Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Townsend, MA
Considering a move to West Townsend, MA? This charming community of about 1,100 offers a peaceful small-town lifestyle, with median home prices around $420,000 and average rents near $1,350. Residents enjoy low crime rates (just 118 violent crimes per 100K), a strong owner-occupied housing market, and reputable local schools. With an average commute of 33 minutes and abundant access to nature, West Townsend is ideal for those seeking a safe, family-friendly setting within reach of larger towns and cities.
Demographics - West Townsend, MA
Demographics - West Townsend, MA
West Townsend is a small, close-knit community of about 1,100 residents, with a median age of 44.2 that reflects its mature population. The town is predominantly White, and most residents speak English at home, fostering a traditional New England atmosphere.
Population:
1,100
Density:
250 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Townsend, MA?
The cost of living in West Townsend is higher than the national average, with a median home value of $420,000 and average rents around $1,350 per month. Utilities and transportation are moderately priced, and state income taxes range from 5% to 9%, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
128.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
109.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is West Townsend, MA a safe place to live?
West Townsend enjoys a low crime rate, with only 118 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 129. This makes it a safe choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
118
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
968
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 847
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 129
Weather
What is the weather like in West Townsend, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers reaching average highs of 83°F. The area receives about 48.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, making outdoor activities accessible throughout most seasons.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in West Townsend benefit from a median income of $93,200 and a low poverty rate of 5.0%. The community has a strong educational background, with over 94% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher and a typical commute time of about 33 minutes.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$93,200
Family Income:
$103,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$43,500
Poverty Rate:
5.0%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
33.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
39.2%
Education
How are the schools in West Townsend, MA?
Families in West Townsend benefit from well-rated public schools like Spaulding Memorial and Hawthorne Brook Middle, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The area is also served by nearby higher education options, including Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College, broadening local educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Spaulding Memorial School
Street:
1 Whitcomb St
Phone:
978-597-0380
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Hawthorne Brook Middle School
Street:
64 Brookline St
Phone:
978-597-6912
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Private Schools
Name:
Applewild School
Street:
120 Prospect St, Fitchburg, MA
Phone:
978-342-6053
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Mount Wachusett Community College
City:
Gardner
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
Fitchburg State University
City:
Fitchburg
State:
MA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
6,700
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including Nashoba Valley Medical Center and Heywood Hospital nearby. Health insurance coverage is high at 97.1%, and there are 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring ample medical resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
Address:
200 Groton Rd, Ayer, MA 01432
Phone:
(978) 784-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Heywood Hospital
Address:
242 Green St, Gardner, MA 01440
Phone:
(978) 632-3420
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Townsend, MA?
West Townsend's housing market is primarily owner-occupied, with nearly 80% of residents owning their homes and a median home price of $420,000. The area has seen steady appreciation, low vacancy, and minimal foreclosures, indicating a stable and in-demand real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, with resources and support available online and at their Boston office. New residents can find all licensing and vehicle registration information through the state website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160, Boston, MA 02116
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.