Boston Housing Market: Trends & Prices (2025)
Boston Real Estate Market Overview
By Dana Webb
(Last Updated – 4/2025)
If you’ve dreamed of living in Boston ever since cracking open your first American history textbook, then do we have the guide for you.
We’re breaking down Boston home price trends, demographics, and neighborhoods to provide you with the information you may need to help make a decision about moving to this historic city.
Boston has one of the hottest real estate markets in the East Coast, with median home prices that are much higher than in the U.S. as a whole. The cost of living is also 45.9% higher than the national average, according to The Council for Economic Research, but that number is still lower than Manhattan’s. With its top-notch universities, startup scene, and strong job market, many young people around the country are attracted to what Boston has to offer.
Every neighborhood in Boston has a unique housing market of its own, so keep reading to not only see our breakdown of Boston housing market trends, but to check out a list of some of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods.
Overall Boston Market Trends
Redfin’s real estate professionals consider Boston to be a somewhat competitive housing market and report that typically homes for sale receive two offers from buyers in this city.
Most homes only stay on the market for around 40 days, but “hot homes” can sell much faster. If you’re buying in Boston, it’s a good idea to get preapproved for a mortgage loan so you’ll be able to act quickly when you find a property you love.
$858,000
Median Sale Price
$693
Median Price Per Sq. Ft
40 days
Median Time on Market
Boston Housing Market Forecast
If you’re curious where Boston real estate trends are headed in the future, here’s a look at the last five years, according to Zillow. Prices are up 4.4% year-over-year as of February 2025.
Demographics of the Boston Market
Over 650,000 people call the great city of Boston home. This relatively small city only takes up 48.34 square miles, but packs a lot of punch thanks to its vibrant neighborhoods and rich history.
So let’s take a closer look at the demographics of the Boston housing market that can help inform your home-buying decisions, no matter what neighborhood you decide to put down roots in.
Median Household Income: $96,931
Median Age: 33.7
College Educated: 55.8%
Homeowners: 35.4%
Married: 38%
Popular Boston Neighborhoods
The city of Boston is proud to be defined by its 23 diverse neighborhoods, many of which offer waterfront views or access to historical landmarks and architecture.
Whether you’re looking for a happening city hot spot or more of a suburban feel with parks and family-friendly activities, Boston has a neighborhood that will suit your needs.
South End
The South End neighborhood in Boston was first developed in the 1850s and has continuously evolved ever since. South End is now considered one of the more stylish neighborhoods in Boston.
It’s a very walkable neighborhood that is ideal for raising a family thanks to ample playground and park options.
Quick Facts
Population:
25,417
Median Age:
34.4
Housing Units:
13,857
Bike Score:
92/100
Walk Score:
97/100
Transit Score:
93/100
Median Household Income:
$151,492
South End Housing Market
This expensive neighborhood is slightly competitive for homebuyers, but you can typically score a home for 2% below its listing price.
Some homes in this neighborhood do receive multiple offers, and more in-demand properties can sell quickly in about 18 days.
Median Home Price
$1.13 million
Median Price Per Square Ft.
$1,210
Quincy
For those looking for a bit more of a suburban feel, and hoping to escape the high prices of buying a home in Boston, this suburb of Boston may be perfect for you.
It’s not too deep into the suburbs and has plenty of beautiful waterfront condo developments and seaside cottages worth considering.
Quick Facts
Population:
100,981
Median Age:
38.3
Housing Units:
47,424
Bike Score:
42/100
Walk Score:
63/100
Transit Score:
47/100
Median Household Income:
$92,085
Quincy Housing Market
In Quincy, home sale prices were down by 1.9% in February 2025 compared to last year. This is a very competitive market, with many homebuyers waiving contingencies, so you may need to prepare to bid for a house you love.
Median Home Price
$549,500
Median Price Per Square Ft.
$439
North End
North End is the third most-walkable neighborhood in all of Boston, so be ready to hit the pavement. If you get tired of walking, you can stop to enjoy a yummy plate of pasta, because North End is where Boston’s Little Italy resides.
The Italian roots of the neighborhood are slowly being overshadowed by businesses attracted to the waterfront proximity, but there is still a lot of old world charm to be found in the North End.
Quick Facts
Population:
8,309
Median Age:
35.4
Housing Units:
5,822
Bike Score:
86/100
Walk Score:
99/100
Transit Score:
99/100
Median Household Income:
$126,157
North End Housing Market
The real estate market isn’t too hot or too cold in the North End. For some hopeful homebuyers, it may be just the perfect temperature.
While some homes do get multiple offers, and the more popular options can sell in around 12 days, most homes sell in 24 days and go for around 2% below the list price.
Median Sale Price
$770,000
Median Price Per Square Ft.
$949
Beacon Hill
This historic neighborhood is beloved for its brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Antiques lovers will appreciate the many antiques shops that line the popular Charles Street.
Those looking for an upscale neighborhood to raise their families in should feel at home in the pricey but stunning Beacon Hill.
Quick Facts
Population:
5,102
Median Age:
36
Housing Units:
3,227
Bike Score:
72/100
Walk Score:
99/100
Transit Score:
100/100
Median Household Income:
$145,898
Beacon Hill Housing Market
In this somewhat competitive housing market, homes can receive multiple offers and typically sell in around 59 days.
For home buyers looking to score a deal, rest assured, homes in the Beacon Hill neighborhood generally sell for about 2% below their list price.
Median Sale Price
$2.48 million
Median Price Per Square Ft.
$1,330
Allston
If Allston residents seem young at heart, there’s a good reason. This neighborhood is dominated by students, so be warned it can get a bit noisy on weekends.
On the plus side, their youth also attracts cool restaurants and coffee shops.
Quick Facts
Population:
67,319
Median Age:
27
Housing Units:
32,599
Bike Score:
92/100
Walk Score:
87/100
Transit Score:
66/100
Median Household Income:
$73,998
Allston Housing Market
You may have to fight a bit for your dream home in Allston, as this neighborhood is experiencing a somewhat competitive real estate market right now.
“Hot homes” can sell for around 1% above their list price in around seven days of being on the market. Some homes in this neighborhood receive multiple offers.
Median Home Price
$572,450
Median Price Per Square Ft.
$661
SoFi Home Loans
It’s easy to see why Boston has become such a popular market to buy a home in. There are some really amazing neighborhoods to choose from whether you’re young and single or have a family to look after.
If you think Boston could be your home sweet home, then you may need to consider your mortgage loan options.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
FAQ
What is the Boston real estate market forecast?
The Boston housing market forecast is for continued growth in 2025, with home prices remaining strong and sustained demand for rentals as well, with tight inventory. In early 2025, the high price of homes here, combined with mortgage rates that remain over 6.50%, was tempering expectations for an even stronger market.
Is this the time to buy a house?
Whether this is the right time to buy a home will depend on some very personal factors, so there is no one answer for everyone. Assess your financial situation: Do you have enough money saved up to cover the costs of buying plus your mortgage payment? Is your credit score solid? Then, look at rental prices compared to home prices and monthly mortgage payments in your area to see whether buying makes financial sense where you live.
Is Boston one of the country’s hottest housing markets?
While Boston was named the nation’s hottest housing market in 2024, it has not landed on more recent lists, though it remains a very competitive market. Home sale prices in Boston generally are up 17% in the year ending February 2025, and the average home for sale in the city receives two offers.
SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
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