Gardner, officially the City of Gardner, is a city located in Worcester County in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Reasons to Move to Gardner, Massachusetts

Situated 60 miles northwest of Boston and 30 miles northwest of Worcester, the City of Gardner shines as the ‘diamond of north central Massachusetts’. It is quickly becoming a sought-after location to live and do business. Gardner is a unique city with a ‘town feel’. The local history museum of Gardner is located in the heart of Central Massachusetts. The mission of this museum is to collect and preserve materials pertaining to the rich history of Gardner, MA.

It is also known as the “chair city of the world” and “Furniture Capital of New England” as it is home to the popular annual event, the Festival of Trees. Theatre at the Mount has been one of Central Massachusetts’ premier regional theatres presenting high-quality entertainment at affordable prices. It consists of a spring children’s show, five full-scale musical plays, and a fall touring production performed at local elementary schools. In addition, TAM offers Summer Drama Camp programs for children and teens and celebrates excellence in high school musicals.  The Gardner Police gained practical experience in law enforcement and engaged in a program of activities centered on life skills, career opportunities, character education, service learning, and leadership experience.

reasons to move to gardner massachusetts

Cost of living in Gardner, Massachusetts

The overall cost of living in Gardner, Massachusetts is 105. The cost of goods & services is 117, groceries 104, health care 116, housing 90, transportation 97, and utilities 114. The cost of living in Gardner is 20% lower than the Massachusetts average, 5% higher than the national average and housing is 10% lower than the national average.

The average cost of living is $1946 Gardner, Massachusetts, is in the top 10% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 830th out of 2202 in the United States, 948th out of 9294 on the global list, and 50th out of 92 in Massachusetts. The average household income is $68,349 in Gardner, Massachusetts with a poverty rate of 13.73%. The median rental costs in recent years reached $1,250, per month, and the median house value is $257,538.

 

Is Gardner, Massachusetts a safe place to live – Crime Rates?

The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Gardner is 1 in 59. Gardner’s crime rates are 27% lower than the national average, violent crimes in Gardner are 16% higher than the national average and it is safer than 29% of the cities in the United States. Crime in Gardner has decreased by 7% year over year.

safe place to live in gardner massachusetts

What are the demographics of Gardner, Massachusetts?

Out of 351 cities in the state of Massachusetts, Gardner is the 92nd most populated city.

  • White: 86.34%
  • Two or more races: 4.73%
  • Other race: 3.21%
  • Asian: 3.16%
  • Black or African American: 2.52%
  • Native American: 0.04%
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.00%

Gardner, Massachusetts Population by Age and Gender

Male Population:   50.6%

Female Population:   49.4%

  • 10 years: 11%
  • 10-17 years: 7%
  • 18-24 years: 6%
  • 25-34 years: 16%
  • 35-44 years: 11%
  • 45-54 years: 13%
  • 55-64 years: 18%
  • 65+ years: 17%

The median age is 41 years in Gardner, Massachusetts, 40.7 years for males, and 41.6 years for females.

things to do in gardner massachusetts

Things to do in Gardner, Massachusetts

Looking for appealing things to do in Gardner, Massachusetts?

Dunn State Park boasts around a pristine 20-acre pond managed by the DCR, and is a real recreation hotspot, for fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, and paddling in summer and cross-county skiing in winter. Another fascinating attraction is West Gardner Square, it is a thriving commercial district with endearing local shops for artisanal candy, health food, fabrics, jewelry, home design, clothing, and much more. A quaint pavilion, picnic tables, grills, wooden dock, picnic tables, and benches can be found on the north shore of the pond while trails wind through the woods in the eastern part of the property. Some of the best appealing things to do in Gardner, Massachusetts are;

  • Gardner Bicentennial Chair
  • Gardner Museum
  • Mount Wachusett Community College (Theatre at the Mount)
  • Priscilla Candy Shop
  • Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Brian’s Bowlaway
  • Gardner Cinemas
  • Red Apple Farm

How many people live in Gardner, Massachusetts – Population?

Located in Worcester County Massachusetts, Gardner is a city with a population of 21,499, it is the 2149th largest city in the United States, currently growing at a rate of 0.50% annually and its population has increased by 1.00% since the most recent census. Spanning over 23 miles, Gardner has a population density of 974 people per square mile which is 3% higher than Massachusetts and the median age is 1% higher than Massachusetts. The number of people per household in Gardner is 2.4, 44.7% are married, 13.0% are divorced, 24.5% are married with children and 24.9% have children, but are single. Family establishments represent 62.8% of Gardner households while non-family units account for the remaining 37.2%. In addition, 27.53% of households have children and 72.47% of households are without children. Housing units are 55.52% owner-occupied while 44.48% have renters living in them.

Gardner, Massachusetts Weather

In Gardner, the summers are warm, the winters are snowy and freezing, and it is partly cloudy year-round. The temperature typically varies from 14°F to 80°F and is rarely below -2°F or above 87°F over the course of the year. Gardner, Massachusetts gets 48 inches of rain, 68 inches of snow, and 198 sunny days on average, per year. July, August, and June are the most pleasant months to visit Gardner, Massachusetts. Humidity in Gardner becomes unpleasant for a few days during the summer but is generally quite low and comfortable. May is the rainiest month with 11.4 days of rain and September is the driest month with only 8.2 rainy days.

weather in gardner massachusetts

The warm season starts from May to September & lasts for 3.5 months with an average daily high temperature above 70°F. The hottest month of the year is July with an average high of 79°F and a low of 60°F.

The cold season starts from December to March & lasts for 3.4 months with an average daily high temperature below 40°F. The coldest month of the year is January with an average low of 15°F and a high of 31°F.

Average Income in Gardner, Massachusetts

The average annual salary is $52,550 in Gardner, Massachusetts which works out to be approximately $25.26 an hour and is equivalent to $1,010 a week or $4,379 a month. Most salaries range from $37,141 to $65,889 annually. The minimum wage rate is $13.5 per hour. The highest paying jobs are Gastroenterologist, President & Chief Operating Officer, and General Internist, some other highest paying jobs are;

  • Medical Director:   $227,325
  • Emergency Room Physician:   $119,156
  • Hospitalist Physician:   $218,601
  • Hospitalist Medical Director:   $215,904
  • General Internist:   $214,915
  • Hospitalist:   $211,770
  • General Counsel:   $105,303
  • Gastroenterologist:   $219,834
  • General Dentist:   $177,570
  • Pulmonologist/Intensivist:   $137,245

 

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Taxes & Utilities in Gardner, Massachusetts

In Gardner, MA, the average electricity customer is using 838 kWh of electricity per month and 10,056 kWh over the course of the year. Electricity user spends about $211 per month on electricity on average. It adds up to $2,532 per year and that’s 9% higher than the national average electric bill of $2,328.

The minimum combined 2022 state, county, and city sales tax rate for Gardner, Massachusetts is 6.25%. The Massachusetts sales tax rate is currently 6.25%, the County sales tax rate is 0% and the Gardner sales tax rate is 0%. Massachusetts general sales tax is 23% higher than the national average and state income tax is 103% higher than the national average.

taxes utilities in gardner massachusetts

Is Gardner, Massachusetts good for singles?

Gyms

Want to stay active and maintain good health?

The mission of Gardner, Massachusetts gyms is to help you get one step closer to your goals of health and fitness. Fitness facilities here aim to bring functional fitness to a new level in the finest facility with group fitness classes, fit edge functional training, virtual classes, Crossfit, outdoor walking track, cycle classes, kids programs, personal training, and an outdoor obstacle course park. There is truly something for everyone in Gardner, Massachusetts gyms who walks through which in turn keeps you coming back and staying healthy. The coaches here are knowledgeable and care about their members. They are always ready to give tips, demonstrate movements, and want you to push yourself and succeed. Some of the best gyms here are;

  • Greendale Family Branch YMCA
  • Fitness Concepts Health Club
  • Vanarchy Gym
  • Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA
  • Global Fitness Center
  • Muscleworks Gym
  • Boost Fitness

 

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Restaurants

Seeking delectable food as you replenish your energy?

Gardner, nicknamed the Chair City, is home not only to numerous fascinating attractions but also brilliant dining establishments where you can find the ideal spot to start the day with a filling meal. The fabulous eateries of Gardner, Massachusetts feature diverse American fare, laid-back settings, cajun, unique pizza specialties, inventive pies, tasty subs, scampi butter or lemon pepper, house-made pasta dishes, fresh salads, a homey interior, exceptional service and so much more. Following is a list of the best restaurants in Gardner, Massachusetts to help you decide on the perfect eatery that caters to your every taste and desire.

  • Paramount Cafe Inc
  • South Gardner Hotel
  • Blue Moon Diner
  • Williams Restaurant
  • Gabby’s Place
  • Duguay’s Fried Chicken
  • Gardner Ale House

restaurants in gardner massachusetts

Is Gardner, Massachusetts good for families?

Gardner, Massachusetts is a perfect place to raise children, aside from educational facilities, recreational activities, and all the amenities necessary for leading a good life, it provides you with a variety of resources and technical assistance for business.  A team of dedicated professionals assists you to relocate, start or invigorate your current Gardner business by connecting you with people with expertise and resources such as traditional and non-traditional financing, site selection, tax incentives, and workforce development programs. The Economic Development team of Gardner, Massachusetts is dedicated to creating a dynamic business community that is innovative and diverse.

 

How are the schools in Gardner, Massachusetts?

There are 10 schools in Gardner: 8 public schools and 2 private schools. Gardner schools spend $12,276 per student, there are 632 students per librarian, 14 pupils per teacher, and 257 children per counselor. Approximately 41.08% of the population in Gardner holds a high school degree, 24.77% have attained a college certificate and 12.51% have a bachelor’s degree.

Middle schools in Gardner, Massachusetts

schools in gardner massachusetts

High schools in Gardner, Massachusetts

  • Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
  • Gardner High School
  • Gardner Academy for Learning & Technology
  • Murdock Academy for Success
  • The Winchendon School
  • Bernard’s High School

Colleges & Universities in Gardner, Massachusetts

  • Mount Wachusett Community College
  • Fitchburg State University
  • Franklin Pierce University
  • Nichols College
  • Saint Anselm College
  • Thomas More College
  • Keene State College
  • Southern New Hampshire University

Churches in Gardner, Massachusetts

  • First Bible Baptist Church
  • Gardner Spanish SDA Church
  • Bethany Baptist Church
  • Faith Lutheran Church
  • First Baptist Church
  • Holy Cross Church Ccd
  • St Pauls Episcopal Church Rectory
  • Crossroads Community Church

churches in gardner massachusetts

Conclusion: Why you should consider moving to Gardner, Massachusetts

  • The Greater Gardner Artists Association is a local organization dedicated to promoting the arts for the benefit of the community and individuals.
  • Be confident! you will find Gardner, Massachusetts to be an exciting place to grow your business.
  • The Gardner, Health Department strives to provide a sanitary and safe environment for the residents of Gardner.
  • Gardner Square Two, Inc. is a non-profit organization representing businesses, merchants, nonprofit agencies, and individuals who support Downtown Gardner Massachusetts. Square Two works closely with the City of Gardner to bring you a number of Downtown Events throughout the year, these events keep downtown beautiful and recruit new businesses. You will enjoy spending some time in Downtown Gardner to shop, play, eat, and do business.

Contact Fresh Start – The Moving Crew at (508) -868-4291 to hire our trustable moving services in Gardner, Massachusetts, or fill out our online REQUEST A QUOTE form to get the initial estimate of your move.