Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Islington, MA
Considering a move to Islington, MA? With a population of around 7,300, Islington offers a friendly, suburban vibe and top-rated public schools, making it great for families. The median home price is $865,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom is $2,350, reflecting a high cost of living, but residents enjoy excellent safety, with violent crime rates well below national averages. Commute times average about 32 minutes, and the area features robust healthcare, a highly educated community, and four-season New England weather with 55% sunny days each year.
Demographics - Islington, MA
Demographics - Islington, MA
Islington is home to about 7,300 residents, with a median age of 42.1 and a population density of 3,400 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a notable Asian presence, and around 12% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender balance is fairly even, creating a diverse yet close-knit suburban atmosphere.
Population:
7,300
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.4%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
9.7%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Islington, MA?
The cost of living in Islington is significantly higher than the national average, driven by a median home value of $865,000 and average rents around $2,350 per month. Utility, transportation, and healthcare costs also trend above average, making this a desirable yet premium location for new residents. State taxes range from 5% to 9%, contributing to the overall upscale profile.
Median House Value:
$865,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$162
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.2
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
191.0
Utilities:
112.3
Transportation:
122.2
Health Care:
117.7
Miscellaneous:
110.5
Crime
Is Islington, MA a safe place to live?
Islington enjoys a very low violent crime rate of just 51 incidents per 100,000 residents, well below national figures, and property crime is also relatively rare. Residents benefit from a strong sense of safety, with a 1 in 1,960 chance of experiencing violent crime. This secure environment is a key draw for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
51
Property Crimes Per 100k:
675
Crime Index:
726
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,960
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 148
Weather
What is the weather like in Islington, MA year-round?
Islington experiences the full range of New England seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 19°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area receives about 47.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny conditions 55% of the year, offering residents a balanced climate suited for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Residents of Islington are highly educated, with 66% holding at least a bachelor’s degree and nearly all completing high school. The median household income is a robust $151,200, and the poverty rate is remarkably low at 2.2%. Commute times average just under 32 minutes, and the community is characterized by economic stability and low unemployment.
Median Income:
$56,500
Household Income:
$151,200
Family Income:
$176,400
Per Capita Income:
$63,200
Income Male:
$74,300
Income Female:
$62,100
Poverty Rate:
2.2%
Non English Speakers:
12.3%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.0%
Public Transport Usage:
12.2%
Commute Time:
31.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
66.2%
Education
How are the schools in Islington, MA?
Islington is served by well-regarded public schools such as Downey Elementary and Westwood High, both known for favorable student–teacher ratios. Local private options and proximity to higher education institutions like Boston College offer diverse academic opportunities. The community’s strong educational framework supports students from early years through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Downey Elementary School
Street:
250 Downey St
Phone:
781-326-7500
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Westwood High School
Street:
200 Nahatan St
Phone:
781-326-7500
Students:
1,020
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2

Private Schools
Name:
Xaverian Brothers High School
Street:
800 Clapboardtree St
Phone:
781-326-6392
Students:
950

Colleges
Name:
Boston College
City:
Chestnut Hill
State:
MA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
14,600
Name:
Massachusetts Bay Community College
City:
Wellesley Hills
State:
MA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Islington residents have convenient access to top medical care, with major hospitals like Newton-Wellesley and Beth Israel Deaconess-Needham nearby. With 4.1 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 98% health insurance coverage, the area ranks high for healthcare quality and accessibility. Emergency services and specialized care are readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Address:
2014 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462
Phone:
(617) 243-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham
Address:
148 Chestnut St, Needham, MA 02492
Phone:
(781) 453-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.6%
Health Care Index:
82.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Islington, MA?
Islington’s housing market is primarily owner-occupied, with over 80% of residents owning their homes and a median home price of $865,000. The market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.2% over the past year, and rental vacancies remain low at 3.4%. This stable and competitive market reflects strong demand and long-term investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$865,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For vehicle services, residents rely on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles located in Boston. The RMV provides licensing, registration, and other essential services, with information and appointments available on the state’s official website. Convenient access ensures drivers can easily manage their transportation needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
630 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
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.