Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Roxbury, MA
Thinking of moving to West Roxbury, MA? With a friendly population of around 32,000, this Boston neighborhood offers a suburban feel with great schools and a high educational attainment rate—over 55% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Expect a higher cost of living, with median home prices at $715,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $2,400, but enjoy low crime rates, excellent access to healthcare, and convenient commutes averaging 34 minutes. West Roxbury is known for its strong community vibe, beautiful green spaces, and easy access to Boston’s amenities—making it a top choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - West Roxbury, MA
Demographics - West Roxbury, MA
West Roxbury is home to about 32,000 residents, with a median age of 43 and a population density that gives it a close-knit suburban feel within Boston. The neighborhood is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and nearly 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
32,000
Density:
5,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.0%
Black:
9.0%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Roxbury, MA?
Living in West Roxbury comes with a higher cost of living, with a median home value around $715,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,400. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also above the national average, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.
Median House Value:
$715,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.0
Grocery:
118.0
Housing:
172.0
Utilities:
123.0
Transportation:
136.0
Health Care:
127.0
Miscellaneous:
119.0
Crime
Is West Roxbury, MA a safe place to live?
West Roxbury enjoys one of the lower crime rates in Boston, with just 170 violent crimes and 1,080 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is low, making this neighborhood appealing for families and those seeking safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,250
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in West Roxbury, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with winters dipping into the low 20s and summers reaching mid-80s Fahrenheit. The area receives about 44.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in West Roxbury have a median income of nearly $110,000, and a strong majority of adults—over 94%—hold at least a high school diploma. The area maintains a low poverty rate of 7.1%, with an average commute time of about 34 minutes and easy access to public transportation.
Median Income:
$55,000
Household Income:
$109,800
Family Income:
$129,000
Per Capita Income:
$56,800
Income Male:
$62,000
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
14.8%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
17.2%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
55.4%
Education
How are the schools in West Roxbury, MA?
West Roxbury offers quality education options, featuring well-regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and several private school choices. Proximity to top universities like Boston College and UMass Boston, both within 10 miles, adds to the neighborhood’s educational appeal.
Public Schools
Name:
William H. Ohrenberger School
Street:
175 West Boundary Rd
Phone:
617-635-8157
Students:
840
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Patrick Lyndon K-8 School
Street:
20 Mount Vernon St
Phone:
617-635-6824
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Private Schools
Name:
Catholic Memorial School
Street:
235 Baker St
Phone:
617-469-8000
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
Boston College
City:
Chestnut Hill
State:
MA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
15,400
Name:
UMass Boston
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
16,200
Healthcare
West Roxbury residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Faulkner Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 96%. There are about 3.4 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring timely medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Faulkner Hospital
Address:
1153 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130
Phone:
(617) 983-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Address:
75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone:
(617) 732-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Roxbury, MA?
The housing market in West Roxbury is robust, with a median home price of $715,000 and a majority of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are low at just over 4%, and home values have appreciated by 6.2% in the past year, reflecting strong demand.
Median Home Price:
$715,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Newton. The RMV provides comprehensive services and can be reached by phone or via its official website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
500 Grove Street, Suite 100, Newton, MA 02462
Phone:
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.