Spring House Hunt
Here’s a snapshot of what $500,000 – $1 million is getting buyers right now in Boston and its suburbs.
“Five hundred thousand to $1 million for the prime blocks in the Back Bay — that’s not really going to get you much, basically a postage stamp studio, maybe a small one-bedroom,” said Adam Geragosian, a senior advisor for Compass.
But even in the expensive Greater Boston market, you don’t have to settle for a postage stamp with a budget of less than $1 million.
“The further you go … you can certainly gain something that’s … one bed, maybe a two-bed in other parts of town like Charlestown,” said Geragosian. “But if you’re looking for a one- or two-bedroom — that price point on the lower end — you’re further from the [Bunker Hill] monument.”
Being away from landmarks and busy areas is what allows a buyer to have more options, says Kevin Cleary, with RE/MAX Select Realty.
“Brighton, West Roxbury, Roslindale, maybe Jamaica Plain — you can certainly get a freestanding single-family house in that price range, and then you’ll have a decent selection of houses and condos to choose from,” said Cleary. “More inward in the city? That budget probably will limit you to a condo.”
In metro-area suburbs, Geragosian noted it’s going to be more difficult to find a move-in-ready house in a great location.
“If you’re looking at more of a premier town — Winchester, Reading, Hingham, Dover, Medfield — you’re looking at something in that price point that’s going to need some work, or it’s going to be on the smaller side,” he said. “Anything [in] fairly easy proximity to Boston … it’s going to be pretty competitive, and if you compound that with a good school system, getting something under $1 million is proving pretty difficult. It really depends on what town you’re in, but if you’re willing to take on some work, there’s potential to find something.”
Here’s a snapshot of what between $500,000 and $1 million is getting buyers right now in Boston and its suburbs.
Boston
$850,000
Year Built: 1930
Square Footage: 1,450
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Style: Colonial
Taxes: $9,707.48 (2026)
Last sold for: $370,000 (2006)
Listing Agent: Kevin Cleary 617-304-1277; RE/MAX Select Realty 617-787-9800 (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)
This Colonial is situated between Oak Square and Brighton Center, features a back porch and two floors of living space.
43 N Mead St. #43, Charlestown
$819,000
Year Built: 1988
Square Footage: 965
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.5
Style: Townhouse
Taxes: $4,124.18 (2026)
Last sold for: $755,000 (2022)
Listing Agent: Adam Geragosian 978-729-1842; Compass 617-206-3333; Jennifer Sutton 512-423-6559 (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)
This townhome features a large patio and garage tucked away in a private area of the city. The property features hardwood floors throughout.
$875,000
Year Built: 1895
Square Footage: 3,532
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Style: Multifamily
Taxes: $8,536.48 (2026)
Last Sold: $102,000 (1996)
Listing Agent: Deb Jones McIntyre 617-447-8459; Coldwell Banker Realty — Milton 617-696-4430; Marlea Mesh 617-818-1695 (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)
This three-unit house is located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the Clam Point neighborhood. The property sits a mile away from Malibu Beach and is near local shops and amenities.
Suburbs
$624,900
Year Built: 1950
Square Footage: 1,344
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Style: Cape
Taxes: $5,579 (2025)
Listing agents: Anthony Winn 857-366-1690; Three Hills Real Estate Service, LLC 833-434-4557
This Cape-style home in the heart of Saugus is a cozy residence minutes from a YMCA, Target, and other shops. The property has been in the same family since it was built.
$599,999
Year Built: 1948
Square Feet: 1,450
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Style: Cape Cod
Taxes: $5,034 (2025)
Lost sold for: $475,000 (2021)
Listing agents: Guthrie Schofield Group 774-487-8554; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)
This move-in-ready home is in a coveted Weymouth location, with water access at one end of the street and restaurants on the other end. It features a long driveway and a bonus room with a fireplace.
$739,000
Year Built: 1988
Square Feet: 2,372
Bedrooms: 3
Bathroom: 3.5
Style: Townhouse/Condo
HOA fees: $969 per month
Taxes: $10,441 (2025)
Last sold for: $450,00 (2012)
Listing agents: The Edwards Realty Team 978-804-3523; Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty 978-692-6141
This townhouse with a back porch and two-car garage sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, with views of the lush woods, steps away from Spring Hill trails.
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