Winchester 91 Exceptional
Winchester Livability #2 ranked city in Massachusetts#36 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Winchester

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Winchester?

Located in the state of Massachusetts, Winchester is a mid-sized city with a population of 22,760 residents. With a population density of 3,773 people per square mile, Winchester is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% White). Given that fact, Winchester could be considered less diverse than other cities. An important consideration when living in Winchester is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 34 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Winchester is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating 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. The best areas in Winchester and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.

Winchester has a livability score of 90/100 and is ranked #2 in Massachusetts and #32 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Winchester ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Winchester also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Winchester has received high marks for amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B-). The bad news for Winchester, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).

If you're living in Winchester, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Winchester an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Winchester gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 40 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Winchester, the unemployment rate stands at 1.81%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Winchester, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 81%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Winchester market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Winchester real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Winchester. The median home price for Winchester homes is $968,000, which is 183.9% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Winchester, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 16.7% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Winchester

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Compare Winchester, MA Livability

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      Winchester transportation information

      Statistic Winchester Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute34min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work66.8%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.2%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit10.5%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.9%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home14.1%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Winchester, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).