In Boston's competitive real estate market, $800,000 is a significant budget that can buy you very different things depending on where you look. A luxury condo in one neighborhood might get you a fixer-upper in another, or a spacious single-family home in a third.
I've analyzed recent sales data across 10 popular Boston Metro neighborhoods to show you exactly what your money buys. The differences are eye-opening.
The Methodology
All prices are based on actual sales from the past 6 months, adjusted for market conditions. I've focused on properties that sold within 5% of $800,000 to give you a realistic comparison.
🏛️ Back Bay
What you get: A renovated 2-bedroom condo in a historic brownstone, likely on a higher floor with city views. Expect high-end finishes, in-unit laundry, and possibly a doorman building.
✅ Pros
- Prestigious address
- Walk to everything
- Historic charm
- High resale value
❌ Cons
- Small space
- High HOA fees
- No parking
- No outdoor space
🌳 Jamaica Plain
What you get: A Victorian or Colonial single-family home with original details, updated kitchen, and a small yard. Likely needs some cosmetic updates but is structurally sound.
✅ Pros
- Lots of space
- Private outdoor area
- Character and charm
- Good schools nearby
❌ Cons
- May need updates
- Higher maintenance
- Longer commute
- Limited parking
🏫 Cambridge (Porter Square)
What you get: A modern condo in a newer building with high-end finishes, in-unit laundry, and possibly a small balcony. Close to the Red Line and Harvard Square.
✅ Pros
- Excellent location
- Modern amenities
- Good transit access
- Strong resale value
❌ Cons
- High HOA fees
- Limited outdoor space
- Competitive market
- No parking included
🌊 South Boston
What you get: A renovated condo in a converted warehouse or new construction building. Likely has exposed brick, high ceilings, and modern finishes. Possibly includes parking.
✅ Pros
- Trendy neighborhood
- Modern amenities
- Good nightlife
- Water views possible
❌ Cons
- Limited space
- Noise concerns
- Parking challenges
- High property taxes
🏘️ Somerville (Davis Square)
What you get: A Victorian or Colonial single-family home with updated kitchen and bathrooms. Likely has a small yard and off-street parking. May need some cosmetic updates.
✅ Pros
- Good space for money
- Walkable neighborhood
- Good transit access
- Family-friendly
❌ Cons
- May need updates
- Higher maintenance
- Competitive market
- Limited parking
🌳 Newton (Newton Centre)
What you get: A well-maintained Colonial or Cape with updated kitchen, hardwood floors, and a decent-sized yard. Likely has a garage and is in excellent condition.
✅ Pros
- Excellent schools
- Lots of space
- Good condition
- Family-friendly
❌ Cons
- Longer commute
- Higher property taxes
- Car-dependent
- Less walkable
The Value Analysis
Looking at these examples, it's clear that $800K buys you very different lifestyles:
- Space vs. Location: You can get 2,800 sq ft in Newton or 1,200 sq ft in Back Bay
- Type of Property: Single-family homes in outer neighborhoods vs. condos in the city
- Condition: Move-in ready in some areas, fixer-upper in others
- Amenities: Parking, outdoor space, and modern features vary dramatically
💡 Pro Tip: The Hidden Costs
Don't just look at the purchase price. Factor in HOA fees (can be $500-1,500/month in condos), property taxes (varies by city), parking costs, and maintenance. A $800K condo with $1,200/month HOA fees costs more than a $800K single-family home with no HOA.
What This Means for Buyers
Your $800K budget gives you options, but you need to prioritize:
Choose Space If:
- You have or plan to have children
- You work from home
- You value privacy and quiet
- You don't mind commuting
Choose Location If:
- You want to walk to work
- You value urban amenities
- You don't need much space
- You want to be in the action
The Bottom Line
There's no "best" neighborhood for $800K - it depends on your priorities. Use our property analysis tool to weigh factors like commute time, space needs, and lifestyle preferences when evaluating different areas.
Remember: the perfect home isn't just about the property itself, but how it fits into your daily life. A beautiful Back Bay condo is useless if you need space for a home office, just as a spacious Newton home won't work if you need to walk to work downtown.