Gloucester 71 Excellent
Gloucester Livability #126 ranked city in Massachusetts#6,865 ranked city in the USARanks better than 76% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Gloucester

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Gloucester?

Gloucester is a mid-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 31,315 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Gloucester residents are White, 2% Black and 2% Asian. The Gloucester population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 51, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Gloucester is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 27 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Gloucester 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 Gloucester and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.

Gloucester has a livability score of 71 out of 100 and is ranked #119 in Massachusetts and #5,976 in the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Gloucester scores well for crime (A-), employment (A) and housing (B) Unfortunately for Gloucester, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Gloucester can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Gloucester is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Gloucester come in at $767,461, which is 22.9% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Gloucester, the home price to income ratio is 6.9, which is 16.9% higher than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Gloucester

See all the best places to live around Gloucester

How Do You Rate The Livability In Gloucester?

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Compare Gloucester, MA Livability

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      Gloucester transportation information

      Statistic Gloucester Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute27min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.3%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.9%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.9%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.1%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home5.4%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Gloucester, MA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.