Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shutesbury, MA
Considering a move to Shutesbury, MA? This quiet, wooded town of 1,800 offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with low crime (violent crime just 70 per 100K) and affordable homes, where the median house value is $386,000 and average rent is $1,350. Residents enjoy a strong educational environment, with 58% holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, short 28-minute commutes, and easy access to excellent schools and nearby colleges. With four-season New England weather and a high rate of health insurance coverage, Shutesbury is ideal for those seeking tranquility, community, and natural beauty near the Amherst area.
Demographics - Shutesbury, MA
Demographics - Shutesbury, MA
Shutesbury is a small rural community with a population of 1,800, predominantly White, and a median age of 47.2, creating a calm and mature atmosphere. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming and close-knit place for families and retirees.
Population:
1,800
Density:
60 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shutesbury, MA?
Living in Shutesbury is moderately more expensive than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116 and a median home value around $386,000. Residents can expect typical monthly rent of $1,350 and reasonable utility costs, while state income taxes range from 5% to 9%.
Median House Value:
$386,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
113.0
Housing:
124.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
108.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Shutesbury, MA a safe place to live?
Shutesbury offers a notably safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 70 per 100,000 people and property crime rates well below national averages. The chances of encountering crime are low, making it an attractive location for those prioritizing safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
320
Crime Index:
390
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,570
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 560
Weather
What is the weather like in Shutesbury, MA year-round?
Residents experience classic New England seasons, with cold winters dipping to 14°F and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The town enjoys about 51% sunny days and receives around 47.5 inches of rainfall annually, providing a picturesque backdrop for year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Shutesbury households tend to be well-educated and financially stable, with a median family income of $102,000 and 58% of adults holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The community enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3.6% and most commutes average about 28 minutes, offering a comfortable balance of rural living and accessibility.
Median Income:
$45,000
Household Income:
$91,500
Family Income:
$102,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,800
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.0%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
28.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
98.5%
Bachelors or More:
58.0%
Education
How are the schools in Shutesbury, MA?
Shutesbury supports strong educational opportunities, featuring a well-rated elementary school with a favorable 9.5 student-teacher ratio. Nearby, families benefit from access to top institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Amherst College, both within a short drive and offering a vibrant academic atmosphere.

Public Schools
Name:
Shutesbury Elementary School
Street:
23 West Pelham Rd
Phone:
413-259-1212
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5

Private Schools
Name:
Amherst Montessori School
Street:
27 Pomeroy Ln, Amherst
Phone:
413-253-3101
Students:
85

Colleges
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
31,600
Name:
Amherst College
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,850
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals such as Cooley Dickinson and UMass Memorial nearby, and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.1%. The area benefits from a solid physician availability at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Address:
30 Locust St, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone:
(413) 582-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Address:
55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA 01655
Phone:
(508) 334-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shutesbury, MA?
Shutesbury's housing market is characterized by high owner-occupancy at 91%, a median home price of $386,000, and steady home appreciation of 4.5% over the past year. Rental options are limited but affordable, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,350 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%.
Median Home Price:
$386,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
91.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Shutesbury residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, which offers a range of licensing and registration services both online and at its main office in Quincy. Access to DMV resources is straightforward, ensuring convenient support for drivers and vehicle owners.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
25 Newport Ave Ext, 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.