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.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
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.
Wellesley, Massachusetts is a mid-sized city with a population of 28,747 inhabitants. At 78%, the majority of the Wellesley population is White; this is followed by 14% Asian and 3% Black. An important consideration when living in Wellesley 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 30 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Wellesley can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Massachusetts, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Wellesley and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Wellesley has received a livability score of 85 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Wellesley ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Wellesley has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Wellesley ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B-). On a less positive note, Wellesley does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 61 crimes per 100,000 residents, Wellesley has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Wellesley 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 80%, 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 Wellesley an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Wellesley 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Wellesley. 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 Wellesley are affordable. The median home price for Wellesley homes is $1,212,100, which is 255.5% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wellesley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.7, which is 18.8% higher than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Wellesley | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 53.5% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 8.6% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 13.2% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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