Affordable towns near Boston
Seven communities within about 15 miles of downtown with single-family medians under $800,000.
North of Boston, Lynn, Revere, Everett had the lowest 12-month single-family medians in our report, from $580,000 to $670,000. Revere and Malden have rapid transit. Malden and Everett offer a residential exemption for owner-occupants.
Side by side
| City | 12-mo median | 12-mo change | Sept. median | Carrying cost / mo | FY26 tax rate | Res. exemption | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynn | $580,000 | -3.3% | $585,000 | $3,786 | $10.30 | Commuter rail (Newburyport/Rockport Line) at Lynn station | |
| Revere | $668,000 | +1.2% | $675,000 | $4,292 | $8.94 | Blue Line: Wonderland, Revere Beach, Beachmont, Suffolk Downs | |
| Everett | $670,000 | +0.1% | $670,000 | $4,466 | $12.62 | 25% | Bus routes, including the Broadway bus lanes; Orange Line at Wellington and Malden nearby |
| Saugus | $699,450 | +1.7% | $652,500 | $4,230 | $10.42 | Bus routes; Route 1 | |
| Malden | $710,000 | +1.4% | $682,000 | $4,477 | $11.40 | 35% | Orange Line: Malden Center and Oak Grove; Haverhill commuter rail at Malden Center |
| Peabody | $710,000 | +2.9% | $703,000 | $4,501 | $9.47 | Bus routes; Route 128, Route 1 and I-95 | |
| Woburn | $784,750 | +1.6% | $775,000 | $4,942 | $9.15 | Commuter rail (Lowell Line) at Mishawum and Anderson/Woburn |
Single-family homes only. Carrying cost is estimated principal, interest and property tax on the September median with 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan, before any exemption. Condos and multi-families are a large share of sales in several of these cities and are not included.
Things to weigh
- Transit vs. price. Rapid transit cities (Revere, Malden) and commuter rail cities (Lynn, Woburn) work differently for a daily commute. Test the trip at rush hour.
- Residential exemption. In Malden and Everett, owner-occupants pay less than investors. Include it in your monthly math.
- Multi-families. Several of these cities have many two- and three-families. Rental income from the other units can help you qualify, and some owner-occupant loan programs allow a lower down payment.
- Flood zones. Parts of Revere, Lynn and Everett are low-lying or coastal. Check FEMA flood maps for every address.
- Public data. For schools and crime, see DESE profiles and state crime statistics.
Sources
- The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026)
- Massachusetts DOR FY2026 tax rates
Questions this page answers
What is the most affordable town near Boston?
Of the communities directly north of Boston, Lynn had the lowest 12-month single-family median at $580,000. Chelsea's September median was lower, but it was based on a single sale.
What are the cheapest towns near Boston with the T?
Revere (Blue Line) and Malden (Orange Line) have rapid transit and 12-month single-family medians under $725,000. Lynn has commuter rail with a median under $600,000.
Do any of these cities have a residential exemption?
Malden (35%) and Everett (25%) offer a residential exemption to owner-occupants, which lowers the tax bill on a primary residence. You have to apply.
How much do I need to earn to buy in these towns?
Estimated monthly principal, interest and tax on a median single-family ran from about $3,800 to $4,900 in September 2026 with 20% down. Talk to a lender for your own number, and ask about first-time buyer programs.