Everything You Should Know Before Moving to North Adams, MA
Thinking of making North Adams, MA your new home? With a population of just 12,661, North Adams offers affordable living—median home prices around $190,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $940. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16.7 minutes, moderate crime rates, and easy access to healthcare at Berkshire Medical Center. The city features a walkable downtown, robust education options including MCLA, and four-season Berkshire weather with 55% sunny days annually. Explore the community, cost of living, and local schools to see if North Adams is the right fit for you.
Demographics - North Adams, MA
Demographics - North Adams, MA
North Adams is a small city of 12,661 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age of 40.7, creating a close-knit community feel. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, making it accessible for newcomers. Its population density contributes to a comfortable, small-town atmosphere in the Berkshires.
Population:
12,661
Density:
1,072 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.7
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in North Adams, MA?
Living in North Adams is affordable, with a median home price of about $190,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $940, both below national averages. The cost of living index sits just under the U.S. average, making daily expenses manageable for families and individuals. Utilities and groceries are slightly above average, but housing savings help balance the budget.
Median House Value:
$190,000
Gross Rent:
$940
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,470
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.4
Grocery:
103.2
Housing:
78.1
Utilities:
109.8
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
101.4
Miscellaneous:
97.2
Crime
Is North Adams, MA a safe place to live?
North Adams experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 423 and property crime at 1 in 71 annually. Residents generally feel safe, but it’s wise to take standard precautions. The overall crime index suggests a community where safety remains a priority but is not without occasional incidents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
236
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,416
Crime Index:
1,652
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 423
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in North Adams, MA year-round?
North Adams enjoys four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching up to 81°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The city receives around 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 55% of the year. Residents experience colorful autumns and snowy winters, ideal for those who appreciate a classic New England climate.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The local community features a median household income of $48,950 and a poverty rate of 17.4%, reflecting a diverse economic mix. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times are short, averaging 16.7 minutes. Neighbors tend to be friendly and community-oriented, with a low rate of public transportation usage and a modest unemployment rate.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$48,950
Family Income:
$67,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$33,200
Poverty Rate:
17.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$940
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
16.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
24.4%
Education
How are the schools in North Adams, MA?
North Adams offers a range of education options, including well-rated public schools with small class sizes and a respected liberal arts college, MCLA, right in town. Private school choices and proximity to Williams College in Williamstown enhance local learning opportunities. The community values education, with high school graduation rates above 90%.
Public Schools
Name:
Colegrove Park Elementary School
Street:
24 Church St
Phone:
413-776-1660
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Drury High School
Street:
1130 South Church St
Phone:
413-662-3240
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.6
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Stanislaus Kostka School
Street:
108 Summer St
Phone:
413-743-1091
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
City:
North Adams
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Williams College
City:
Williamstown
State:
MA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
North Adams is served by Berkshire Medical Center's local campus, offering general and emergency services to residents. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and a health insurance coverage rate of 97.1%, access to healthcare is strong. The city’s healthcare index indicates reliable, quality care is available for individuals and families alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Berkshire Medical Center - North Adams Campus
Address:
71 Hospital Ave, North Adams, MA 01247
Phone:
(413) 664-5000
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in North Adams, MA?
Homebuyers will find North Adams attractive, with a median home price of $190,000 and a one-year appreciation rate of 10.2%. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancy rates are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters. The market is stable, with low foreclosure and new construction rates, making it suitable for those seeking value and community roots.
Median Home Price:
$190,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$940
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
10.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Springfield. The DMV offers online resources and phone support to streamline common transactions. Up-to-date information and services can be accessed via the state’s official DMV website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
165 Liberty St, Springfield, MA 01103
Phone:
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.