October 2026
The most affordable towns in Eastern Massachusetts
10 lowest median single-family sale prices
The ten lowest single-family medians across 129 cities and towns, from The Context Report No. 5.
In September 2026, the lowest single-family median sale prices in Eastern Massachusetts were in Chelsea, Hanson, Holbrook, Rockland and Lawrence, all at or under $525,000. Over a full 12 months, Lawrence, Lowell and Holbrook had the lowest medians.
This list is updated with each Context Report. Past lists stay in the archive.
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The ten lowest medians in Eastern Massachusetts, updated with each Context Report.
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The Affordability List, September 2026 sales
| # | Town | Region | Sept. median | Sales | Carrying cost / mo | 12-mo median | FY26 tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea | Greater Boston | $387,000 | 1* | $2,543 | $711,000 | $11.48 |
| 2 | Hanson | South Shore | $489,500 | 6 | $3,281 | $625,000 | $13.06 |
| 3 | Holbrook | South Shore | $499,900 | 11 | $3,311 | $550,000 | $12.11 |
| 4 | Rockland | South Shore | $505,000 | 7 | $3,419 | $610,000 | $13.87 |
| 5 | Lawrence | Merrimack Valley | $525,000 | 13 | $3,325 | $525,000 | $8.64 |
| 6 | Millis | Southwest Suburbs | $540,000 | 5 | $3,721 | $772,000 | $15.31 |
| 7 | Lowell | Merrimack Valley | $545,000 | 26 | $3,575 | $535,000 | $11.35 |
| 8 | Carver | South Shore | $545,400 | 3* | $3,680 | $560,185 | $13.61 |
| 9 | Maynard | Metro West | $575,000 | 7 | $4,024 | $647,000 | $16.62 |
| 10 | Lynn | North Shore | $585,000 | 39 | $3,786 | $580,000 | $10.30 |
* Fewer than five sales; read with caution. Carrying cost is estimated principal, interest and property tax on the median with 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan.
The steadier view: lowest 12-month medians
| # | Town | Region | 12-mo median | 12-mo change | Sept. median | FY26 tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrence | Merrimack Valley | $525,000 | -2.8% | $525,000 | $8.64 |
| 2 | Lowell | Merrimack Valley | $535,000 | +1.2% | $545,000 | $11.35 |
| 3 | Holbrook | South Shore | $550,000 | +4.8% | $499,900 | $12.11 |
| 4 | Carver | South Shore | $560,185 | -3.8% | $545,400 | $13.61 |
| 5 | Whitman | South Shore | $565,000 | +7.6% | $617,500 | $13.29 |
| 6 | Lynn | North Shore | $580,000 | -3.3% | $585,000 | $10.30 |
| 7 | Dracut | Merrimack Valley | $590,000 | +1.7% | $610,000 | $9.67 |
| 8 | Methuen | Merrimack Valley | $600,000 | -3.2% | $633,000 | $10.40 |
| 9 | Halifax | South Shore | $607,500 | +16.3% | $625,000 | $14.08 |
| 10 | Randolph | South Shore | $607,500 | +4.7% | $605,000 | $11.58 |
How to use this list
A low median is a starting point, not a verdict. Look at the tax rate, the commute you need, and what kind of homes are selling. A town with a few small homes selling in a month can look cheaper than it is. If you are deciding between towns, we can pull recent sales for the kind of home you want.
Sources
- The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026), MLS PIN closed single-family sales, September 2026
- Massachusetts DOR, FY2026 tax rates by class
Questions this page answers
What is the most affordable town in Eastern Massachusetts?
By September 2026 single-family median sale price, Chelsea ($387,000), but that is based on a single sale. Among towns with five or more sales, Hanson ($489,500), Holbrook ($499,900) and Rockland ($505,000) had the lowest medians.
What are the cheapest towns near Boston to buy a house?
Over the last 12 months, the lowest single-family medians in our coverage area were in Lawrence, Lowell, Holbrook, Carver, Whitman and Lynn. Closer in, see our guide to affordable towns near Boston.
How often is this list updated?
Monthly, with each issue of The Context Report. This page shows the October 2026 issue, which covers September 2026 sales.
Why does a town move up or down so much month to month?
Small towns can have only a few sales in a month, so one unusual sale moves the median. The 12-month median is the steadier number.