Why Live in Shutesbury
Shutesbury, a small town in Leverett, western Massachusetts, is known for its rural charm and natural beauty. The town lacks typical urban amenities such as banks, gas stations, and convenience stores, and residents appreciate the absence of streetlights, which enhances the stargazing experience. Shutesbury features a part-time library, a part-time post office, and abundant wildlife, including wild turkeys, deer, and black bears. Housing primarily consists of established homes on large lots, with styles including Colonial Revival, ranch, and Cape Cod. Homes are well-spaced, providing privacy, especially outside the small lake community around Lake Wyola. This lake anchors a state park offering seasonal activities like swimming and fishing, while Shutesbury State Forest provides hiking trails and conservation lands. The town's proximity to the Quabbin Reservoir ensures its rural character due to development restrictions. Shutesbury's topography includes the hilliest terrain in the Pioneer Valley region.
Students in Shutesbury attend well-rated schools, with younger students at Shutesbury Elementary and older students at Amherst Regional Middle and Amherst Regional High, both of which have high ratings. The Shutesbury Athletic Club is a notable local business, serving as a bar and grill and community hub with live music and events. For dining and retail, residents travel to nearby Amherst, about 10 miles away, which offers a variety of restaurants and stores, including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s. Major roads like U.S. Route 202 and Interstate 91 provide access to the broader region, with I-91 connecting to Springfield, 30 miles south. The town's newsletter, Our Town, keeps residents informed about local happenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shutesbury a good place to live?
Shutesbury is a good place to live. Shutesbury is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Shutesbury has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 0.1 people per acre and a median age of 51. The average household income is $116,299 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 73.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Shutesbury are home owners, with 15.9% of residents renting and 84.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Shutesbury can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Shutesbury neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Shutesbury?
The median home price in Shutesbury is $277,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $55,400 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,440 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $62K a year to afford the median home price in Shutesbury. The average household income in Shutesbury is $116K.
What are the best public schools in Shutesbury?
The best public schools that serve Shutesbury are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Shutesbury, Leverett, MA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Shutesbury, Leverett, MA?
Are home prices dropping in Shutesbury?
Yes, home prices in Shutesbury are down 66% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Shutesbury, MA
On average, homes in Shutesbury, Leverett sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Shutesbury, Leverett over the last 12 months is $260,000, down 65% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$260,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$300,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$220,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$155
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Median List Price
$277,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-65%