Massachusetts might be one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S., but there are still pockets of affordability, if you know where to look. According to the Zillow Home Value Index, Massachusetts has experienced significant home price increases over the past 15 years. Even within the state’s most affordable towns, values have nearly doubled in many locations since 2010, with the average affordable town seeing over 80% growth in just the past decade.
What’s particularly fascinating is the acceleration of growth in the last five years. While property values in these towns were relatively stable from 2010 to 2015, they’ve seen explosive growth post-2020, with some towns experiencing over 75% increases in just five years. This trend indicates that even Massachusetts’ traditionally more affordable regions are rapidly becoming less accessible to first-time homebuyers.
The most affordable towns are predominantly clustered in the western parts of the state, with Berkshire County and Franklin County housing many of the locations on this list. This geographical pattern reveals the stark east-west price divide that continues to characterize Massachusetts real estate.
24. Dalton
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $324,357
- 2020 Home Value: $206,160
- 2015 Home Value: $176,223
- 2010 Home Value: $176,151
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 57.33%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 84.06%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 84.14%
About Dalton
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire County, Dalton offers you a charming blend of small-town New England appeal with convenient proximity to Pittsfield. Known for its papermaking heritage, Dalton combines industrial history with beautiful natural surroundings. Despite being the most expensive town on our affordable list, Dalton remains significantly more accessible than eastern Massachusetts communities while providing good value with its steady appreciation over the past 15 years.
23. Peru
Here are the historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $323,619
- 2020 Home Value: $204,883
- 2015 Home Value: $165,808
- 2010 Home Value: $156,747
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 57.95%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 95.18%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 106.46%
About Peru
If you’re seeking seclusion and natural beauty, Peru delivers both in abundance. This hilltown in Berkshire County boasts some of the most spectacular rural landscapes in Massachusetts with elevations reaching over 2,000 feet. Your investment potential here is impressive, with home values more than doubling since 2010. Peru offers a true escape from urban life while still being within reasonable distance to cultural centers like Pittsfield and North Adams.
22. Wales
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $323,298
- 2020 Home Value: $209,981
- 2015 Home Value: $168,676
- 2010 Home Value: $172,347
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 53.97%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 91.67%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 87.59%
About Wales
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Hampden County, Wales gives you the quintessential small-town experience with less than 2,000 residents. Your weekends can be spent exploring the Wales countryside or enjoying water activities on the adjacent Wales Pond. The consistent growth in home values demonstrates the increasing appeal of this quiet community, which sits conveniently near the Connecticut border while maintaining its distinctly rural Massachusetts character.
21. Athol
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $321,492
- 2020 Home Value: $183,986
- 2015 Home Value: $125,280
- 2010 Home Value: $131,793
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 74.74%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 156.62%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 143.94%
About Athol
Your dollar stretches impressively in Athol, a town that’s experienced remarkable growth with values increasing over 143% since 2010. Located in Worcester County along the Millers River, Athol combines industrial heritage with outdoor recreation opportunities at nearby Quabbin Reservoir. The town’s dramatic price appreciation—particularly since 2015 when values have more than doubled—suggests you’ve found a market with tremendous momentum that still remains relatively affordable.
20. Greenfield
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $318,953
- 2020 Home Value: $203,297
- 2015 Home Value: $173,600
- 2010 Home Value: $192,550
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 56.89%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.73%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 65.65%
About Greenfield
Welcome to Greenfield, the vibrant heart of Franklin County where you’ll find a perfect blend of small-city amenities and rural charm. As the county seat, Greenfield offers you a walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues while maintaining relatively affordable housing prices. The town’s location at the crossroads of major highways makes it convenient for commuting while still enjoying the pastoral beauty of western Massachusetts. Despite some housing market fluctuations between 2010-2015, Greenfield has shown strong, steady growth since 2020.
19. Erving
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $315,749
- 2020 Home Value: $212,217
- 2015 Home Value: $175,974
- 2010 Home Value: $188,714
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 48.79%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 79.43%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 67.32%
About Erving
Discovering Erving means finding a hidden gem along the Millers River with spectacular views of the Berkshire foothills. Your outdoor adventures await with easy access to Erving State Forest and nearby recreation areas. The town’s industrial past is still evident in its architecture, giving you a sense of authentic New England character. While home values dipped slightly between 2010-2015, the strong recovery and consistent growth since then demonstrate Erving’s enduring appeal.
18. Plainfield
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $314,770
- 2020 Home Value: $231,299
- 2015 Home Value: $195,505
- 2010 Home Value: $209,318
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 36.09%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 61.00%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 50.38%
About Plainfield
Perched high in the Berkshire Hills, Plainfield offers you pristine landscapes and a truly rural lifestyle with less than 600 residents. Your nature-loving side will appreciate the town’s proximity to the Dubuque State Forest and numerous hiking trails. While showing more modest growth compared to other towns on this list, Plainfield’s home values have remained remarkably stable through economic fluctuations, suggesting a reliable long-term investment in an area known for its natural beauty and tight-knit community.
17. Palmer
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $310,090
- 2020 Home Value: $201,208
- 2015 Home Value: Data not available
- 2010 Home Value: Data not available
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 54.11%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: Data not available
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: Data not available
About Palmer
Known as “The Town of Seven Railroads,” Palmer presents you with a unique blend of transportation history and small-town living. Your location here puts you at a strategic crossroads in central Massachusetts with easy access to both Worcester and Springfield. The impressive 54% value growth in just five years highlights Palmer’s increasing desirability as homebuyers seek affordable alternatives to the pricy Boston metro area while still wanting convenient access to urban amenities.
16. Turners Falls
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $309,976
- 2020 Home Value: $195,360
- 2015 Home Value: $164,227
- 2010 Home Value: $182,604
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 58.67%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 88.75%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 69.75%
About Turners Falls
Turners Falls invites you to experience its fascinating industrial history alongside breathtaking natural beauty. This village within Montague sits dramatically along the Connecticut River, offering spectacular views and outdoor recreation at the adjacent canal and falls. Your creative side will appreciate the flourishing arts community that has developed in recent years, with galleries and studios occupying historic mill buildings. The strong price recovery since 2015 reflects this renaissance, making Turners Falls an increasingly attractive destination for those seeking affordability with cultural amenities.
15. Savoy
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $307,093
- 2020 Home Value: $188,028
- 2015 Home Value: Data not available
- 2010 Home Value: Data not available
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 63.32%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: Data not available
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: Data not available
About Savoy
Embrace true rural living in Savoy, a mountain town with fewer than 1,000 residents where natural beauty surrounds you at every turn. Your outdoor enthusiast side will thrive with access to Savoy Mountain State Forest’s waterfalls, ponds, and hiking trails. The remarkable 63% price growth in just five years demonstrates the increasing desirability of remote locations with natural amenities, particularly in the post-pandemic real estate market that has valued space and separation from urban centers.
14. Holyoke
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $304,899
- 2020 Home Value: $207,804
- 2015 Home Value: $165,047
- 2010 Home Value: $169,320
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 46.72%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 84.73%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 80.07%
About Holyoke
Steeped in industrial history, Holyoke offers you a city experience with remarkable affordability. As the “Paper City,” your surroundings include impressive 19th-century architecture and the innovative canal system that once powered numerous mills. The city’s renaissance efforts are reflected in its home value increases, with a strong 80% growth since 2010. Your urban lifestyle preferences can be satisfied here with diverse dining options, cultural venues, and a growing arts scene—all at a fraction of the cost of homes in eastern Massachusetts.
13. Wendell
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $304,657
- 2020 Home Value: $192,175
- 2015 Home Value: $165,592
- 2010 Home Value: $168,818
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 58.53%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 83.98%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 80.46%
About Wendell
Venture into Wendell and discover one of Massachusetts’ most eclectic and environmentally-conscious communities. Your sustainable lifestyle will be supported by this town’s commitment to conservation, with over 7,000 acres of protected forest land. The community is known for attracting artists, writers, and those seeking an alternative lifestyle close to nature. The consistent appreciation of home values, particularly the acceleration since 2020, highlights the increasing appeal of this unconventional yet welcoming community.
12. Orange
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $302,488
- 2020 Home Value: $180,958
- 2015 Home Value: $130,763
- 2010 Home Value: $144,919
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 67.16%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 131.33%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 108.73%
About Orange
Orange welcomes you with its quintessential New England charm and remarkable investment potential, with home values having more than doubled since 2010. Your daily life here blends small-town convenience with natural beauty along the Millers River. The town’s history as a manufacturing center is evident in its architecture, while modern amenities ensure comfortable living. The explosive growth since 2015—a staggering 131% increase—suggests you’ve discovered a community experiencing a significant renaissance while maintaining affordability.
11. Chicopee
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $300,551
- 2020 Home Value: $197,207
- 2015 Home Value: $157,366
- 2010 Home Value: $167,205
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 52.40%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 90.99%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 79.75%
About Chicopee
Situated at the confluence of the Connecticut and Chicopee rivers, Chicopee offers you a vibrant small city experience with outstanding affordability. Your urban amenities are abundant here, including diverse dining options, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. The city’s strategic location near major highways and proximity to Springfield provides convenience while maintaining lower housing costs. With home values showing steady growth of nearly 80% since 2010, Chicopee represents an attractive combination of urban amenities and investment potential.
10. Colrain
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $299,939
- 2020 Home Value: $193,609
- 2015 Home Value: $166,883
- 2010 Home Value: $181,144
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 54.92%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 79.73%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 65.58%
About Colrain
Along the North River in Franklin County, Colrain beckons with rolling hills and pastoral landscapes that embody rural New England at its finest. Your recreational options are plentiful with the Green River and nearby state forests providing abundant outdoor activities. The agricultural heritage remains strong here, with working farms dotting the countryside. While home values experienced some fluctuation between 2010-2015, the steady growth since then demonstrates Colrain’s enduring appeal to those seeking tranquility without sacrificing accessibility to regional amenities.
9. Millers Falls
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $296,557
- 2020 Home Value: $168,614
- 2015 Home Value: $135,612
- 2010 Home Value: $146,399
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 75.88%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 118.68%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 102.57%
About Millers Falls
Tucked along the Millers River, this village within Montague offers you small-town charm with incredible investment potential, as evidenced by its home values doubling since 2010. Your dollars stretch farther here while still enjoying the cultural amenities of nearby Greenfield and the Five College area. The village’s compact center retains much of its historic character with brick buildings and a classic New England atmosphere. The dramatic 75% increase in just the last five years signals Millers Falls’ emergence as a sought-after location that still offers relative affordability.
8. Pittsfield
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $296,315
- 2020 Home Value: $182,763
- 2015 Home Value: $153,021
- 2010 Home Value: $152,373
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 62.13%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 93.64%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 94.47%
About Pittsfield
As the cultural and commercial hub of Berkshire County, Pittsfield delivers urban amenities with small-city charm and affordability. Your cultural appetite will be satisfied by the vibrant arts scene, including the renowned Barrington Stage Company and the Berkshire Museum. Despite being the largest city in the Berkshires, Pittsfield maintains surprisingly affordable housing prices that have nearly doubled since 2010. The surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop and endless outdoor recreation options, making this an attractive alternative to the higher-priced cultural centers in the southern Berkshires.
7. Heath
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $287,647
- 2020 Home Value: $195,498
- 2015 Home Value: $175,513
- 2010 Home Value: $192,858
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 47.14%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 63.89%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 49.15%
About Heath
Retreat to Heath, where the Berkshire foothills provide panoramic views and a true escape from modern hustle. Your sense of community will thrive in this small town of fewer than 1,000 residents, known for its strong agricultural traditions and community events like the Heath Fair. While showing more modest appreciation than some towns on this list, Heath’s home values have maintained remarkable stability through economic fluctuations, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this scenic hilltop community that combines accessibility with rural charm.
6. Chester
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $285,812
- 2020 Home Value: $181,749
- 2015 Home Value: $151,666
- 2010 Home Value: $168,721
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 57.26%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 88.45%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 69.40%
About Chester
Discover Chester’s dramatic landscapes nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires, where the west branch of the Westfield River provides both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Your outdoor adventures will be endless here, with kayaking, fishing, and hiking right at your doorstep. The town’s historic railway station serves as a reminder of its importance as a transportation hub during the industrial era. While home values experienced some fluctuation between 2010-2015, the strong recovery and consistent growth since then highlight Chester’s renewed appeal to those seeking affordable rural living with character.
5. Springfield
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $283,345
- 2020 Home Value: $174,612
- 2015 Home Value: $126,172
- 2010 Home Value: $134,990
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 62.27%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 124.57%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 109.90%
About Springfield
Welcome to the City of Firsts! As the third largest city in Massachusetts, Springfield offers you an astonishing combination of urban amenities and remarkable affordability. Your cultural opportunities abound with institutions like the Springfield Museums, Basketball Hall of Fame, and Symphony Orchestra. Despite its size and significance, Springfield remains one of the most affordable housing markets in the state, with values that have more than doubled since 2010. The city’s ongoing revitalization efforts, including the MGM Springfield resort, continue to drive interest in this historic urban center.
4. Clarksburg
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $261,259
- 2020 Home Value: $161,242
- 2015 Home Value: $138,056
- 2010 Home Value: $148,952
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 62.03%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 89.24%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 75.40%
About Clarksburg
Nestled at the northern tip of Berkshire County along the Vermont border, Clarksburg combines small-town intimacy with remarkable natural beauty. Your home here puts you at the doorstep of both Clarksburg State Forest and the scenic Appalachian Trail. The town’s dramatic setting at the base of the Berkshire Mountains provides stunning landscapes in all directions. After experiencing some market fluctuations between 2010-2015, Clarksburg’s housing values have rebounded impressively, with a strong 62% growth in just the last five years demonstrating its increasing appeal to those seeking affordability in a picturesque setting.
3. Florida
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $253,678
- 2020 Home Value: $157,708
- 2015 Home Value: $131,991
- 2010 Home Value: $124,257
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 60.85%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 92.19%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 104.16%
About Florida
Yes, Massachusetts has its own Florida! Perched along the Mohawk Trail at the state’s highest average elevation, this mountain town provides you with breathtaking vistas and true four-season living. Your investment here has shown remarkable growth, with home values more than doubling since 2010. The town’s unique claim to fame includes being home to the eastern portal of the Hoosac Tunnel, a 19th-century engineering marvel. Despite the dramatically increasing home values, Florida remains one of the state’s most affordable communities while offering unparalleled mountain scenery. The town’s unique claim to fame includes being home to the eastern portal of the Hoosac Tunnel, a 19th-century engineering marvel. Despite the dramatically increasing home values, Florida remains one of the state’s most affordable communities while offering unparalleled mountain scenery.
2. Adams
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $249,632
- 2020 Home Value: $150,386
- 2015 Home Value: $124,946
- 2010 Home Value: $126,816
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 65.99%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 99.79%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 96.85%
About Adams
Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Mount Greylock, Adams offers you an affordable gateway to the northern Berkshires. Your cultural experiences here are enriched by the town’s strong Polish heritage and its connection to the famous suffragist Susan B. Anthony, who was born in Adams. The impressive nearly 100% growth in home values since 2015 reflects increasing recognition of this charming town’s combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and proximity to cultural attractions like MASS MoCA in neighboring North Adams. Despite this growth, Adams remains one of Massachusetts’ most affordable communities.
1. North Adams
Historical home prices and percentage change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $238,599
- 2020 Home Value: $143,985
- 2015 Home Value: $117,246
- 2010 Home Value: $115,375
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 65.71%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 103.50%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: 106.80%
About North Adams
As Massachusetts’ most affordable city, North Adams presents you with an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a vibrant community undergoing remarkable cultural renaissance. Your creative side will thrive here in the home of MASS MoCA, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country. The city’s transformation from industrial center to arts destination has driven impressive home value growth, more than doubling since 2010. Your investment potential remains strong as North Adams continues to attract artists, entrepreneurs, and those seeking an affordable alternative to higher-priced Berkshire communities while still enjoying the region’s natural beauty and cultural amenities.
