Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Harwich, MA
Considering a move to West Harwich, MA? This charming Cape Cod village has a population of about 1,600 and offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle. With median home prices around $610,000 and average rents at $1,650, housing is on the higher side, but residents enjoy low crime rates (only 76 violent crimes per 100K), short 23-minute commutes, and excellent school options. The area boasts mild summers, over 56% sunny days, and high rates of health insurance coverage, making it ideal for those seeking a safe and scenic New England community.
Demographics - West Harwich, MA
Demographics - West Harwich, MA
West Harwich is a close-knit community of about 1,600 residents, with a median age of 54.2, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families. The town is predominantly White (92%), and around 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to its welcoming, small-town charm.
Population:
1,600
Density:
770 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Harwich, MA?
Living in West Harwich comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $610,000 and a cost of living index of 135.5. While housing and groceries are more expensive than the national average, residents benefit from quality amenities and the peaceful Cape Cod lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$610,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,525
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$825
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.5
Grocery:
120.4
Housing:
158.2
Utilities:
116.8
Transportation:
119.1
Health Care:
118.6
Miscellaneous:
112.3
Crime
Is West Harwich, MA a safe place to live?
West Harwich enjoys a notably low crime rate, with only 76 violent crimes and 815 property crimes per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. The odds of experiencing violent crime are just 1 in 1,316, contributing to the area’s reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
76
Property Crimes Per 100k:
815
Crime Index:
891
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,316
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 123
Weather
What is the weather like in West Harwich, MA year-round?
Residents experience mild Cape Cod weather, with summer highs averaging 78°F and winters rarely dipping below 26°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days, perfect for those who appreciate a temperate, coastal climate.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $67,300 and a poverty rate of just 7.1%, indicating relative economic stability. Most residents commute about 23 minutes to work, and nearly 95% have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a well-educated, friendly neighborhood.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$67,300
Family Income:
$81,100
Per Capita Income:
$40,200
Income Male:
$44,600
Income Female:
$36,400
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.7%
Bachelors or More:
40.8%
Education
How are the schools in West Harwich, MA?
Families in West Harwich benefit from well-regarded schools such as Harwich Elementary and Monomoy Regional Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Access to private education and higher learning, including Cape Cod Community College just 18 miles away, supports diverse educational needs.
Public Schools
Name:
Harwich Elementary School
Street:
263 South St
Phone:
508-430-7216
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Name:
Monomoy Regional Middle School
Street:
425 Crowell Rd, Chatham, MA
Phone:
508-945-5140
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Christian Academy
Street:
979 Mary Dunn Rd, Barnstable, MA
Phone:
508-790-0114
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Cape Cod Community College
City:
West Barnstable
State:
MA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
West Harwich residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including nearby Cape Cod Hospital and Harbor Health Community Health Center. With 96.8% of the population insured and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people, the town offers excellent medical resources for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cape Cod Hospital
Address:
27 Park St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone:
(508) 771-1800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Harbor Health Community Health Center
Address:
710 Main St, Harwich, MA 02645
Phone:
(508) 430-0135
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.8%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Harwich, MA?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $610,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.4%. Home values have appreciated by 7.1% in the past year, and rental options are available but limited, underscoring strong demand in this desirable Cape Cod location.
Median Home Price:
$610,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in nearby Hyannis. The DMV offers a range of services and can be reached at 1-857-368-8000 or via its official website for convenient online access.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1019 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601
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.