Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waltham, MA
Thinking of moving to Waltham, MA? With a population of 65,218, Waltham offers a vibrant, diverse community and access to top-tier universities like Brandeis and Bentley. The median home price is $672,000 and average rent is $2,350, reflecting a high cost of living in exchange for excellent amenities and strong educational attainment (over 52% with bachelor’s degrees or higher). Residents enjoy a moderate commute time of 27 minutes, low violent crime rates (205 per 100K), and four-season New England weather. Explore more on cost of living, housing, schools, and local healthcare to plan your move to this lively Boston suburb.
Demographics - Waltham, MA
Demographics - Waltham, MA
Waltham is home to around 65,218 residents, with a median age of 34.7 and a population density that offers an urban-suburban blend. The city is notably diverse, including a significant Asian community and over a quarter of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is nearly balanced, making it appealing to families and young professionals alike.
Population:
65,218
Density:
5,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
26.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.5%
Black:
6.5%
Asian:
13.8%
Others:
14.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waltham, MA?
Waltham's cost of living is well above the national average, reflected in a median home value of $672,000 and typical rents of $2,350 per month. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also higher than average, making it important for newcomers to budget accordingly. Residents pay state taxes ranging from 5% to 9%, contributing to the overall expense of living in this vibrant Boston suburb.
Median House Value:
$672,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.4
Grocery:
116.7
Housing:
177.8
Utilities:
120.4
Transportation:
117.2
Health Care:
110.9
Miscellaneous:
106.8
Crime
Is Waltham, MA a safe place to live?
Waltham maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 205 incidents per 100,000 people, with property crimes more common but still below national urban averages. Residents have about a 1 in 487 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming community. This makes Waltham especially attractive for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,024
Crime Index:
1,229
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 487
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Waltham, MA year-round?
Waltham experiences all four New England seasons, with winters averaging lows around 20°F and summers reaching highs near 84°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine on 56% of days, ideal for those who enjoy distinct seasonal changes. Residents can expect vibrant autumns and mild springs, perfect for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Waltham's residents benefit from a strong median household income of $101,600 and a well-educated community, with over half holding at least a bachelor's degree. The poverty rate remains below 10%, and unemployment sits at a low 3.8%. With a moderate average commute of 27 minutes and robust public transit usage, the city offers a balanced lifestyle for professionals and families.
Median Income:
$45,700
Household Income:
$101,600
Family Income:
$118,900
Per Capita Income:
$47,200
Income Male:
$58,300
Income Female:
$46,100
Poverty Rate:
9.7%
Non English Speakers:
26.3%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
14.4%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
52.8%
Education
How are the schools in Waltham, MA?
Waltham excels in education, offering strong public schools like Waltham High and access to prestigious institutions such as Brandeis and Bentley Universities. More than half of residents have at least a bachelor's degree, and local schools feature favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The city’s educational environment is ideal for families and students seeking quality learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Waltham High School
Street:
617 Lexington St
Phone:
781-314-5445
Students:
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Name:
McDevitt Middle School
Street:
75 Church St
Phone:
781-314-5590
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Private Schools
Name:
Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School
Street:
785 Beaver St
Phone:
781-314-0806
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Brandeis University
City:
Waltham
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,800
Name:
Bentley University
City:
Waltham
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,600
Healthcare
Waltham residents enjoy excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Newton-Wellesley and Mount Auburn nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 95%. The city boasts a strong ratio of 3.6 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality medical care is readily available. Local healthcare facilities provide comprehensive services, including emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Address:
2014 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462
Phone:
(617) 243-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mount Auburn Hospital
Address:
330 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone:
(617) 492-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waltham, MA?
The Waltham housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $672,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,350. About 48% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, indicating steady demand and investment appeal. Home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year, reflecting strong market growth.
Median Home Price:
$672,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Waltham residents are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston. The RMV handles licensing, registrations, and other motor vehicle needs both in-person and online. Residents can access full DMV resources and support through the state’s official RMV website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
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.