Buying on a Budget: The 5 Most Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts

Living in Massachusetts has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, especially around the capitol, Boston. Living in Massachusetts is understandably popular due to its four distinctive seasons, many prestigious higher educational institutions, the sports culture and how it unifies their fans into family. However homes in Boston, MA and around can have a price tag that is shocking to most. However, living in Massachusetts doesn’t have to break the bank. We’re here to tell you about the five most affordable places to live in Massachusetts. 

1. Leominster, MA

If you’re not a native to the New England area, you may pronounce this town as Leo-Minster, but we’re going to stop you right there. The actual pronunciation is Lem-um-ster. Don’t ask us why it’s that way, but a lot of Massachusetts towns are pronounced differently than their spelled. 

Anyways, Leominster, MA is located an hour and a half west of the capitol city of Boston and an hour outside of Massachusetts largest international airport, Logan Airport. Although home prices in Leominster, MA are above the national average, at around $263,000, it is significantly lower than homes in Boston, MA which average around $600,000. Making it an affordable place to live in Massachusetts. Leominster, MA is home to approximately 40,000 residents and is also known for its family friendly community, local shops, and parks. 

2. Franklin, MA

Just a short drive west of Leominster, MA lies Franklin, MA, our next spotlight town. Home to approximately 32,000 residents, Franklin, MA is a small town about an hour outside of Boston, MA. Although home prices in Franklin, MA are higher than in Leominster, at an average of $430,000, Franklin, MA has been ranked by Niche.com #15 in “Best Suburbs to Buy a Home in MA”. Franklin, MA is steeped in history, the town name itself comes from Mr. Benjamin Franklin himself. In fact, Ben Franklin was so honored and humbled by the recognition at the time, he donated 100 books to the Franklin Public Library.

3. Methuen, MA

Methuen, MA has definitely peaked buyers’ interest in the past few years based on its location, family friendly community, and diverse population. Its location is key because it lies about 40 minutes north of Boston, making it a suburb of Boston, but it also just a short 15-minute drive to the New Hampshire border. The community welcomes a diverse population, having over 18% of the population are citizens born outside of the U.S. making it a welcoming and culturally rich town. With home prices averaging around $350,000, it is still above the national average, but it’s significantly less than Boston, but still close to the city. Surrounded by golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants, and recreation areas, Methuen, MA is not only an affordable place to live in MA but an amazing town to be a part of!

4. Quincy, MA

Quincy, MA is an affordable place to live in Massachusetts if you’re looking to be as close to the city as possible. Quincy is our closest town to the city on our list, just 30 minutes southeast of Boston, MA and home prices average around $475,000. Quincy, MA is a popular Boston suburb being home to over 90,000 residents making it the 8th largest community in the entire state. Although this is our most expensive city on the list of “most affordable places to live in Massachusetts” it’s still a great alternative to living within the city, but still just a short train ride away to enjoy all the cities amenities. With its proximity to the city, Quincy, MA attracts a lot of young professionals who commute into Boston for work. So, within Quincy there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightlife to enjoy. 

5. Westfield, MA

Last but certainly not least, we have Westfield, MA. The furthest town on our list from Boston, MA but this suburban town isn’t lacking in amenities. With local restaurants, shops, and entertainment, residents of Westfield, MA enjoy their affordable Massachusetts town. With over 40,000 people calling Westfield home and 70% of them owning their own home, speaks to its affordability. Home prices average around $250,000 making it the cheapest Massachusetts town to live in on our list. 

Start your search today. The newest Massachusetts real estate listings are on verani.com, which is updated every 5 minutes. Our site has thousands of single-family homes for sale in Massachusetts and throughout Northern New England at every price point. It’s easy to create an advanced search to find the perfect home by filtering home features like first floor master bedroom or budget friendly homes in Massachusetts.