The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 01086 sells for about $340,000, or $215 per square foot.
Prices are down 2.9% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 35 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,650 a month.
ZIP 01086 — Westfield
The Ware housing market is currently experiencing a period of price stabilization following recent years of rapid growth. While inventory remains tight, the market is seeing a slight cooling in demand, reflected in the modest year-over-year price decline. Buyers are finding a more balanced environment compared to the highly competitive conditions seen in the broader Springfield metro area.
Ware is well-suited for family buyers and those seeking a more affordable, small-town lifestyle within commuting distance of larger employment centers. It appeals to individuals looking for space and character who are willing to trade urban convenience for a quieter environment.
Median prices moved down 2.9% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 35 days on market with 2.5 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.5% · poverty 9.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 01086, Hampshire County, MA
Crime rates in Ware are generally lower than the state average, with property crime being the primary concern. The area is considered relatively safe compared to larger urban centers in the Springfield metro region.
Public schools in the area are served by the Ware Public Schools district, which provides a standard range of educational services. Performance metrics are generally consistent with regional averages for rural-suburban Massachusetts districts.
The area faces moderate risks related to winter weather and occasional flooding near the Ware River. Property insurance premiums are stable but reflect standard New England hazard profiles.
Economic momentum is driven by local manufacturing and proximity to the Springfield employment hub. Infrastructure development is focused on maintaining regional connectivity rather than large-scale expansion.
Property taxes are assessed at the municipal level by the Town of Ware. The rate is determined annually based on the town's budget requirements and the total assessed value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction.
Commuting primarily involves driving via Route 32 and Route 9 toward Springfield or Worcester. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicle ownership essential for most residents.
The area features access to the Ware River for outdoor activities and several local parks. Shopping and dining are concentrated in the town center, with larger retail options available within a 20-minute drive.
The rental market is characterized by low vacancy rates and consistent demand from local workers. Short-term rental presence is minimal, with most inventory serving long-term residents.
The local economy is supported by a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and retail services. Many residents commute to larger employers in the Springfield and Worcester metropolitan areas.
Transportation is heavily reliant on personal vehicles, with Route 32 serving as the primary artery. Regional transit connectivity is limited, reflecting the town's rural-suburban character.
Development is currently focused on small-scale residential projects and the ongoing revitalization of the historic downtown area.
The town's assessment regime is managed by the local Board of Assessors, which conducts periodic revaluations to ensure fair market value alignment.
Parcels are subject to standard municipal property taxes and the Ware Public Schools district levies.
Property insurance remains stable, though homeowners should account for standard New England weather-related risks.
Massachusetts is a judicial foreclosure state, requiring court oversight for the foreclosure process.
Sellers are required to provide a property disclosure statement regarding the condition of the home, though the state is generally 'caveat emptor' for many items.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 01086 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Six Flags New England4.28.7 mi
- Sonny's Place4.516.9 mi
- Spare Time Windsor Locks4.413.7 mi
- Round1 Bowling & Arcade - Holyoke4.16.6 mi
- Funcity Trampoline and Adventure Park4.18.9 mi
- Six Flags New England4.28.7 mi
- The Big E4.56.9 mi
- Eastern States Exposition4.56.8 mi
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill4.113.1 mi
- Big E Gate 14.66.6 mi
- Six Flags New England4.28.7 mi
- Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame4.58.5 mi
- Eastern States Exposition4.56.8 mi
- Cinemark West Springfield 15 and XD4.56.3 mi
- Springfield Armory National Historic Site4.88.6 mi
- Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame4.58.5 mi
- Springfield Armory National Historic Site4.88.6 mi
- New England Air Museum4.811.9 mi
- Springfield Museums4.78.4 mi
- The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum4.78.3 mi
- Stanley Park4.82.3 mi
- Enders State Forest4.712.9 mi
- Ashley Reservoir4.96.5 mi
- Bright Nights at Forest Park4.49.6 mi
- Nonotuck Park4.610.6 mi
- Oxbow Marina4.413.6 mi
- Brunelle's Marina4.412.7 mi
- The Ranch Golf Club4.52.5 mi
- Ledges Golf Club4.211.4 mi
- Twin Hills Country Club4.612 mi
- Wyckoff Country Club49.5 mi
- Crestview Country Club4.27.4 mi
- Holyoke Mall4.36.6 mi
- Burlington4.312.8 mi
- Marshalls & HomeGoods4.410 mi
- Kohl's4.26.5 mi
- Big Y4.47.5 mi
- Bradley International Airport4.412.5 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic walking trails.
A central community park offering sports fields and picnic areas.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.