Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Petersham, MA
Considering a move to peaceful Petersham, MA? With a population of just 1,180 and a median home price around $315,000, Petersham offers affordable rural living and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy low violent crime (60 per 100K), excellent public schools, and quick access to nearby hospitals. The average commute is about 31 minutes, and the town’s scenic climate features over 54% sunny days each year. Petersham is ideal for those seeking small-town charm, safety, and access to the outdoors.
Demographics - Petersham, MA
Demographics - Petersham, MA
Petersham is a close-knit rural community of around 1,180 residents, with a predominantly white population and a median age of 49.2. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a small proportion of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming and stable environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,180
Density:
27 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Petersham, MA?
The cost of living in Petersham is moderately higher than the national average, with a median home value of $315,000 and average rent around $1,200. Residents benefit from reasonable utility and insurance costs, making it an accessible option for families and individuals seeking affordability in Massachusetts.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.0
Grocery:
108.2
Housing:
101.5
Utilities:
116.2
Transportation:
107.1
Health Care:
111.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Petersham, MA a safe place to live?
Petersham boasts a notably low crime rate, with only 60 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 536. This small-town environment offers peace of mind and a strong sense of safety for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
220
Crime Index:
280
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 536
Weather
What is the weather like in Petersham, MA year-round?
The town experiences distinct New England seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 13°F and pleasant summers reaching highs of 81°F. Petersham enjoys 54% sunny days annually and receives nearly 48 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for lovers of seasonal beauty.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Petersham's residents enjoy a median household income of $81,200 and a low poverty rate of 7.5%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 96% holding a high school diploma or higher and 47% possessing a bachelor’s degree or more, contributing to a friendly and vibrant local culture.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$81,200
Family Income:
$93,500
Per Capita Income:
$37,000
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
31.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
47.0%
Education
How are the schools in Petersham, MA?
Petersham offers quality public education through Petersham Center School, boasting a low student-teacher ratio of 10.5. Residents also have convenient access to higher education, with Mount Wachusett Community College 18 miles away and the University of Massachusetts Amherst just 25 miles from town.
Public Schools
Name:
Petersham Center School
Street:
31 Spring St
Phone:
978-724-3363
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
4,000
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
28,600
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals like Heywood Hospital and Athol Hospital nearby and 97.2% of residents having health insurance coverage. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people, Petersham provides residents with solid medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Heywood Hospital
Address:
242 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
Phone:
(978) 632-3420
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Athol Hospital
Address:
2033 Main St, Athol, MA 01331
Phone:
(978) 249-3511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.2%
Health Care Index:
79.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Petersham, MA?
The housing market in Petersham is stable, featuring a median home price of $315,000 and an owner-occupied rate of over 82%. Home values have appreciated by 4.3% in the past year, reflecting steady demand in this rural Massachusetts community.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Quincy. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and more, accessible both in-person and online.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
25 Newport Ave Extension, Quincy, MA 02171
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.