Scituate 72 Excellent
Scituate Livability #113 ranked city in Massachusetts#5,853 ranked city in the USARanks better than 80% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Scituate

PROS
  • Crime 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 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 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.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Cost Of Living 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.

What's it like Living in Scituate?

Located in the state of Massachusetts, Scituate is a small-sized city with a population of 6,062 people. At 90%, the majority of the Scituate population is White; this is followed by 0% Black and 0% Asian. Scituate is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 52, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Scituate entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 40 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Scituate 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Scituate and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Scituate to Massachusetts and the national average.

With a livability score of 72 out of 100, Scituate is ranked #5,248 in the United States and #111 in Massachusetts. Based on the scores for each individual category, Scituate has received high marks for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A). On a less positive note, Scituate does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Scituate, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 41 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Scituate has an unemployment rate of 0.8% 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.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Scituate schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Scituate an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Scituate 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.

Scituate 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 Scituate. Median real estate prices in Scituate come in at $966,340, which is 54.8% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Scituate, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 1.7% lower than the Massachusetts average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Scituate

See all the best places to live around Scituate

How Do You Rate The Livability In Scituate?

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      Scituate transportation information

      Statistic Scituate Massachusetts National
      Average one way commute40min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work69.6%71.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.2%7.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.4%9.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.2%4.9%2.8%
      Working from home16.6%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Scituate, 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.