Everything You Should Know Before Moving to North Reading, MA
Thinking of moving to North Reading, MA? With a population of 15,700, this welcoming suburb offers top-rated schools, low crime rates (violent crime at just 58 per 100k), and a strong sense of community. The median home price is around $720,000, and rents average $2,100, reflecting the area's desirability and proximity to Boston. Residents enjoy a high median income, short commute times, great healthcare access, and four distinct seasons—making North Reading ideal for families seeking safety, excellent education, and a suburban lifestyle close to city amenities.
Demographics - North Reading, MA
Demographics - North Reading, MA
North Reading is home to about 15,700 residents, with a median age of 43.2 and a population density that offers a suburban feel. The community is predominantly White, with a small but growing Asian population, and about 7.5% speak a language other than English at home. The area maintains a balanced gender ratio and attracts families seeking a stable, close-knit environment.
Population:
15,700
Density:
1,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in North Reading, MA?
The cost of living in North Reading is notably higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 143. Median home values reach $720,000, and average monthly rent is around $2,100, reflecting the town's desirability and proximity to Boston. Residents can expect above-average costs in housing, groceries, and healthcare, making budgeting important for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$720,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
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:
143.0
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
162.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is North Reading, MA a safe place to live?
North Reading is considered a very safe community, with a violent crime rate of just 58 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 675 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is extremely low, at roughly 1 in 1,725. This low crime environment makes it an attractive choice for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
58
Property Crimes Per 100k:
675
Crime Index:
733
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,725
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 148
Weather
What is the weather like in North Reading, MA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct New England seasons, with winters reaching lows around 19°F and summers peaking near 85°F. The town enjoys about 55% sunny days each year and receives an average annual rainfall of 47.5 inches. These conditions offer a classic northeastern climate, ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
North Reading boasts a highly educated and affluent population, with a median household income of $146,800 and a poverty rate of just 2.8%. Nearly 98% of adults have a high school diploma or higher, and 62% hold a bachelor's degree or more. Commute times average just over 31 minutes, and the community maintains a low unemployment rate of 3.1%.
Median Income:
$61,000
Household Income:
$146,800
Family Income:
$170,000
Per Capita Income:
$59,500
Income Male:
$80,000
Income Female:
$60,000
Poverty Rate:
2.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
5.2%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
62.1%
Education
How are the schools in North Reading, MA?
North Reading offers excellent educational opportunities, including highly rated public schools such as North Reading High School and J. Turner Hood Elementary, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private school options and proximity to colleges like Middlesex Community College and Salem State University provide families with diverse choices. The strong focus on education contributes to the town’s family-friendly reputation.
Public Schools
Name:
North Reading High School
Street:
189 Park St
Phone:
978-664-7800
Students:
820
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Name:
J. Turner Hood Elementary School
Street:
298 Haverhill St
Phone:
978-664-7812
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Theresa School
Street:
51 Winter St
Phone:
978-664-2831
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Middlesex Community College
City:
Bedford
State:
MA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
10,600
Name:
Salem State University
City:
Salem
State:
MA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
7,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Winchester Hospital and MelroseWakefield Hospital nearby, both providing emergency services. The area offers a high ratio of physicians (3.1 per 1,000 residents) and excellent insurance coverage at 98%. North Reading's healthcare system is reliable and comprehensive for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Winchester Hospital
Address:
41 Highland Ave, Winchester, MA 01890
Phone:
(781) 729-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MelroseWakefield Hospital
Address:
585 Lebanon St, Melrose, MA 02176
Phone:
(781) 979-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
98.0%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in North Reading, MA?
North Reading’s housing market is strong, with a median home price of $720,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,100. Homeownership is high at 85%, and the rental vacancy rate is a low 3%, reflecting steady demand. The area has experienced healthy home appreciation at 7.2% over the past year, making it attractive for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$720,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle needs, North Reading residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Boston. The RMV provides standard licensing, registration, and title services, and can be reached at 1-857-368-8000 or online. Access to DMV services is convenient for both new and existing residents.
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.