Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Great Barrington, MA
Thinking of moving to Great Barrington, MA? With a small-town population of just over 7,000 and a median home price around $486,000, this Berkshires community offers scenic charm and a relaxed pace. The area boasts low violent crime (101 per 100K), short average commutes (19 minutes), and strong educational opportunities with public and private schools plus Bard College at Simon's Rock. Expect a slightly higher cost of living, four-season climate, and excellent access to outdoor activities and local culture.
Demographics - Great Barrington, MA
Demographics - Great Barrington, MA
Great Barrington is a close-knit town of about 7,172 residents, featuring a predominantly White population and a median age of 48.2 years. The community is diverse, with over 10% speaking a language other than English at home, and offers a balanced gender ratio. Its moderate population density gives the area a peaceful, spacious feel ideal for families and retirees.
Population:
7,172
Density:
246 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.5%
Black:
2.3%
Asian:
1.9%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Great Barrington, MA?
The cost of living in Great Barrington is about 26% higher than the national average, influenced by a median home value of $486,000 and average rent of $1,370. Residents can expect moderate utility and insurance expenses, with state tax rates ranging from 5% to 9%. While groceries and healthcare are slightly above average, the quality of life and amenities justify the investment for many newcomers.
Median House Value:
$486,000
Gross Rent:
$1,370
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,525
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$725
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
126.0
Grocery:
113.5
Housing:
138.0
Utilities:
116.5
Transportation:
111.2
Health Care:
118.0
Miscellaneous:
112.3
Crime
Is Great Barrington, MA a safe place to live?
Great Barrington has a low violent crime rate, with only 101 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a 1 in 95 chance annually. Overall, the town maintains a secure, welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
101
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,151
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 990
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Great Barrington, MA year-round?
Residents of Great Barrington enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold winters dropping to 16°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine nearly half the year. This climate provides ample opportunities for seasonal outdoor recreation.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Households in Great Barrington benefit from a median income of $71,250 and a strong educational background, with nearly 96% holding a high school diploma or higher. With a modest poverty rate of 9.5% and an average commute time under 19 minutes, the community offers both economic stability and convenience. A small percentage rely on public transportation, reflecting the town’s accessible layout.
Median Income:
$40,100
Household Income:
$71,250
Family Income:
$87,300
Per Capita Income:
$42,100
Income Male:
$48,900
Income Female:
$41,800
Poverty Rate:
9.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.4%
Rent:
$1,370
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
18.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.7%
Bachelors or More:
47.2%
Education
How are the schools in Great Barrington, MA?
Great Barrington offers excellent educational options, including Monument Mountain Regional High School and Muddy Brook Regional Elementary, both with low student-teacher ratios. The town also hosts Bard College at Simon’s Rock, providing unique early college opportunities, and is close to additional higher education in nearby Pittsfield. Private school options are also available, ensuring families have a range of choices for K-12 and beyond.
Public Schools
Name:
Monument Mountain Regional High School
Street:
600 Stockbridge Rd
Phone:
413-528-3346
Students:
534
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School
Street:
318 Monument Valley Rd
Phone:
413-644-2350
Students:
412
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Private Schools
Name:
Berkshire Waldorf High School
Street:
14 Pine St
Phone:
413-298-3800
Students:
65
Colleges
Name:
Bard College at Simon's Rock
City:
Great Barrington
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
390
Name:
Berkshire Community College
City:
Pittsfield
State:
MA
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Great Barrington is served by Fairview Hospital, offering comprehensive general and emergency care. The town boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 97% and an above-average number of physicians per capita, ensuring residents have excellent access to healthcare services. This strong healthcare infrastructure supports a high quality of life.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairview Hospital
Address:
29 Lewis Ave, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone:
(413) 528-8600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Great Barrington, MA?
The local housing market features a median home price of $486,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 74%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,370, and the area has seen a robust 7.2% home appreciation over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates signal a stable, desirable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$486,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,370
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in nearby Pittsfield. Services are accessible online or by phone, making DMV tasks convenient for Great Barrington locals. Massachusetts offers a user-friendly system for drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
333 East St #102, Pittsfield, MA 01201
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.