Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Located in the state of Massachusetts, Northampton is a medium-sized city with a population of 29,383 residents. At 87%, the majority of the Northampton population is White; this is followed by 3% Asian and 2% Black. Northampton is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 44% married, this city falls well below the national average.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Northampton is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Massachusetts, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Northampton and in the areas around Northampton is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 79/100, Northampton is ranked #1,893 in the United States and #45 in Massachusetts. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Northampton could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Northampton ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Northampton ranks well for employment (A+) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, Northampton does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Northampton has an unemployment rate of 2% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Northampton apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Northampton. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Northampton are affordable. The median home price for Northampton homes is $592,304, which is 5.1% lower than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Northampton, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 5.1% lower than the Massachusetts average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Northampton | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 66.3% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.1% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.9% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 10.3% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 14.1% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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