Living in Harvard MA 🌳| Everything to Know About Moving to Harvard MA

Many people are moving to Harvard MA, and for good reason! Not to be confused with Harvard University, which is in Cambridge, MA, the town of Harvard was settled in 1658 and incorporated in 1732. This rural, peaceful town is characterized by a strong sense of community and lots of open space. The town features Bare Hill Pond, a 320-acre lake with a town beach, a dock, and islands.

What is Harvard MA known for? The town of Harvard MA was once home to the short-lived utopian transcendentalist center Fruitlands in the 1840s. Fruitlands was established by Amos Bronson Alcott, the father of ten-year-old Louisa May Alcott, the famous novelist. St. Benedict Abbey, a traditional Catholic monastery, was established in Harvard in 1941.

Harvard is also home to The Oak Ridge Observatory. Built in 1933, the observatory houses the largest telescope east of Texas in the United States. Now, Harvard is a thriving small town run by an excellent government and town bylaws. With excellent public schools, Harvard is a great place for families. But, is Harvard MA a good place to live? You’ll love the tranquil, rural feel of living in Harvard MA.

Where Is Harvard, MA?

Harvard is located about 40 miles west-northwest of downtown Boston and about 26 miles northeast-northwest of Worcester by car. The town is mostly wooded with rolling hills, fields, and wetlands. 

What County Is Harvard MA in?

Harvard MA is in Worcester County.

What Towns Surround Harvard MA?

Harvard, MA, is surrounded by the towns of Ayer, Littleton, Boxborough, Stow, Bolton, and Lancaster.

Map of Harvard, MA

Explore Harvard and other towns surrounding Harvard in this map!

Harvard MA Population and Demographics

Harvard is home to Harvard Shaker Village Historic District, the second oldest Shaker settlement in Massachusetts and the third oldest in the United States. Harvard’s Shaker community rebelled against the local Protestant church in the early 1780s and established their own community with their own buildings. Membership dwindled over the years, from a peak of 200 in the 1850s, and the community eventually closed in 1918. The Harvard population is 6,881. 

Harvard racial and ethnic demographics:

• White: 77.7%
• Black or African American: 5.8%
• Native American and Alaskan Native: 0.4%
• Asian: 5.2%
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.0%
• Two or more races: 1.7%
• Hispanic or Latino: 9.3%

Overview of Harvard’s demographics:

• Population density: 250 per square mile
• Median age: 42.2
• Sex ratio: 54.8% Males, 45.2% Females
• Median household income: $200,688
• Educational attainment: 94.3% high school degree or higher, 64.2% bachelor’s degree or higher
• Foreign-born population: 10.2%
• Veteran population: 307

Harvard is a very safe place to live, and the Harvard Police Department, with 12 sworn officers, works diligently while partnering with the community to maintain safety by serving and protecting all residents of Harvard. The crime rate in Harvard is 318 per 100,000 people, which is 81% lower than the national average. Violent crime is 72 per 100,000 people. The property crime rate in Harvard is low as well, with 245 crimes per 100,000 people.

Harvard MA Cost of Living

The cost of living in Harvard MA is 32.8% higher than the national average. Housing is the most expensive factor making up the cost of living in Harvard MA. The Harvard MA real estate is 54% more expensive than the national average and 47.1% more expensive than the average Massachusetts home. The median sale price of a home in Harvard is $875,500. The median sale price per square foot in Harvard is $331, which is pretty pricey! 

However, the beautiful small-town feel makes living here truly worth it. Check out a current list of Harvard MA homes for sale. The average rental cost in Harvard is about $2,297 per month. By comparison, rents in Boston average $3,300. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Harvard MA on Rent Cafe.

Typical Harvard Living Expenses

• Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
• Domestic beer: $8.00
• 1 gallon of milk: $5.05
• Dozen eggs: $4.36
• 1 pound of chicken: $6.17
• Average Harvard monthly utility bill: $189.16

Source: Numbeo, Boston, MA

If you’re planning a short visit to explore the area before making a move, or just want to experience the quiet charm of Harvard with your pets in tow, Petfriendly offers cozy cabin rentals near Harvard that accommodate both you and your four-legged companions. It’s a comfortable way to enjoy a trial stay in the area while embracing the natural beauty of the region.

The Best Neighborhoods in Harvard

The typical house in the Harvard community is a beautiful, sprawling, colonial-style home sitting on a large lot and surrounded by mature trees on manicured lawns. Most of the homes in Harvard are double the size of the average home in the U.S, averaging 3,300 square feet. Many of the Colonials in the community were built in the 1980s. 

You can also find Garrison-style homes in the wooded Shaker Hills neighborhood that were constructed in the 1970s. If you’re looking for historic charm, Federal-style homes in Harvard date back to the 1770s, some of which sit on acres of forest with large gardens.  

Weather Harvard MA

While most people aren’t moving to Harvard MA for the weather, the Harvard MA weather is not wholly unpleasant. Harvard has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold and cold, snowy winters. Summers are typically very pleasant, warm, and sunny, with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid-60s. Winters tend to be very cold, with temperatures falling below freezing for most of the winter months. 

On average, Harvard gets 48 inches of rain per year, above the US average of 38 inches. Be prepared because Harvard experiences heavy snowfall in winter. While the national average is 28 inches of snow per year, Harvard gets nearly double that, with 54 inches. On average, you’ll see 197 sunny days per year in Harvard. The US average is 205 days. The best time of year to visit Harvard is from mid-June to mid-September to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy outdoor activities.

Things to Do in Harvard MA

Wondering what to do in Harvard MA? When living in Harvard MA, you’ll want something fun to do! Harvard offers fun and exciting things to do and see for residents and visitors alike. You can also take advantage of convenient shopping opportunities at the Harvard General Store, the Mall at Whitney Field, and the Shops at Highland Commons. Here are some of the best things to do in Harvard:

Fruitlands Museum Harvard MA

The Fruitlands Museum tells the story of the short-lived utopian community, Fruitlands, in Harvard. The museum also features a permanent collection and ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary art, including collections of Shaker artifacts and materials, Hudson River and New England landscape painting, and folk portraits. Fruitlands has a Native American museum as well showcasing indigenous art and artifacts. Check it out when you’re living in Harvard MA!

102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451, (978) 456-3924

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge consists of approximately 1,667 acres of conservation land that protects a number of wildlife species, including migratory waterfowl and birds that are dependent on grassland and shrubland habitat. Populations of marsh birds, breeding birds, frogs, and toads inhabit the refuge as well. Oxbow has the largest known population in the Northeast of the threatened Blanding’s turtle. This is a favorite amongst those living in Harvard MA.

33-1 Still River Depot Rd, Harvard, MA 01451, (978) 443-4661

Fort Devens Museum

If you’re a history buff living in Harvard MA, you’ll love this museum. The Fort Devens Museum houses a collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the history of Camp Devens and Fort Devens from 1917 to the present. Exhibits include helmets, uniforms, medical field equipment, communications equipment, and ammunition and weapons from WWI up to the 1st Gulf War.

94 Jackson Rd # 305, Devens, MA 01434, (978) 772-1286

Additional Attractions Near Harvard, MA:

• Carlson Orchards
• Harvard Alpaca Ranch
• Shaker Hills Country Club

For more activities while living in Harvard MA, Harvard has several parks where you can get out, enjoy outdoor activities, or relax and enjoy a quiet day surrounded by nature. Harvard Park features a full track, a playground, a wooded walking/running trail, and playing fields. Ann Lees Ballpark has softball fields, and Harvard Town Beach sits along the shore of Bare Hill Pond, which has a boat ramp and a playground. At Ryan Land, you can play on the baseball fields or walk the 1.2-mile loop through wooded areas. 

Harvard MA Restaurants

While living in Harvard MA, Harvard offers a variety of local dining options that include cafes, pizza, delis, and more. You’ll find something to please every palate in Harvard. Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments such as:

Harvard General Store

Don’t let the name fool you. Harvard General Store serves up made to order servings of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee, pastries, cakes, and snacks. From a classic breakfast to burgers, sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, and pizza, you can’t go wrong any time of the day at Harvard General Store. Definitely check it out while living in Harvard MA.

1 Still River Rd, Harvard, MA 01451, (978) 430-0062

Marty’s Corner Cafe & Deli

A true favorite of those living in Harvard MA, Marty’s Corner Cafe has, hands down, the freshest bagels in town, made fresh every morning. Try one of their tasty breakfast sandwiches, a breakfast burrito, or Avocado toast if you’re in a hurry and need a quick breakfast to go. Marty’s lunch options include Cubanos, steak and cheese subs, tuna salad sandwiches, and much more.

176 Jackson Rd, Devens, MA 01434, (978) 796-5181

Sorrento’s Pizzeria

​​A local favorite, Sorrento’s serves delicious, brick-oven pizza with a variety of toppings to choose from, as well as specialty pizzas. If you aren’t in the mood for pizza, Sorrento’s offers a wide range of pasta dishes, hot and cold subs, wraps, and salads. You’ll love it once you’re living in Harvard MA!

285 Ayer Rd, Harvard, MA 01451, (978) 772-0025

Jobs in Harvard MA

Living in Harvard MA and don’t have a job lined up yet? The top industries near Harvard include healthcare, manufacturing, education, and financial services. Harvard’s proximity to Boston and Worcester offers additional employment opportunities. 

One of the major employers near Harvard is UMass Memorial Medical Center. With over 7,000 employees in the area, the medical center provides a full range of healthcare services, including clinical specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, and children’s medical services. UMass Memorial also provides comprehensive health care throughout Central Massachusetts. 

Check out the other major employers while living in Harvard MA including IPG Photonics,  Saint-Gobain, Reliant Medical Group, and Waters Corp. If you’re looking for a job in Harvard, check out Indeed and the Town of Harvard Employment Opportunities.

Schools in Harvard MA

Harvard Public Schools serves the students of Harvard. Many people flock to living in Harvard MA, because of the great schools that are in the area. The public school district consists of 3 schools: Hildreth Elementary School, Bromfield School Middle School, and Bromfield High School. Harvard Public Schools are highly rated in the state and in the U.S. U.S.News ranks Bromfield High #343 in the nation based on performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well schools prepare students for college. 

The school system is committed to providing an educational community where all students can feel welcome and where students can receive high-quality education centered around dynamic learning and personal well-being.

Thankfully, you’ll find some very good private and charter school options while living in Harvard MA, as well, including South Lancaster Academy, Birches School, The Immaculate Heart of Mary School. For further education options while living in Harvard MA, students have options to attend Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, and Harvard University.

The Harvard Public Library, a beautiful, historic building that opened in 1856, is a great place to spend a day looking for a good book or checking out digital media, music, and more. The library has a full calendar of events as well, including book groups, story time for kids, movie night, and much more.

Harvard MA Statistics & Information

• County: Worcester County
• Area: 27.0 square miles
• Harvard MA zip code: 01451
• Area code: 351, 978 
• Elevation: 420 feet
• Time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
• Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport, 41 miles

Moving to Harvard MA? We Can Help

Moving to Harvard MA, is an exciting journey, and Mass Bay Movers is here to make it stress-free! Whether you’re relocating your home locally or moving a business, our experienced team provides top-notch service, ensuring a smooth and efficient move. 

With affordable rates, expert movers, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, our top-rated Harvard MA movers will handle every detail so you can settle into your new home with ease. We’ll help with storage and packing, too! Call us today for a free quote, and let us take the hassle out of your move!