Is Carver Safe, Pros and cons of living in Carver

Carver, Massachusetts, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and community engagement, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a change of scenery. This town in Plymouth County provides a distinct New England atmosphere, characterized by its historical roots and natural landscapes. It’s a place where residents often appreciate the slower pace of life while still having access to the amenities of larger surrounding areas.

The town’s identity is shaped by its historical significance, being named after John Carver, the first governor of the Plymouth Colony. This heritage is palpable in its community structure and the general disposition of its residents. Carver is known for attractions like Edaville USA and King Richard’s Faire, which draw visitors and add to the local flavor.

Is it Safe to Live in Carver?

Carver’s overall crime rate is considered to be near the average for all cities and towns in America, with a rate of 7 crimes per 1,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Carver is approximately 1 in 153, according to an analysis of FBI crime data. While the overall crime rate is average, the town’s safety grade is a D, with a violent crime rate of 101 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% above the national average (as reported by FBI Data). Conversely, another source indicates that Carver has a crime rate of 11.93 per 1,000 residents, and residents generally consider the north part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime in those neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, including burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson, is reported at a rate of 6 per 1,000 residents, which is also about average for all communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The cost of crime per resident in Carver is approximately $170 per year, which is less than both the national and Massachusetts state averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). These tangible costs include criminal justice system expenses, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders. When considering specific zip codes, the 02330 area in Carver has a crime score of A+, indicating very low crime compared to regional averages (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Carver presents a competitive landscape. The median sale price of a home in Carver was approximately $530,000 in March 2026, showing a year-over-year decrease of 16.2% (as reported by Redfin). More recently, in April 2026, the median listing price was around $644,000, and homes were selling in an average of 23 days on the market (as reported by Movoto). Zillow reports an average home value in Carver of $588,779 as of May 2026, an increase of 3.8% over the past year, with a median list price of $600,967 in April 2026 (as reported by Zillow).

For renters, the median gross rent in Carver is approximately $1,827 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). The average rent for apartments in Carver is $2,000 per month, which is about 4% higher than the national average. Houses in Carver tend to rent for more, with an average of $2,795 per month, approximately 45% higher than the national average (as reported by Trulia). Housing costs in Carver are generally considered to be higher than the national average, with a cost of living index that reflects this (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Carver has a labor force of 6,402 individuals, with an unemployment rate of 3.8% (as reported by ZoomProspector). The average annual household income in Carver was reported as $124,350 in 2024, marking an increase from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Carver is $91,250 (as reported by Point2Homes and ZoomProspector). A significant portion of the working population, 76.3%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes).

The town’s economy is supported by various sectors, with a notable percentage of residents working in professional and technical fields. While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the workforce distribution indicates a strong presence in areas like healthcare and professional services. The average per capita income in Carver is $59,900 (as reported by ZoomProspector).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Carver experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 81°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 6°F or exceeding 89°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warmest months are July, with average highs of 81°F and lows of 63°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 22°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with November typically seeing the most rain, averaging 3.9 inches, and January receiving the least, with about 2.5 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). Snowfall is seasonal, with the snowiest period occurring from November to April. February usually experiences the most snow, with an average accumulation of 6.8 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and School System

Carver Public Schools serve the town’s student population, which numbers approximately 1,476 students in grades PK-12. The student-teacher ratio is 12:1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 33% of students are proficient in math and 31% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Carver Middle/High School, serving grades 6-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and a graduation rate of 92% (as reported by Homes.com). While Carver’s schools are rated C overall by Niche, they are considered better than a portion of schools in Massachusetts and the U.S. (as reported by Niche and NeighborhoodScout). Minority enrollment in Carver’s public schools is around 10%, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Demographics and Population

Carver is home to approximately 11,712 residents, with a median age of 45.9 years (as reported by Point2Homes and ZoomProspector). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial makeup of Carver is predominantly White, at 87.8%, followed by smaller percentages of those identifying with two or more races, African American, and Asian populations (as reported by ZoomProspector and Point2Homes).

The town has a notable proportion of older residents, with about 23% of the population aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). Households in Carver average two members, and 69% of these are families, while the remaining 31% are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Carver

Carver offers a peaceful, suburban environment with a strong sense of community, appealing to families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle. The town’s proximity to natural attractions and seasonal events like King Richard’s Faire adds to its charm. Residents benefit from a relatively strong median household income, indicating a stable economic base within the community.

However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a significant factor, with home prices and rents often exceeding national averages. While the overall crime rate is average, the violent crime rate is above the national average, which is a point of consideration for safety. The school system, while adequate, receives average ratings and may not offer the same breadth of opportunities as larger districts.