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.
Northampton, Massachusetts is a mid-sized city with a population of 28,552 residents. According to the most recent Census, 87% of Northampton residents are White, 3% Asian and 2% Black. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 44% of the Northampton population is married.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Northampton could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Massachusetts if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Northampton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, health & safety and more.
Using data and statistics Northampton has received a livability score of 77/100. This score is ranked in the 92nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Northampton would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Northampton ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Northampton scores well for employment (A) and housing (B-) Northampton does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Northampton, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.94% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Northampton has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that Northampton meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Northampton. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Northampton are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Northampton come in at $337,100, which is 1.1% lower than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Northampton, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 2.1% lower than the Massachusetts average.
| 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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