Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sunderland, MA
Considering a move to Sunderland, MA? This vibrant college town of 3,640 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $385,000 and average rents near $1,370. Enjoy short commute times (23 minutes), low crime rates, and excellent educational opportunities—UMass Amherst is just minutes away. The community boasts high educational attainment, great access to healthcare, and four-season New England charm with over half the days sunny. Explore Sunderland for a scenic, friendly, and well-connected place to call home.
Demographics - Sunderland, MA
Demographics - Sunderland, MA
Sunderland, MA is a small town of about 3,640 people, characterized by a youthful median age of 30.7 years and a diverse community where roughly 14.5% speak a language other than English at home. The population is predominantly White, with notable Asian and Black minorities, and the town maintains a balanced gender ratio. With a moderate density, Sunderland offers a welcoming environment for individuals and families seeking a close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
3,640
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.7
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.1%
Black:
3.2%
Asian:
6.5%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sunderland, MA?
Living in Sunderland means enjoying a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven mainly by housing and groceries. The median home value is $385,000, while average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,370 per month. Residents benefit from reasonable utility and insurance costs, making it an accessible option within Massachusetts.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,370
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
126.5
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
112.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Sunderland, MA a safe place to live?
Sunderland is a relatively safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 76 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime remaining well below national averages. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 1,316, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals concerned with safety. The town's overall crime index reflects a secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
76
Property Crimes Per 100k:
747
Crime Index:
823
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,316
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 134
Weather
What is the weather like in Sunderland, MA year-round?
Sunderland experiences classic New England weather, with cold winters averaging lows of 17°F and warm summers reaching highs around 82°F. The area enjoys about 56% sunny days annually and receives roughly 45 inches of rainfall, offering residents vibrant seasonal changes and plenty of outdoor opportunities. Spring and fall bring mild, comfortable temperatures, ideal for enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Residents in Sunderland benefit from a strong sense of community, with a typical household income of $60,200 and a poverty rate of 13%. The town is highly educated, boasting over 97% of adults with a high school diploma or higher, and nearly half holding a bachelor’s degree or more. Commute times average just over 23 minutes, and public transportation is accessible for daily needs.
Median Income:
$36,600
Household Income:
$60,200
Family Income:
$92,800
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$32,600
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,370
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
5.8%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
48.5%
Education
How are the schools in Sunderland, MA?
Sunderland offers quality education through its local public schools, including Sunderland Elementary, which boasts a favorable student-teacher ratio. The town is just minutes from major higher education institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Amherst College, providing outstanding opportunities for students of all ages. The strong local emphasis on education supports a well-informed and thriving community.

Public Schools
Name:
Sunderland Elementary School
Street:
1 Swampfield Dr
Phone:
413-665-1151
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
32,000
Name:
Amherst College
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Sunderland is robust, with 98.1% of residents covered by health insurance and access to major hospitals like Cooley Dickinson Hospital nearby. The area has a good ratio of physicians per capita, ensuring quality care and short wait times. Sunderland’s healthcare environment is well-regarded, making it a reassuring choice for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Address:
30 Locust St, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone:
(413) 582-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Address:
164 High St, Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone:
(413) 773-0211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
98.1%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sunderland, MA?
Sunderland’s housing market features a median home price of $385,000, with a healthy appreciation rate of 6.1% over the past year. About 41% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental vacancy rates are moderate, offering a mix of buying and renting options. The area’s low foreclosure and new construction rates reflect a stable and growing community.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,370
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle-related services in Sunderland are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in Quincy. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and other DMV needs conveniently through the state website or by phone. The process is streamlined for Massachusetts drivers, ensuring efficient access to all essential services.
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.