Massachusetts is alive with history, natural beauty, and fertile soil.
Over 25% of the nation’s cranberries are grown along the coastline.
Although many areas are considered elite and costly, many affordable neighborhoods exist.
If you have a passion for the East Coast, but Martha’s Vineyard and the Nantucket Islands are out of your league, here are suggestions for making Massachusetts your home.
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10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts
1. Adams
Adams, Massachusetts, is part of the Pittsburg Metropolitan Statistical Area.
It is a small town of about 8500 residents and has mainly an older population.
The townspeople are not open to change, so little development occurs.
The median household income is $26,000.
Although Adams is considered among the poorest communities in Massachusetts, it is quaint and well-maintained.
One can see the city’s mountains, beautiful trails, and streams.
Job opportunities are low, but so is the crime rate.
Families that have raised their families here boast about the excellent schools and quiet nature.
Housing in Adams is 24.8% lower than the state’s average and 4.1% below the national average.
2. Springfield
Springfield, Massachusetts, has a low home value rate of $247,000, one of the state’s lowest housing estimates.
Located northwest of the state, it has approximately 155,000 residents and is popular due to its museums and colleges.
The rich history further offers a great cultural atmosphere.
Springfield is an affordable area compared to other areas of Massachusetts.
The median income is estimated at $58,000, and the median age is 39.6.
Situated along the Connecticut River, outdoor sports are enjoyed in Springfield.
There are also nighttime events and live entertainment that draw outsiders.
Considered an urban area of the Ozarks, unemployment is high at 32%, but more significant regions nearby help to balance the need.
3. Athol
Athol, Massachusetts, is located 70 miles west of Boston and has 12,000 residents.
It has been an industrial town since the Civil War but has declined economically.
The commercial vacancy rate stands at 18% today.
Athol is positioned along the Millers River, where activities are robust.
Hiking trails, camping sites, bridges, ponds, and brooks attract residents and tourists for a leisurely time.
The town is somewhat disconnected from public spaces but does offer connections through outdoor activities.
Home prices average $272,000, making Adhol an affordable and relaxing town for outdoor enthusiasts.
Out of 411 areas in Massachusetts, this city is rated the 12th lowest in cost of living.
4. Pittsfield
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has a population of 44,000.
However, it is still considered the 3rd largest municipality behind Springfield and Chicopee in the western part of the state.
Housing expenses are 13% higher than the national average, with the median home price being $509,500.
$1,550 is the monthly median rent.
While this may not seem like a cheap place to live compared to Boston, it has attractions for young professionals.
Filled with natural state parks, ski records, and historical sites, activities are always available.
Add to this a lively musical scene and active young people find the area to their liking.
Younger retirees also find Pittsfield a good fit for enjoying life at an affordable cost.
5. Chicopee
Chicopee, Massachusetts, is home to about 55,000 people.
The average median price for a home is $265,000, and the area’s amenities make Chicopee an appealing and affordable place to live.
Westover Air Reserve Base is located here and has one of the largest runways on the East Coast.
The community is charming, with parks and historical exhibits
. Downtown Chicopee has a buzz of restaurants, shops, and small businesses.
The median household income is $80,000, and the commute to work is 20 minutes.
It is far enough away from busy cities to be safe and close enough to enjoy shows and nightclubs.
The small-town atmosphere is a great place to live for families and retirees.
Its affordability is a well-kept secret, as the city’s population has been consistent for decades.
6. Gardner
Gardner, Massachusetts, lies 60 miles northwest of Boston and has a lovely suburban atmosphere.
There are about 21,000 residents in Gardner, and it has state parks, a wildlife sanctuary, and a community college.
The median home value is $305,000.
Many people are employed at the local furniture manufacturers or furniture outlets.
Known as the Furniture Capital of New England, the city prides itself on having such an outstanding and affordable community.
Natural amenities, beautiful scenery, and friendly walkways are inviting to all who visit.
The median family income is around $59,700, much cheaper than the closer suburbs of Boston.
Out of 114 cities in America, Gardner is rated #12 for having one of the best crime ratings.
7. Fitchburg
Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a tightly-knit community of around 41,000 residents.
It has a reputation for having hilly streets and topography.
Located 10 miles from New Hampshire, it is an inexpensive way to live in Massachusetts.
Average home values run $329,000, and booming industries prosper in this city.
Textile production, pharmaceuticals, and tool manufacturing are among the prominent giants in the area.
Fitchburg’s culture is unparalleled compared to other area cities with theaters, art museums, and Fitchburg State University.
Known as a liberal community, most young adults and families own their own homes.
Coffee shops and parks are prominent in this busy suburban town.
8. Holyoke
Holyoke, Massachusetts, focuses on renovating buildings to keep historical value intact.
The median income for this city of 38,000 is $49,000, and more people rent than own their homes.
The revitalization of downtown Holyoke has attracted more young and liberal citizens to the community.
A suburb of Springfield, the median rental rate is $937, while the average home worth is $237,000.
Although Holyoke sounds like the perfect cheap city to move to, there is a downside.
Crime has a C- rating of 45 per 100 residents affected.
Citizens report that Holyoke has a unique vibe, and most neighbors look out for one another, which is a plus.
9. Westfield
Westfield, Massachusetts, has a growing business community of 41,000 residents.
The unemployment rate is half the national average.
A suburb of Springfield, it has carried the nickname of “Whip City” since manufacturing buggy whips centuries ago.
The median home value is $282,000, and rent is around $1,050.
It is rated #12 out of 197 as the lowest cost of suburban living in Massachusetts.
The crime rate is average for a city of this size, with 12 incidents per 100 people.
Schools are above average, and many young professionals find this city superior to other towns in the area.
10. Ludlow
Ludlow, Massachusetts, is home to 21,000 residents and loves sports.
Many Portuguese and Polish families are settled here in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Soccer is the favorite sport in the area, and it hosts the Lusitano Stadium for games and tournaments.
Ludlow is an inexpensive city with an average home price of around $301,000.
Public schools in Ludlow are rated as above average.
Young families and retirees enjoy the quiet, sparse suburban feel and are mainly liberal in their political agenda.
The median household income is $76,000, and the cost of living is rated at #21 out of 197 communities in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Massachusetts Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is looking at properties in smaller Massachusetts towns for retirement from Boston a good idea?
If you have lived and worked in Boston all your life, you will find that the cost and pace are less stressful in one of the smaller, affordable suburbs.
For example, the average home in Boston costs $1,011,398.
This is over half as expensive as you can find in some smaller cities.
Do the smaller cities offer transportation?
Many of the suburbs offer transportation around the local area.
Commuter services are standard through MBTA and Commuter Rail.
Visit Mass.gov for more information on locations.
Is it easy for a young professional to find a local job in one of the cheaper small cities?
Visit the city’s website that you are interested in to get a feel for the type of industries that operate here.
Also, check the unemployment rate and how likely this area will grow economically.
