Massachusetts / Hampden County

Moving to Palmer, MA

Thinking of making a move to Palmer, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmer, MA

Considering a move to Palmer, MA? This welcoming community of 12,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Palmer's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Palmer, MA

Palmer has a population of 12,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 84% White, 4% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
12,000
Density
300 per sq mi
Median Age
41.0
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
84.0%
Black
4.0%
Asian
2.5%
Others
9.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Palmer, MA?

The cost of living in Palmer is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.8. Median home values are around $285,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$285,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$640
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
104.8
Grocery
102.0
Housing
97.5
Utilities
113.2
Transportation
111.0
Health Care
108.5
Miscellaneous
103.0

Crime

Is Palmer, MA a safe place to live?

Palmer is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 61. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,650
Crime Index
1,860
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 61

Weather

What is the weather like in Palmer, MA year-round?

Palmer experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
15°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
48.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $76,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.2%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$76,500
Family Income
$89,000
Per Capita Income
$34,200
Income Male
$46,000
Income Female
$38,000
Poverty Rate
11.2%
Non English Speakers
13.8%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
4.8%
Commute Time
29.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.5%
Bachelors or More
28.4%

Education

How are the schools in Palmer, MA?

Palmer offers quality education options, with public schools like Palmer High School and Palmer Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Springfield Technical Community College and Westfield State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Palmer High School
Street
44 Nicks Rock Rd
Phone
413-283-6511
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4
Name
Palmer Middle School
Street
50 South Main St
Phone
413-283-6700
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
13.1

Private Schools

Name
St. Thomas the Apostle School
Street
47 Pine St
Phone
413-283-3900
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Springfield Technical Community College
City
Springfield
State
MA
Distance
16 miles
Students
6,000
Name
Westfield State University
City
Westfield
State
MA
Distance
23 miles
Students
5,700

Healthcare

Palmer residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Baystate Wing Hospital and Baystate Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Baystate Wing Hospital
Address
40 Wright St, Palmer, MA 01069
Phone
(413) 283-7651
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Baystate Medical Center
Address
759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01199
Phone
(413) 794-0000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
96.0%
Health Care Index
77.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Palmer, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $285,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 67%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.6%. Palmer offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
67.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Palmer handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Quincy. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
25 Newport Ave Ext, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
(857) 368-8000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Palmer, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Palmer, review the core fields on this page: population 12,000, median home value $285,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 29.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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