The housing market in New England shows considerable differences across regions, with home prices varying from $253,130 to almost $1.5 million, based on the Zillow Home Value Index data dated October 31, 2024. This data stems from Zillow’s extensive review of median-priced homes within the 35th to 65th percentile. The findings indicate that Massachusetts leads in higher home prices, while inland areas in northern New England provide more budget-friendly choices.
Out of the 895 metropolitan and micropolitan areas surveyed by Zillow in this region, the priciest 25 markets are mostly found around major economic hubs, coastal regions, and popular vacation spots. Vineyard Haven in Martha’s Vineyard tops the list with a median home price of nearly $1.5 million, whereas Berlin, NH, comes in last at $253,130, showcasing the wide disparities in New England’s housing market.
This overview delves into each of the 25 areas, offering insights into not only their home prices but also the specific features boosting their real estate values. Factors like educational resources, healthcare infrastructure, cultural attractions, and natural beauty are examined. The community profiles consist of population statistics, significant employers, and unique characteristics contributing to each area’s housing market.
#25. Berlin, NH
In Berlin, the median home price stands at $253,130. Although housing costs have been rising steadily over the last five years, they remain some of the most affordable in northern New England. This working-class city features a variety of entry-level houses and some of the lowest rental prices in New Hampshire. Local property taxes are above the state average, a reflection of the city’s industrial background.
Berlin has a population of 10,051 and is located just north of White Mountain National Forest. Northern Forest Heritage Park showcases the area’s logging history, while Jericho Mountain State Park offers 80 miles of ATV trails. The RiverFire festival is held at the former Brown Paper Mill site. Berlin Regional Airport caters to small aircraft, and the city marks the northern end of the Presidential Rail Trail. It’s within a two-hour drive to Portland and three hours to Boston. The city’s primary employer is the Androscoggin Valley Hospital.
#24. Bangor, ME
The median home price in Bangor is $267,277. The market offers a blend of historic homes in the downtown area and newer builds in suburban areas. Properties with multiple units near universities can fetch higher prices, while new constructions are primarily found in the city’s western neighborhoods.
Bangor, home to 31,753 residents, is Maine’s third-largest city and serves as the economic nucleus for central and northern Maine. The city sits at the meeting point of the Penobscot and Kenduskeag rivers. Husson University has over 3,000 enrolled students, and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center provides important healthcare services for the region. Bangor International Airport features direct flights to major East Coast destinations. Additionally, the city hosts the American Folk Festival and a series of Waterfront Concerts. Stephen King, the famous author, resides here, and the world’s biggest Paul Bunyan statue can be found downtown, celebrating the local timber industry.
#23. Rutland, VT
In Rutland, the median home price is $306,111. The area has many Victorian-style houses in its historic district and mid-century residences nearby. Recent development efforts have focused more on the renovation of existing homes rather than brand-new construction.
This city, with a population of 15,402, represents the largest urban area in southern Vermont and is only 15 minutes from Killington Resort, renowned as the largest ski location in the eastern U.S. The downtown area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features the revamped 1914 Paramount Theatre. Annual activities include the Vermont Farmers Food Center, which operates year-round, and Pine Hill Park, offering 17 miles of mountain biking trails. Rutland Regional Medical Center is a significant employer, and the Amtrak Ethan Allen Express provides rail service to New York City.
#22. Augusta, ME
Augusta’s median home price is $311,009. This market showcases older homes near the state capitol and newly built subdivisions on the outskirts. The demand for housing remains stable, supported by state government jobs, with larger lots and pricier homes found in western Augusta.
Augusta, the state capital with a population of 18,899, is home to the Maine State House and Capitol Complex, which employ over 4,000 people. The University of Maine at Augusta serves 4,500 students across various campuses. MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Alfond Center for Health, opened in 2013, is a key healthcare provider. The Kennebec River runs through the city, lined by the 6.5-mile Kennebec River Rail Trail on its western bank. Daily flights from Augusta State Airport connect to Boston.
#21. Lewiston, ME
In Lewiston, the median home price is $318,568. The housing landscape is characterized by many multi-unit properties dating back to the industrial age, complemented by single-family homes in calmer neighborhoods. Historic buildings can be found in the tree streets district, and new developments are occurring toward Auburn and Lisbon.
Lewiston comprises a population of 37,121, making it Maine’s second-largest metropolitan area when combined with Auburn. Bates College, established in 1855, enrolls 2,000 students in the historic district. Major employers include Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. The Androscoggin Bank Colisée is a venue for hockey and various events. Museum L-A focuses on Franco-American cultural heritage and the textile industry. Additionally, the annual Dempsey Challenge, initiated by actor Patrick Dempsey, attracts many participants for cancer fundraising.
#20. Springfield, MA
Springfield features a median home price of $350,546. Housing ranges from grand Victorian houses in Forest Park to simpler single-family homes across its sixteen neighborhoods. Multi-family residences located near colleges consistently see strong rental demand. Active development can be found in the North End and East Forest Park areas.
As the largest city in western Massachusetts, Springfield has a population of 155,929. One of its highlights is the Basketball Hall of Fame, attracting around 250,000 visitors every year. MGM Springfield casino is a significant employer with 3,000 staff members. The Smith & Wesson headquarters is located here, along with the MassMutual Center, which hosts the American Hockey League team, the Thunderbirds. The Springfield Museums consist of five unique facilities, showcasing a wide array of exhibits, including a section dedicated to Dr. Seuss. Union Station connects the city with Amtrak services to New York and Boston, while Springfield Technical Community College operates at the historic Springfield Armory site.
#19. Hartford, CT
Hartford has a median home price of $360,806. The housing options include historic properties in the West End, contemporary condos in the downtown area, and single-family homes in Blue Hills and South End. The housing market enjoys stability due to employment from the insurance sector, with larger Victorian homes found in Asylum Hill.
This city, with a population of 121,054, serves as Connecticut’s capital and insurance capital. Companies like Aetna, The Hartford, and Travelers together employ over 37,000 residents. The Wadsworth Atheneum is known as America’s oldest public art museum, with a collection of 50,000 works. Local educational institutions include Trinity College and Capital Community College, which collectively serve around 3,000 students. Bushnell Park, the oldest public park in the nation, spans 50 acres in the downtown area. Noteworthy historical sites include the Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. The XL Center is a venue for UConn basketball games and the AHL Wolf Pack hockey team.
#18. Keene, NH
Keene has a median home price of $365,360. The housing options focus on historic homes near Main Street and newer developments on the eastern edges. Colonial and Victorian structures are prevalent in the West Side. Surrounding towns also offer rural properties with land.
With a population of 22,786, Keene is the commercial center of the Monadnock Region. Keene State College accommodates 3,400 students in the downtown area, while the Colonial Theatre, established in 1924, hosts various performing arts. Cheshire Medical Center employs around 1,500 workers. The Ashuelot River Park, sprawling over 157 acres, offers paved trails for walking and biking. Central Square witnesses the annual Pumpkin Festival, which previously held the world record for the most lit jack-o’-lanterns. Dillant-Hopkins Airport serves private aviation needs.
#17. Bennington, VT
In Bennington, the median price of a home is $366,583. The market features a mix of historic properties in the downtown area and newer homes near the hospital. The Old Bennington area showcases preserved colonial-era houses, while Monument Avenue hosts upscale residences.
Bennington, with a population of 15,333, is located in the southwestern part of Vermont. The 306-foot Bennington Battle Monument commemorates a significant Revolutionary War event. Bennington College welcomes 700 students onto its sprawling 440-acre campus. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center employs 1,400 individuals. The Bennington Museum holds the most extensive collection of Grandma Moses paintings. Historic Paper Mill Village features conserved industrial structures, and the town marks the western endpoint of the Long Trail.
#16. New Haven, CT
New Haven’s median home price is $368,979. The presence of Yale University elevates housing demand in neighborhoods like East Rock and Westville, with historic residences lining Wooster Square and modern developments transforming the Hill neighborhood. Downtown hosts luxury apartments in refurbished industrial buildings.
New Haven, home to 134,023 residents, features Yale University’s central campus, with 14,000 students. The city’s layout includes America’s first planned grid system, featuring the 16-acre New Haven Green at its center. Yale New Haven Hospital provides jobs for 14,500 individuals. The Peabody Museum houses impressive dinosaur fossil collections, including the first Brontosaurus. The city’s claim to fame includes Louis’ Lunch, recognized as the birthplace of the hamburger. The Long Wharf Theatre and Yale Repertory Theatre are vital parts of the city’s performing arts scene. Union Station ensures robust connectivity to New York City.
#15. Pittsfield, MA
The median home price in Pittsfield is $369,400. The housing options encompass grand Victorian homes near South Street, lakefront properties by Onota Lake, and mid-century houses spread across ten unique neighborhoods. More affordable alternatives can be found on the West Side.
Pittsfield, with a population of 43,927, is known as the cultural heartbeat of the Berkshires. Tanglewood, the summer retreat of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is located close by. Berkshire Medical Center is a notable employer with around 2,500 staff. The Colonial Theatre and Barrington Stage Company provide year-round entertainment options, while Wahconah Park, established in 1892, hosts baseball events in a unique west-facing stadium. The Berkshire Museum integrates art, history, and science exhibits. The industrial roots of the city are attributed to General Electric’s influence.
#14. Barre, VT
In Barre, the median home price stands at $383,039. The housing market is characterized by homes built for granite workers in the early 1900s, with more substantial Victorian residences on Washington Street. Newer subdivisions extend into Graniteville and Berlin, while historic properties in downtown provide opportunities for renovation.
Barre, with a population of 8,491, is celebrated as the “Granite Center of the World.” The Vermont Granite Museum chronicles the industry that shaped the city. Hope Cemetery features stunning granite sculptures and artwork. The Barre Opera House, built in 1899, is a venue for performing arts. Thunder Road SpeedBowl attracts racing enthusiasts. The city accesses the Central Vermont Trail network.
#13. Norwich, CT
The median home price in Norwich is $384,967. The housing stock consists of historic colonial houses in Norwichtown, Victorian-style mansions on Broadway, and waterfront homes along the Thames River. The Taftville and Greeneville neighborhoods feature revitalized homes originally built for mill workers.
Norwich, with a population of 40,125, sits at the junction of three rivers. The Slater Memorial Museum contains Victorian art collections. The Mohegan Sun Casino, located nearby, employs 7,000 people. Norwich Free Academy, governed independently, provides education for 2,300 students on its historic campus. The Leffingwell House Museum dates back to 1675. Chelsea Botanical Gardens encompass 80 acres. The Cathedral of St. Patrick, completed in 1879, showcases significant Gothic architecture. The Norwich Marina allows access to the Thames River.
#12. Torrington, CT
The median home price in Torrington is $390,830. The housing stock consists of historic residences near Main Street, mid-century homes in the West End, and newer builds located away from East Main Street. The Burrville area features larger lots and more rural properties.
With a population of 35,515, Torrington lies at the heart of the Litchfield Hills region. The Warner Theatre, a restored Art Deco gem from 1931, accommodates 1,772 spectators. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital employs around 1,200. The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts is dedicated to training aspiring dancers. The Torrington Historical Society operates the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum. Five Points Gallery is a focal point for local arts. The Sue Grossman Still River Greenway provides a scenic 3-mile paved pathway. Northwestern Connecticut Community College has an enrollment of 1,300 students.
#11. Worcester, MA
The median price of a home in Worcester is $452,956. The housing market includes historic row houses close to Elm Park, triple-decker homes in diverse neighborhoods, and newer properties developed on the city’s western side. Areas like Forest Grove and Newton Square showcase larger single-family homes, while Union Hill has affordable multi-family residences.
Worcester is New England’s second-largest city, with a population of 206,518. The city houses nine colleges, including Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Clark University, serving more than 35,000 students. UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Health employ around 14,000 combined. The DCU Center is a venue for concerts and minor league hockey events. The Worcester Art Museum has an impressive collection of 38,000 works, including Roman mosaics. Opened in 2021, Polar Park hosts the Triple-A WooSox baseball team, while the Hanover Theatre is a key part of the city’s growing entertainment district.
#10. Concord, NH
The median price of a home in Concord is $454,363. This market features Greek Revival homes near the State House, newly built houses in the Heights, and historic residences in the South End. The West End comprises larger plots within established neighborhoods, while East Concord has semi-rural options.
Concord is New Hampshire’s capital with a population of 43,976. The State House, dating to 1819, is the oldest continuously operating state capitol in the country. NHTI community college serves 4,600 students. Concord Hospital employs approximately 4,500 individuals. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features engaging exhibits related to astronomy and aviation. The Capitol Center for the Arts has a 1,304-seat capacity for shows. The 12.7-mile Merrimack River Greenway Trail connects various neighborhoods, while Red River Theatres showcases independent films downtown.
#9. Burlington, VT
Burlington’s median home price is $463,144. The Hill Section is known for historic homes with views of the lake, while the Old North End features multi-family residences and smaller homes. New North End offers mid-century houses with gardens, and downtown condos see higher sale prices, especially near Church Street.
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, with a population of 44,743. The University of Vermont enrolls around 13,000 students. Church Street Marketplace is a vibrant area with shops and restaurants spanning four pedestrian blocks. The Flynn Center hosts various performing arts events in a historic Art Deco theater. The ECHO Leahy Center educates visitors on Lake Champlain’s ecology. Burlington International Airport serves over 1.2 million travelers each year. The Island Line Trail features a scenic 3-mile path extending into the lake. Key employers include UVM Medical Center, which employs 8,700 people.
#8. Laconia, NH
Laconia features a median home price of $475,509. The housing market includes waterfront estates on Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Opechee, alongside historic homes in the South End and modern subdivisions near the hospital. Properties in Lakeport and Weirs Beach are available for water access, while downtown condos are situated in restored mill buildings.
With a population of 16,871, Laconia is situated in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Weirs Beach hosts Motorcycle Week, drawing 300,000 attendees each year. Lakes Region General Hospital employs about 1,200 people. The Colonial Theatre, renovated in 2021, has a capacity of 750 spectators. The Belknap Mill, considered the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in America, houses historical exhibits. Lakes Region Community College enrolls around 1,300 students. The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in nearby Gilford features major concerts. The WOW Trail connects three lakes throughout the city.
#7. Manchester, NH
The median price of a home in Manchester is $482,950. The market features Victorian mansions in the North End, triple-deckers along the Merrimack River, and newer buildings in the South End. The Millyard showcases luxurious condos in historically significant brick textile mills. Neighborhoods along Bedford’s borders enjoy higher property prices.
As the largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester has a population of 115,644. The Millyard district is home to various tech companies operating out of former textile mills, employing around 4,000 individuals. The Currier Museum of Art possesses two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes. Local colleges, Saint Anselm College and Southern New Hampshire University, have a combined enrollment of 14,000. The SNHU Arena hosts numerous concerts and minor league hockey games, while Manchester-Boston Regional Airport serves approximately 1.7 million passengers yearly. The Rex Theatre hosts performances in a beautifully restored venue dating back to 1920.
#6. Providence, RI
Providence’s median home price is $484,566. The housing market features historic colonial homes on the East Side, Victorian houses and multi-family buildings on the West End, and waterfront properties in Fox Point. Mansion-like homes line Blackstone Boulevard, while urban high-rises provide luxury condos.
As Rhode Island’s capital and most populous city, Providence has a population of 190,934. The combined enrollment at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design exceeds 16,000 students. The Rhode Island State House features an impressively large self-supporting marble dome, one of the largest in the world. WaterFire is a unique event that draws huge crowds to the downtown rivers each year. The Providence Place Mall, built over three levels above the train station, attracts shoppers. The RISD Museum boasts 100,000 pieces of art. The culinary program at Johnson & Wales University enhances the local dining scene, and the Providence Performing Arts Center, set in a lavish 1928 theater, accommodates up to 3,100 guests.
#5. Portland, ME
Portland has a median home price of $511,071. The city’s housing market includes historic brick townhouses on the peninsula, Victorian residences in Deering, and waterfront condos on the Eastern Promenade. The West End is home to preserved mansions, while neighborhoods off the peninsula offer post-war homes with yards. Properties in Munjoy Hill raise prices due to breathtaking ocean views.
Serving as Maine’s largest city, Portland has a population of 68,408. The Old Port district combines working wharves with boutique shops and restaurants. Maine Medical Center employs about 8,700 healthcare professionals. The Portland Museum of Art houses an extensive collection of 18,000 works. Thompson’s Point hosts outdoor concerts and winter ice skating, while the Cross Insurance Arena features large events. The Portland International Jetport facilitates travel for nearly 2 million passengers each year, and Commercial Street is home to an active fishing industry with 20 functioning wharves. The Greater Portland area has over 60 breweries.
#4. Bridgeport, CT
Bridgeport’s median home price is $620,452. The neighborhoods of Black Rock and North End showcase larger colonial homes with water views, while Brooklawn and North Bridgeport are known for mid-century houses with yards. The historic South End features restored Victorian properties, and St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea commands elevated prices.
As Connecticut’s largest city, Bridgeport has a population of 148,654. Bridgeport Hospital and St. Vincent’s Medical Center collectively employ around 5,500 people. The University of Bridgeport’s campus spans 86 waterfront acres. The Barnum Museum explores the city’s circus history, while the 325-acre Seaside Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, borders Long Island Sound. Webster Bank Arena hosts concerts and minor league hockey. The Housatonic Museum of Art features 6,000 artworks.
#3. Boston, MA
In Boston, the median home price is $689,653. The housing market includes brick townhouses in Back Bay, triple-deckers in Dorchester, and new developments in the Seaport District. Beacon Hill features historic row homes, while Jamaica Plain offers Victorian houses near parks. Recent luxury high-rise developments are reshaping the skyline, with waterfront properties often exceeding $1 million.
Boston, with a population of 675,647, is the largest city in New England. It is home to over 75 colleges and universities, enrolling around 250,000 students. Massachusetts General Hospital is one of five teaching hospitals in the area. The Freedom Trail connects numerous historic sites from the Revolutionary Era, while Fenway Park, built in 1912, is home to the Red Sox. The Museum of Fine Arts boasts 450,000 pieces, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs at Symphony Hall. Logan International Airport serves around 40 million travelers each year, and the Seaport District has added over 10 million square feet of development since 2012.
#2. Barnstable Town, MA
The median home price in Barnstable Town is $725,722. The housing market features waterfront estates on Sandy Neck, historic homes of seafarers in Barnstable Village, and modern properties in and around Hyannis. Osterville and Centerville boast larger coastal houses, while West Barnstable presents more extensive plots with colonial-style homes. Properties in Hyannisport command the highest prices.
As Cape Cod’s largest community, Barnstable Town has a population of 48,916. Cape Cod Hospital employs 4,200 medical personnel, and Cape Cod Community College enrolls 3,000 students. Hyannis Harbor has ferry services to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum documents the family’s local ties. The Cape Cod Maritime Museum highlights the area’s maritime history. Barnstable Municipal Airport serves approximately 100,000 passengers annually, and the 1,200-acre Sandy Neck Beach Park features sandy dunes and protected forests. The town comprises seven distinct villages.
#1. Vineyard Haven (Martha’s Vineyard), MA
The median home price in Vineyard Haven is $1,495,751. The housing market features waterfront estates beside Vineyard Sound, historic homes formerly belonging to whaling captains downtown, and modern houses in West Chop. Properties with harbor views start above $2 million, while even modest homes inland command prices over $750,000. High demand coupled with a limited supply results in elevated prices.
Vineyard Haven, which has a population of 4,214, serves as Martha’s Vineyard’s main port and commercial hub. Its working harbor accommodates ferries, fishing boats, and yachts. Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is a significant local employer with 500 staff members. Main Street retains 19th-century architecture and is lined with unique shops, and the 1909-built Vineyard Haven Public Library serves as a community gathering spot. Owen Park Beach provides public access to the harbor, while the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center showcases independent films. The Vineyard Haven Cultural District encompasses 22 acres in the downtown area, and a five-minute ferry ride connects it to Woods Hole year-round.
