$1,150,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
168.0
Grocery:
117.5
Housing:
225.0
Utilities:
119.0
Transportation:
113.0
Health Care:
113.0
Miscellaneous:
108.5
Crime
Is Chestnut Hill, MA a safe place to live?
Chestnut Hill enjoys a notably low violent crime rate, with only 103 incidents per 100,000 people, making it one of the safer communities in the region. Property crime is also lower than many urban areas, giving residents peace of mind. The overall crime index suggests a strong sense of safety for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
103
Property Crimes Per 100k:
870
Crime Index:
973
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 970
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 126
Weather
What is the weather like in Chestnut Hill, MA year-round?
Chestnut Hill experiences classic New England weather, with cold winters averaging lows in the 20s and warm summers peaking in the low 80s. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine on 55% of days, offering residents a full range of seasonal activities. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, making outdoor recreation accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Residents of Chestnut Hill enjoy high household incomes, with a median family income of $182,000, and a well-educated community where over 76% hold at least a bachelor's degree. The area maintains a low poverty rate and a low unemployment rate, while public transportation and commute options are widely used. The neighborhood reflects a prosperous, diverse, and highly engaged population.
Median Income:
$65,000
Household Income:
$145,300
Family Income:
$182,000
Per Capita Income:
$72,800
Income Male:
$84,000
Income Female:
$68,000
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
22.4%
Commute Time:
31.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
76.5%
Education
How are the schools in Chestnut Hill, MA?
Chestnut Hill is renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities, including highly rated public and private schools and proximity to Boston College. Local schools maintain low student-teacher ratios and strong academic performance, while higher education options are easily accessible. The community’s commitment to learning is reflected in its high educational attainment rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Bowen Elementary School
Street:
280 Cypress St
Phone:
617-559-9330
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Brookline High School
Street:
115 Greenough St
Phone:
617-713-5000
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.6
Private Schools
Name:
Brimmer and May School
Street:
69 Middlesex Rd
Phone:
617-566-7462
Students:
390
Name:
Boston College High School
Street:
150 Morrissey Blvd
Phone:
617-436-3900
Students:
1,400
Colleges
Name:
Boston College
City:
Chestnut Hill
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
14,500
Name:
Pine Manor College (now part of Boston College)
City:
Chestnut Hill
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Chestnut Hill offers excellent access to healthcare, with major hospitals such as Newton-Wellesley and Beth Israel Deaconess nearby and over 96% of residents covered by health insurance. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio, ensuring timely and quality medical care. Local healthcare facilities provide a full range of services, including emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham
Address:
148 Chestnut St, Needham, MA 02492
Phone:
(781) 453-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Address:
2014 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462
Phone:
(617) 243-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.8%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chestnut Hill, MA?
The housing market in Chestnut Hill is robust, with a median home price of $1,150,000 and steady appreciation rates. Most residents own their homes, and rental options remain available with average two-bedroom rents at $2,650. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect the desirability and stability of the local real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$1,150,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Chestnut Hill residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston with accessible online services and comprehensive support. The DMV provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services for local drivers. Residents can expect professional service and a range of resources tailored to Massachusetts motorists.
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.