Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Roxbury, MA
Considering a move to Roxbury, MA? This vibrant Boston neighborhood of 59,000 offers urban living with diverse communities, an average rent of $2,000, and median home prices around $540,000. Residents enjoy access to public transit, a 34.5-minute average commute, and top hospitals nearby. While the cost of living is above the national average and crime rates are higher than typical, Roxbury shines with cultural vibrancy, good healthcare coverage, and access to Boston’s renowned educational institutions.
Demographics - Roxbury, MA
Demographics - Roxbury, MA
Roxbury is home to approximately 59,000 residents, offering a vibrant mix of cultures with a significant Black community (45%) and a large proportion of non-English speakers (36%). The neighborhood is densely populated, with a median age of 33.2, reflecting its youthful and diverse character.
Population:
59,000
Density:
13,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36%
Ethnic Composition
White:
14%
Black:
45%
Asian:
3%
Others:
38%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Roxbury, MA?
Living in Roxbury comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, where the median home value is about $540,000 and typical rents are around $2,000 per month. Expenses for utilities and essentials are above national averages, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$540,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
143.0
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
168.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
128.0
Health Care:
119.0
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Roxbury, MA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Roxbury are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 119 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 34 chance of property crime. Residents should be mindful of safety and explore local resources for neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
840
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,950
Crime Index:
3,790
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 119
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Roxbury, MA year-round?
Roxbury experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 22°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 44.5 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, offering a classic New England climate.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $61,000 and a poverty rate of 22%, with about 30% of residents using public transportation for a typical 34.5-minute commute. Educational attainment is solid, with 81% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$43,500
Household Income:
$61,000
Family Income:
$68,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
22%
Non English Speakers:
36%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
30%
Commute Time:
34.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81%
Bachelors or More:
23%
Education
How are the schools in Roxbury, MA?
Families in Roxbury have access to a variety of educational options, including well-regarded public schools like Boston Latin Academy and proximity to Roxbury Community College and Northeastern University. The area also offers private school choices and strong resources for higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Boston Latin Academy
Street:
205 Townsend St
Phone:
617-635-9957
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Name:
John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science
Street:
55 Malcolm X Blvd
Phone:
617-635-9932
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
Cathedral High School
Street:
74 Union Park St
Phone:
617-542-2325
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
Roxbury Community College
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Northeastern University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
21,600
Healthcare
Roxbury residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, including nearby major hospitals like Boston Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage (96.1%) and a strong physician-to-population ratio.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Boston Medical Center
Address:
1 Boston Medical Center Pl, Boston, MA 02118
Phone:
(617) 638-8000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Address:
75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone:
(617) 732-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Roxbury, MA?
The Roxbury housing market is competitive, with median home prices around $540,000 and a low owner-occupied rate of 28%, indicating a strong rental market. Rents average $2,000 for a two-bedroom, and the area has enjoyed moderate home appreciation in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$540,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
28%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Roxbury residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston and accessible for all licensing and vehicle registration needs. Services can be accessed online or in person for added convenience.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
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.