Why Hardwick Could Be Your Next Home: An In-Depth Look at Worcester County's Hidden Treasure

Photo by Simon Godfrey/Unsplash

Welcome to Hardwick, a charming town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts. With a population of 2,713, Hardwick offers residents a suburban rural mix feel, making it an ideal place to call home. In this essay, we will explore various aspects of the Hardwick neighborhood, including its population, median home value, public and private schools, neighborhood rankings, crime and safety, resident diversity, median household income, similar places, and current resident reviews. Let's dive in and discover what makes Hardwick such a unique and desirable community.

Population and Housing

Hardwick is home to a population of 2,713 residents. The majority of residents in Hardwick own their homes, with a rent vs own ratio of 28% to 72%. The median home value in Hardwick is $218,000, slightly lower than the national median of $244,900. The median rent in Hardwick is $1,013, compared to the national median of $1,163. These figures indicate that Hardwick offers affordable housing options for its residents.

Neighborhood Rankings

Hardwick has received favorable rankings in various categories. According to Niche, a website that analyzes key statistics and reviews, Hardwick ranks 13th out of 411 places with the lowest cost of living in Massachusetts. It also ranks 94th out of 409 best places to buy a house in Massachusetts, and 182nd out of 350 best places to retire in Massachusetts. These rankings highlight the affordability and desirability of the Hardwick neighborhood.

Photo by niche.com

Crime and Safety

Violent Crimes(Calculated annually per 100,000 residents) vs National

• Assault 260.0 vs National 282.7

Property Crimes(Calculated annually per 100,000 residents) vs National

• Burglary 32.5 vs National 500.1
• Theft 97.5 vs National 2042.8
• Motor Vehicle Theft 98.5 vs National 284.0

Hardwick boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. Based on violent and property crime rates, the town's statistics are as follows: Assault - 259.9935 per 100,000 residents (national average: 282.692), Murder - 259.9935 per 100,000 residents (national average: 6.08472), Rape - 259.9935 per 100,000 residents (national average: 40.6758), Robbery - 259.9935 per 100,000 residents (national average: 135.532), Burglary - 32.49919 per 100,000 residents (national average: 500.126), Theft - 97.49756 per 100,000 residents (national average: 2042.79), Motor Vehicle Theft - 98.4575 per 100,000 residents (national average: 284.038). These statistics indicate that Hardwick is a safe place to live.

Resident Diversity

Age Distribution

• Age<10 years 0.1109472908219683
• 10-17 years 0.11315886472539624
• 18-24 years 0.06597862145226686
• 25-34 years 0.10173239955768522
• 35-44 years 0.11352746037596756
• 45-54 years 0.10652414301511243
• 55-64 years 0.17323995576852194
• 65+ years 0.21489126428308147

Education Levels vs National

• Master's degree or higher 0.1240913811007269 vs National 0.130820341502415
• Bachelor's degree 0.18743509865005192 vs National 0.20587987553332618
• Some college or associate's degree 0.32502596053997923 vs National 0.2871688902051139
• High school diploma or equivalent 0.3037383177570093 vs National 0.2648712959947021
• Less than high school diploma 0.05970924195223261 vs National 0.1112595967644428

Hardwick is a diverse community in terms of age. The population breakdown by age group is as follows: 11% are under 10 years old, 11% are between 10 and 17 years old, 7% are between 18 and 24 years old, 10% are between 25 and 34 years old, 11% are between 35 and 44 years old, 11% are between 45 and 54 years old, 17% are between 55 and 64 years old, and 21% are 65 years old or older. This diverse age distribution contributes to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of Hardwick.

Education and Schools

Hardwick is proud to have above-average public schools. Some of the top public schools serving the neighborhood include Hubbardston Center, Quabbin Regional High School, Hardwick Elementary School, Quabbin Regional Middle School, and Ruggles Lane Elementary School. In addition to public schools, there are also excellent private schools near Hardwick, such as Eagle Hill School, Stetson School, Valley View School, Appleseed Montessori School, and Warren Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School. These educational institutions provide a high-quality learning environment for students in the area.

Similar Places like Hardwick

If you enjoy the charm and character of Hardwick, you may also be interested in exploring similar places nearby. Some of these include Barre, Dudley, Monson, Millbury, Hubbardston, Southampton, Palmer, and Winchendon. These neighboring towns offer a similar suburban rural mix feel and may provide additional options for those considering a move to the area.

Hardwick Resident Reviews

Current residents of Hardwick have expressed their satisfaction with the town. One resident describes it as a wonderful place to live, with multiple farms and a picturesque landscape. The annual Hardwick fair is also highlighted as a great attraction, offering fun games and contests for all ages. These positive reviews reflect the sense of community and enjoyment that residents experience in Hardwick.

Hardwick, Massachusetts, is a hidden gem that offers a suburban rural mix feel, affordable housing options, above-average schools, and a low crime rate. With its diverse population and charming atmosphere, it is no wonder that many young professionals and retirees choose to call Hardwick home. Whether you are looking to settle down, raise a family, or enjoy your retirement years, Hardwick has something to offer for everyone. Come and explore this wonderful neighborhood for yourself!

Disclaimer: The data and information cited in this article are sourced from Niche.com and are provided for informational purposes only. This content was assisted by AI and may contain errors. Please verify critical information with trusted sources. Learn more.