Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watertown, MA
Thinking of moving to Watertown, MA? With a vibrant community of nearly 37,000 residents, Watertown offers a blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm. The city boasts top-tier public schools, a high percentage of college-educated residents, and close proximity to Boston and Cambridge. Expect a median home price around $775,000 and average rents near $2,300, with a lower-than-average violent crime rate and quick 28-minute commutes. Enjoy excellent public transit access, diverse amenities, and a classic New England climate with all four seasons.
Demographics - Watertown, MA
Demographics - Watertown, MA
Watertown is home to nearly 37,000 residents with a high population density and a median age of 39, creating a lively yet mature community. The city is diverse, with over 22% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, and a significant representation of White, Asian, and Black populations. The balanced gender ratio and ethnic variety contribute to Watertown’s welcoming and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Population:
36,792
Density:
8,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.5%
Black:
4.6%
Asian:
13.7%
Others:
9.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watertown, MA?
Living in Watertown comes with a higher-than-average cost, reflected in a median home value of $775,000 and average rent of $2,300. Essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are above national norms, as shown by a cost of living index of 144.7. However, residents benefit from quality amenities and convenient access to Greater Boston.
Median House Value:
$775,000
Gross Rent:
$2,300
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$132
Auto Insurance:
$1,700
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,000
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
144.7
Grocery:
119.1
Housing:
173.5
Utilities:
109.3
Transportation:
127.8
Health Care:
120.2
Miscellaneous:
112.4
Crime
Is Watertown, MA a safe place to live?
Watertown enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with violent crimes occurring at just 106 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 943 chance of being affected. Property crime rates are moderate, offering a reassuring environment for families and individuals. The city’s strong sense of community and proactive public safety contribute to its reputation as a safe place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
106
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,225
Crime Index:
1,331
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 943
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Watertown, MA year-round?
Watertown experiences all four seasons, with warm, pleasant summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to around 20°F. The area gets about 44.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. Residents can expect a classic New England climate, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Watertown’s neighborhoods are marked by a median household income of $108,000 and a family income of $132,000, reflecting a comfortable standard of living. The area boasts a high level of educational attainment, with 94% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and public transportation is widely used, making Watertown appealing for professionals and families alike.
Median Income:
$55,000
Household Income:
$108,000
Family Income:
$132,000
Per Capita Income:
$57,100
Income Male:
$69,000
Income Female:
$58,000
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
22.1%
Rent:
$2,300
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
16.8%
Commute Time:
28.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
57.4%
Education
How are the schools in Watertown, MA?
Watertown offers strong educational opportunities, with well-rated public schools like Watertown High School and Cunniff Elementary, and a favorable student-teacher ratio. Several private schools are available, and top-ranked universities such as Harvard and Boston University are just a few miles away. The city is ideal for families and students seeking quality education at all levels.
Public Schools
Name:
Watertown High School
Street:
50 Columbia St
Phone:
617-926-7760
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.6
Name:
Cunniff Elementary School
Street:
246 Warren St
Phone:
617-926-7726
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School
Street:
47 Nichols Ave
Phone:
617-926-6979
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Harvard University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
31,000
Name:
Boston University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Mount Auburn Hospital and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center nearby and over 97% of the population covered by health insurance. Watertown has a high ratio of physicians per capita, ensuring quality medical care is readily available. The city’s healthcare system supports a healthy and well-served community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mount Auburn Hospital
Address:
330 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone:
(617) 492-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
Address:
736 Cambridge St, Brighton, MA 02135
Phone:
(617) 789-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
81.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watertown, MA?
The Watertown housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $775,000 and nearly half of residents owning their homes. Rental options remain accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,300 and a reasonable vacancy rate of 4.8%. Stable appreciation and low foreclosure rates make it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$775,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Watertown residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Boston. The RMV offers all standard services, including licensing and vehicle registration, with easy access by phone or online. This ensures a smooth process for drivers relocating to the area.
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.