Is Bridgewater Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bridgewater

Bridgewater, Massachusetts, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban centers. This town in Plymouth County is known for its historical roots and evolving community landscape, attracting a diverse range of residents. It provides a setting that balances peaceful living with the opportunities found in nearby cities like Boston and Providence.

The community is home to Bridgewater State University, contributing to a vibrant educational atmosphere and a younger demographic within the town. Its location also provides a strategic advantage for those seeking employment in the greater Boston area while desiring a more serene place to call home. The town’s infrastructure and amenities are geared towards supporting a comfortable and engaged lifestyle for its inhabitants.

Is it Safe to Live in Bridgewater?

Bridgewater, MA, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The city reports a total crime rate of 274.9 per 100,000 residents as of 2024, which is significantly lower than the national average (according to FBI data). This rate places Bridgewater in the 98th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 98% of U.S. cities.

Violent crime rates in Bridgewater are also well below the national average, with a rate of 74.7 per 100,000 residents in 2024 (according to FBI data). Property crime rates are similarly low, at 200.2 per 100,000 residents in the same year (according to FBI data). Year over year, the total crime rate in Bridgewater has decreased by 51.3%, with violent crime declining by 65.5%.

Demographics and Population

Bridgewater, MA, is home to a population of approximately 9,255 individuals (as of 2018). The median age in Bridgewater is 21.7 years, reflecting the presence of a significant student population due to Bridgewater State University. The town’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, with 97.7% of residents being citizens.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest group, making up 6.08 times more than any other race or ethnicity (as of 2018). Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents are the second-largest group, followed by those identifying with Two Races Excluding Other, and Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic). Hispanic residents account for 3.94% of the population.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bridgewater, MA, is approximately 26% higher than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This figure positions Bridgewater as more expensive than the average city in Massachusetts. Housing expenses in Bridgewater are notably less affordable than the U.S. average.

However, certain cost categories are more favorable. Food costs in Bridgewater are more affordable than the national average. Transportation costs are also considered as affordable as the U.S. average. Utility prices are slightly lower than the national average, by about 6%.

Housing Costs

The housing market in Bridgewater, MA, reflects a higher cost of living, with the average home value standing at $630,946 as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow). This represents a 2.8% increase over the past year. The median list price for homes in Bridgewater is $631,617 as of March 31, 2026.

Rental prices in Bridgewater are also above the national average. The average rent for an apartment in Bridgewater, MA, is $1,965 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This is 20% higher than the national average rent price of $1,642 per month. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,965 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around $2,643 per month.

Salaries and Income

The median household income in Bridgewater, MA, was $64,929 in 2018, showing a 3.1% one-year growth. To live comfortably in Bridgewater, MA, considering the average rent of $1,965 per month, an individual would need to earn approximately $6,550 per month or $78,600 annually (according to Apartments.com). This recommendation is based on the general guideline of not exceeding 30% of monthly income on rent.

For those employed at Bridgewater Associates, a prominent employer in the financial sector, compensation can be substantial. The average estimated annual salary, including base and bonus, at Bridgewater Associates is $117,541, or $56 per hour (according to Comparably). However, other sources suggest higher figures, with an average salary of $250,000 per year, ranging from $217,000 to $447,000 annually for many employees (according to 6figr.com).

Job Market and Major Employers

The employment landscape in Bridgewater, MA, sees a decline in overall employment, with a -0.836% decrease from 2017 to 2018, resulting in 5.22k employees (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services. Sales & Related Occupations employ the most people, followed by Office & Administrative Support Occupations and Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations.

Bridgewater State University is a significant employer within the town. Other notable companies and organizations in Bridgewater, MA, include A&A Metro Transportation, Veolia Environmental Services North America, and PrimeSource Building Products. Major employers in the broader Bridgewater area also include MetLife, Sanofi, Nestle Health Science, Linde Americas, and AT&T (according to New Jersey Real Estate Network).

Climate and Weather

Bridgewater, Massachusetts, experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from a low of 20°F in January to a high of 85°F in July (based on data from 1992–2021). The average annual precipitation is approximately 4.04 inches.

Summer months are warm, with average high temperatures around 77°F in July. Winters are cold, with average low temperatures dropping to around 20°F in January. Humidity levels are generally comfortable during the summer.

Education and School Ratings

Bridgewater, MA, is served by the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District, which has received a B- overall grade (according to Niche). The district serves PK-12 students and has a rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 65 reviews. It has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, with 5,682 students.

Public schools in Bridgewater have an average math proficiency score of 48% and a reading proficiency score of 47% (compared to Massachusetts averages of 43% and 45%, respectively). The schools in Bridgewater have an average ranking of 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Massachusetts public schools. Top-ranked public schools include Bridgewater-Raynham Regional, Bridgewater Middle School, and Williams Intermediate School.