Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Chatham, MA
Thinking of moving to West Chatham, MA? This charming Cape Cod community of about 1,400 residents offers a quiet, coastal lifestyle with a high rate of homeownership and median home prices around $797,000. The cost of living is above average, but residents enjoy low crime rates, quick 18-minute commutes, and excellent access to outdoor recreation. With strong educational attainment and beautiful weather—over 56% sunny days—West Chatham is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic place to call home.
Demographics - West Chatham, MA
Demographics - West Chatham, MA
West Chatham is a small coastal community with a population of 1,410 and a notably high median age of 60.3, reflecting its appeal as a retirement destination. The area is predominantly White, with over 94% of residents, and maintains a relaxed, close-knit atmosphere with moderate population density.
Population:
1,410
Density:
540 per sq mi
Median Age:
60.3
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Chatham, MA?
The cost of living in West Chatham is significantly higher than the national average, with a median home value of $797,000 and a cost of living index of 148.5. While housing costs are elevated, residents benefit from a desirable Cape Cod lifestyle and proximity to amenities.
Median House Value:
$797,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,590
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.5
Grocery:
128.0
Housing:
182.0
Utilities:
125.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
118.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is West Chatham, MA a safe place to live?
West Chatham enjoys a low crime environment, with only 85 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,175 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime rates are also well below most urban averages, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
935
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 118
Weather
What is the weather like in West Chatham, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons with mild summers reaching highs of 77°F and winters with lows around 25°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine on 56% of days, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $87,400 and a relatively low poverty rate of 7.3%. Educational attainment is strong, with nearly 98% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are a quick 18 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$87,400
Family Income:
$110,000
Per Capita Income:
$56,000
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$41,500
Poverty Rate:
7.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
18.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
58.4%
Education
How are the schools in West Chatham, MA?
West Chatham offers quality education with highly rated public schools like Chatham Elementary, featuring a low student-teacher ratio of 10.5. For higher education, Cape Cod Community College is located just 22 miles away, providing local access to college-level programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Chatham Elementary School
Street:
147 Depot Rd
Phone:
508-945-5135
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
Cape Cod Community College
City:
West Barnstable
State:
MA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
West Chatham residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, including Cape Cod Hospital nearby and 3.2 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 96%, ensuring quality medical support for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cape Cod Hospital
Address:
27 Park St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone:
(508) 771-1800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.0%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Chatham, MA?
The local housing market is characterized by a high median home price of $797,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, making this an attractive area for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$797,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently accessible online or at their Boston office. Residents can find comprehensive DMV services, from title processing to driver's license renewals, on the official state website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1000 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
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.