Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Hatfield, MA
Considering a move to West Hatfield, MA? This small, peaceful community of about 1,400 residents offers affordable homes (median price $375,000), lower rents, and a quiet lifestyle near Northampton and Amherst. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (82 per 100k), short average commutes of 24 minutes, and excellent public schools with small class sizes. With 54% sunny days, a strong healthcare presence, and easy access to higher education, West Hatfield is an inviting spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - West Hatfield, MA
Demographics - West Hatfield, MA
West Hatfield is a close-knit community of about 1,400 residents, with a median age of 46.2 and a population density that supports a peaceful, small-town atmosphere. The area is predominantly White, with small but notable Black and Asian communities, and around 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,400
Density:
225 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
5.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Hatfield, MA?
West Hatfield's cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $375,000 and average rents around $1,350, reflecting the desirability of the area. Utility costs and groceries are moderately priced, while state income taxes range from 5.0% to 9.0%. Residents benefit from manageable household expenses and access to quality amenities.
Median House Value:
$375,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.0
Grocery:
110.1
Housing:
120.7
Utilities:
108.2
Transportation:
112.5
Health Care:
107.9
Miscellaneous:
105.4
Crime
Is West Hatfield, MA a safe place to live?
West Hatfield boasts a low violent crime rate of 82 per 100,000 residents, offering a sense of security for families and individuals. Property crime rates are higher but still manageable, with a 1 in 95 chance of being affected. Overall, the community is considered safe and welcoming.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,132
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in West Hatfield, MA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and brisk winters with lows around 16°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 54% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety. Outdoor activities are popular thanks to comfortable spring and fall temperatures.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
West Hatfield’s households typically earn a median income of $74,800, and the poverty rate is below 8%, indicating a stable local economy. The community is highly educated, with 96% completing high school and nearly 39% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average just under 24 minutes, providing a balanced lifestyle for working professionals.
Median Income:
$39,200
Household Income:
$74,800
Family Income:
$89,600
Per Capita Income:
$35,500
Income Male:
$47,000
Income Female:
$38,500
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.1%
Bachelors or More:
38.8%
Education
How are the schools in West Hatfield, MA?
West Hatfield offers excellent educational opportunities, with public schools such as Hatfield Elementary and Smith Academy featuring small class sizes and attentive teaching. Higher education is within easy reach, with Smith College just 4 miles away and the University of Massachusetts Amherst 11 miles from town. The community values education, reflected in its high graduation rates and proximity to renowned colleges.
Public Schools
Name:
Hatfield Elementary School
Street:
33 Main St
Phone:
413-247-5010
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.4
Name:
Smith Academy
Street:
34 School St
Phone:
413-247-5641
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.6
Colleges
Name:
Smith College
City:
Northampton
State:
MA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
2,900
Name:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
31,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong in West Hatfield, with Cooley Dickinson Hospital nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 97%. The area has about three physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring prompt medical care. Residents benefit from quality general and emergency services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Address:
30 Locust St, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone:
(413) 582-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Hatfield, MA?
The housing market in West Hatfield is marked by a median home price of $375,000 and strong owner-occupancy at over 72%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents around $1,350, and the area has seen steady home appreciation of 6.4% over the past year. Foreclosure and vacancy rates remain low, making it a stable place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$375,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of West Hatfield are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Amherst. The local DMV offers standard licensing and vehicle services, and information is easily accessible via the state’s official website or by phone. This ensures residents have straightforward access to essential transportation resources.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1164 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002
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.