New England’s housing market continues to demonstrate significant regional variations, with median home values ranging from $253,130 to nearly $1.5 million, according to Zillow Home Value Index data as of October 31, 2024. The data, drawn from Zillow’s comprehensive analysis of middle-tier homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range, reveals that Massachusetts dominates the top of the market, while inland communities in northern New England offer more affordable options.
Among the region’s 895 metropolitan and micropolitan areas tracked by Zillow, the top 25 most expensive markets cluster around major economic centers, coastal areas, and vacation destinations. Martha’s Vineyard’s Vineyard Haven leads the list at nearly $1.5 million, while Berlin, New Hampshire, rounds out the top 25 at $253,130, illustrating the stark contrasts in New England’s housing landscape.
This analysis examines each of these 25 communities in detail, exploring not just their housing costs but also the unique characteristics that drive their real estate values – from educational institutions and healthcare facilities to cultural amenities and natural attractions. Each community profile includes population data, key employers, and distinctive features that contribute to its housing market dynamics.
#25. Berlin, NH
The median price of a home in Berlin is $253,130. Housing costs have increased steadily over the past five years but remain among the most affordable in northern New England. This working-class city offers many entry-level homes and some of New Hampshire’s most reasonable rental rates. Local property taxes are higher than the state average, reflecting the city’s industrial legacy.
Berlin (population 10,051) sits directly north of White Mountain National Forest. The city’s Northern Forest Heritage Park documents the region’s logging history, while Jericho Mountain State Park provides 80 miles of ATV trails. The former Brown Paper Mill site hosts the annual RiverFire festival. Berlin Regional Airport serves small aircraft, and the city marks the northern terminus of the Presidential Rail Trail. The city is two hours from Portland and three hours from Boston. Androscoggin Valley Hospital is the primary employer.
#24. Bangor, ME
The median price of a home in Bangor is $267,277. The market includes a mix of historic homes near downtown and newer developments in the suburbs. Multi-unit properties near universities command premium prices. New construction is primarily occurring on the city’s west side.
Bangor (population 31,753) serves as Maine’s third-largest city and the economic hub for central and northern Maine. The city sits at the confluence of the Penobscot and Kenduskeag rivers. Husson University enrolls over 3,000 students, while Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center provides regional healthcare services. Bangor International Airport offers direct flights to major East Coast hubs. The city hosts the American Folk Festival and Waterfront Concerts series. Author Stephen King resides here, and the world’s largest Paul Bunyan statue stands downtown, celebrating the region’s lumber heritage.
#23. Rutland, VT
The median price of a home in Rutland is $306,111. The housing stock includes many Victorian-era homes in the historic district and mid-century properties in surrounding neighborhoods. Recent development has focused on renovating existing properties rather than new construction.
Rutland (population 15,402) is southern Vermont’s largest city, located 15 minutes from Killington Resort, the largest ski area in the eastern U.S. The downtown, listed on National Register of Historic Places, centers around the restored 1914 Paramount Theatre. The Vermont Farmers Food Center operates year-round, while Pine Hill Park provides 17 miles of mountain biking trails. Rutland Regional Medical Center serves as a major employer. The Amtrak Ethan Allen Express connects the city to New York City.
#22. Augusta, ME
The median price of a home in Augusta is $311,009. The market is characterized by older homes near the capitol complex and newer subdivisions on the city’s outskirts. State government employment helps maintain stable housing demand. Western Augusta features larger lots and higher-priced homes.
Augusta (population 18,899) serves as Maine’s capital city. The Maine State House and Capitol Complex employ over 4,000 people. The University of Maine at Augusta enrolls 4,500 students across multiple campuses. MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Alfond Center for Health opened in 2013. The Kennebec River bisects the city, with the 6.5-mile Kennebec River Rail Trail following its western bank. The Augusta State Airport provides daily flights to Boston.
#21. Lewiston, ME
The median price of a home in Lewiston is $318,568. The housing market features many multi-unit properties from its industrial era, alongside single-family homes in residential neighborhoods. The tree streets district offers historic properties, while newer developments expand toward Auburn and Lisbon.
Lewiston (population 37,121) forms Maine’s second-largest metropolitan area when combined with Auburn. Bates College, founded in 1855, enrolls 2,000 students in the city’s historic district. Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center are major employers. The Androscoggin Bank Colisée hosts hockey and events. Museum L-A preserves the city’s Franco-American heritage and textile industry history. The annual Dempsey Challenge, founded by actor Patrick Dempsey, draws thousands for cancer fundraising.
#20. Springfield, MA
The median price of a home in Springfield is $350,546. The housing stock ranges from Victorian mansions in Forest Park to modest single-family homes throughout sixteen distinct neighborhoods. Multi-family properties near colleges maintain steady rental demand. The North End and East Forest Park see active development.
Springfield (population 155,929) is western Massachusetts’ largest city. The Basketball Hall of Fame draws 250,000 visitors annually. MGM Springfield casino employs 3,000 people. The city houses Smith & Wesson’s headquarters and manufacturing. MassMutual Center arena hosts the AHL Thunderbirds. Springfield Museums feature five distinct facilities including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss. Union Station provides Amtrak service to New York and Boston. Springfield Technical Community College occupies the Springfield Armory historic site.
#19. Hartford, CT
The median price of a home in Hartford is $360,806. The market includes historic properties in the West End, modern condos downtown, and single-family homes in Blue Hills and South End. Insurance industry employment supports housing stability. Asylum Hill features larger Victorian-era homes.
Hartford (population 121,054) serves as Connecticut’s capital and insurance industry hub. Aetna, The Hartford, and Travelers employ over 37,000 people combined. The Wadsworth Atheneum, America’s oldest public art museum, houses 50,000 works. Trinity College and Capital Community College enroll 3,000 students combined. Bushnell Park, the nation’s oldest public park, spans 50 acres downtown. The Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center preserve literary history. XL Center hosts UConn basketball and the AHL Wolf Pack.
#18. Keene, NH
The median price of a home in Keene is $365,360. The housing market centers around historic properties near Main Street and newer developments on the eastern outskirts. Colonial and Victorian homes dominate the West Side. Rural properties with acreage are available in surrounding towns.
Keene (population 22,786) is the commercial hub of the Monadnock Region. Keene State College enrolls 3,400 students downtown. The Colonial Theatre, built in 1924, hosts performing arts. Cheshire Medical Center employs 1,500 people. The 157-acre Ashuelot River Park features paved trails. Central Square hosts the annual Pumpkin Festival, previously holding the world record for most lit jack-o’-lanterns. Dillant-Hopkins Airport serves private aviation.
#17. Bennington, VT
The median price of a home in Bennington is $366,583. Housing options range from historic downtown properties to modern homes near the hospital. The Old Bennington district features preserved colonial-era houses. Monument Avenue commands premium prices.
Bennington (population 15,333) anchors Vermont’s southwest corner. The 306-foot Bennington Battle Monument marks the Revolutionary War site. Bennington College enrolls 700 students on its 440-acre campus. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center employs 1,400. The Bennington Museum houses the largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings. Historic Paper Mill Village features preserved industrial buildings. The town marks the western terminus of the Long Trail.
#16. New Haven, CT
The median price of a home in New Haven is $368,979. Yale University’s presence drives housing demand in East Rock and Westville. Historic homes line Wooster Square, while newer developments reshape the Hill neighborhood. Downtown features luxury apartments in converted industrial buildings.
New Haven (population 134,023) houses Yale University’s main campus with 14,000 students. The city features the first planned grid system in America, centered on the 16-acre New Haven Green. Yale New Haven Hospital employs 14,500. The Peabody Museum displays dinosaur fossils including the first Brontosaurus. Louis’ Lunch claims to have served the first hamburger in America. Long Wharf Theatre and Yale Repertory Theatre anchor the arts scene. Union Station provides frequent service to New York City.
#15. Pittsfield, MA
The median price of a home in Pittsfield is $369,400. The housing inventory includes Victorian mansions near South Street, lakefront properties at Onota Lake, and mid-century homes throughout ten distinct neighborhoods. The West Side features more affordable options.
Pittsfield (population 43,927) serves as the cultural hub of the Berkshires. Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, lies nearby. Berkshire Medical Center employs 2,500. The Colonial Theatre and Barrington Stage Company provide year-round performances. Wahconah Park, built in 1892, hosts baseball in a rare west-facing stadium. The Berkshire Museum combines art, history, and science collections. General Electric’s legacy shaped the city’s industrial areas.
#14. Barre, VT
The median price of a home in Barre is $383,039. The housing market features granite worker homes from the early 1900s, with larger Victorian properties on Washington Street. Newer subdivisions extend toward Graniteville and Berlin. Historic homes near downtown offer renovation opportunities.
Barre (population 8,491) is known as the “Granite Center of the World.” The Vermont Granite Museum documents the industry that built the city. Hope Cemetery displays remarkable granite sculptures and artistry. Barre Opera House, built in 1899, hosts performance arts. Thunder Road SpeedBowl draws racing fans. The city connects to the Central Vermont Trail network. Barre City Elementary serves 850 students. Central Vermont Medical Center lies in adjacent Berlin.
#13. Norwich, CT
The median price of a home in Norwich is $384,967. The housing stock includes historic colonials in Norwichtown, Victorian mansions on Broadway, and waterfront properties along the Thames River. The Taftville and Greeneville districts offer restored mill worker houses.
Norwich (population 40,125) occupies the confluence of three rivers. The Slater Memorial Museum houses Victorian-era art collections. The Mohegan Sun Casino employs 7,000 nearby. Norwich Free Academy, a privately governed high school, serves 2,300 students on its historic campus. The Leffingwell House Museum dates to 1675. Chelsea Botanical Gardens spans 80 acres. The Cathedral of St. Patrick, built in 1879, features notable Gothic architecture. The Norwich Marina provides Thames River access.
#12. Torrington, CT
The median price of a home in Torrington is $390,830. The market includes historic homes near Main Street, mid-century properties in the West End, and newer developments off East Main Street. The Burrville district features larger lots and rural properties.
Torrington (population 35,515) centers the Litchfield Hills region. The Warner Theatre, a restored 1931 Art Deco landmark, seats 1,772. Charlotte Hungerford Hospital employs 1,200. The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts trains professional dancers. The Torrington Historical Society maintains the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum. Five Points Gallery anchors the downtown arts scene. The Sue Grossman Still River Greenway offers 3 miles of paved trail. Northwestern Connecticut Community College enrolls 1,300 students.
#11. Worcester, MA
The median price of a home in Worcester is $452,956. The housing market spans historic row houses near Elm Park, triple-deckers in diverse neighborhoods, and newer developments on the city’s west side. The Forest Grove and Newton Square areas feature larger single-family homes. Union Hill offers affordable multi-family properties.
Worcester (population 206,518) stands as New England’s second-largest city. Nine colleges, including Holy Cross, WPI, and Clark University, enroll over 35,000 students. UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Health employ 14,000 combined. The DCU Center hosts concerts and minor league hockey. The Worcester Art Museum houses 38,000 works including Roman mosaics. Polar Park, opened in 2021, hosts the Triple-A WooSox. The Hanover Theatre anchors a growing downtown entertainment district.
#10. Concord, NH
The median price of a home in Concord is $454,363. The market features Greek Revival homes near the State House, modern developments along the Heights, and historic properties in the South End. The West End offers larger lots with established neighborhoods. East Concord provides semi-rural properties.
Concord (population 43,976) serves as New Hampshire’s capital city. The State House, built in 1819, is the oldest continuously used state capitol. NHTI community college enrolls 4,600 students. Concord Hospital employs 4,500. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features astronomy and aviation exhibits. The Capitol Center for the Arts seats 1,304. The 12.7-mile Merrimack River Greenway Trail connects neighborhoods. Red River Theatres shows independent films downtown.
#9. Burlington, VT
The median price of a home in Burlington is $463,144. The Hill Section features historic mansions with lake views. The Old North End offers multi-family properties and smaller homes. New North End provides mid-century houses with yards. Downtown condos command premium prices near Church Street.
Burlington (population 44,743) ranks as Vermont’s largest city. The University of Vermont enrolls 13,000 students. Church Street Marketplace spans four pedestrian blocks with shops and dining. The Flynn Center presents performing arts in a 1930 Art Deco theater. ECHO Leahy Center explores Lake Champlain’s ecology. Burlington International Airport serves 1.2 million passengers annually. The Island Line Trail includes a 3-mile causeway into the lake. Major employers include UVM Medical Center with 8,700 workers.
#8. Laconia, NH
The median price of a home in Laconia is $475,509. The housing market features lakefront properties on Winnipesaukee and Opechee, historic homes in the South End, and newer developments near the hospital. Lakeport and Weirs Beach offer water-access properties. Downtown condos occupy restored mill buildings.
Laconia (population 16,871) is the hub of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Weirs Beach hosts Motorcycle Week, drawing 300,000 visitors annually. Lakes Region General Hospital employs 1,200. The Colonial Theatre, restored in 2021, seats 750. The Belknap Mill, America’s oldest unaltered brick textile mill, houses historical exhibits. Lakes Region Community College enrolls 1,300 students. Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in nearby Gilford hosts major concerts. The WOW Trail connects three lakes through the city.
#7. Manchester, NH
The median price of a home in Manchester is $482,950. The housing stock includes Victorian mansions in the North End, triple-deckers along the Merrimack River, and newer developments in the South End. The Millyard features luxury condos in converted brick mills. Bedford border neighborhoods command premium prices.
Manchester (population 115,644) is New Hampshire’s largest city. The Millyard houses tech companies in former textile mills, employing 4,000. The Currier Museum of Art owns two Frank Lloyd Wright houses. Saint Anselm College and Southern New Hampshire University enroll 14,000 combined. The SNHU Arena hosts concerts and minor league hockey. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport serves 1.7 million passengers annually. The Rex Theatre presents performances in a restored 1920 venue.
#6. Providence, RI
The median price of a home in Providence is $484,566. The East Side features historic colonials near Brown University. The West End offers Victorian houses and multi-families. Fox Point includes restored waterfront properties. Blackstone Boulevard showcases mansion-style homes. Downtown high-rises provide luxury condos.
Providence (population 190,934) is Rhode Island’s capital and largest city. Brown University and RISD enroll 16,000 students combined. The Rhode Island State House features the world’s fourth-largest self-supported marble dome. WaterFire attracts thousands to downtown rivers. The Providence Place Mall spans three levels above the train station. The RISD Museum houses 100,000 artworks. Johnson & Wales University’s culinary program influences the restaurant scene. The Providence Performing Arts Center seats 3,100 in an ornate 1928 theater.
#5. Portland, ME
The median price of a home in Portland is $511,071. The housing market includes historic brick townhouses on the peninsula, Victorian homes in Deering, and waterfront condos along the Eastern Promenade. The West End features preserved mansions. Off-peninsula neighborhoods offer post-war homes with yards. Munjoy Hill properties command premium prices for ocean views.
Portland (population 68,408) serves as Maine’s largest city. The Old Port district combines fishing wharves with boutique shopping. Maine Medical Center employs 8,700 health workers. The Portland Museum of Art houses 18,000 works. Thompson’s Point hosts outdoor concerts and winter ice skating. The Cross Insurance Arena presents major events. The Portland International Jetport serves 2 million passengers annually. Commercial Street supports an active fishing industry with 20 wharves. More than 60 breweries operate in the Greater Portland area.
#4. Bridgeport, CT
The median price of a home in Bridgeport is $620,452. The Black Rock and North End neighborhoods feature larger colonials and water views. Brooklawn and North Bridgeport offer mid-century homes with yards. The historic South End includes restored Victorian properties. St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea commands premium prices.
Bridgeport (population 148,654) is Connecticut’s largest city. Bridgeport Hospital and St. Vincent’s Medical Center employ 5,500 combined. The University of Bridgeport campus spans 86 waterfront acres. The Barnum Museum celebrates the city’s circus heritage. The 325-acre Seaside Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, lines Long Island Sound. Webster Bank Arena hosts concerts and minor league hockey. Bass Pro Shops anchors the Steelpointe Harbor development. The Housatonic Museum of Art displays 6,000 works.
#3. Boston, MA
The median price of a home in Boston is $689,653. The market spans brick townhouses in Back Bay, triple-deckers in Dorchester, and modern developments in Seaport. Beacon Hill features historic row houses. Jamaica Plain offers Victorian homes near green space. New luxury high-rises reshape the skyline. Waterfront properties exceed $1 million.
Boston (population 675,647) ranks as New England’s largest city. Over 75 colleges enroll 250,000 students. Massachusetts General Hospital leads five teaching hospitals. The Freedom Trail connects 16 Revolutionary sites. Fenway Park, built in 1912, hosts the Red Sox. The Museum of Fine Arts houses 450,000 works. The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs at Symphony Hall. Logan International Airport serves 40 million passengers annually. The Seaport District has added 10 million square feet of development since 2012.
#2. Barnstable Town, MA
The median price of a home in Barnstable Town is $725,722. The market includes waterfront estates on Sandy Neck, historic captain’s homes in Barnstable Village, and contemporary properties around Hyannis. Osterville and Centerville feature larger coastal homes. West Barnstable offers more land with colonial-style houses. Hyannisport properties command the highest prices.
Barnstable Town (population 48,916) is Cape Cod’s largest community. Cape Cod Hospital employs 4,200 medical professionals. Cape Cod Community College enrolls 3,000 students. Hyannis Harbor sends ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum chronicles the family’s local history. The Cape Cod Maritime Museum preserves the region’s seafaring heritage. Barnstable Municipal Airport serves 100,000 passengers annually. The 1,200-acre Sandy Neck Beach Park includes protected dunes and maritime forests. Seven distinct villages comprise the town.
#1. Vineyard Haven (Martha’s Vineyard), MA
The median price of a home in Vineyard Haven is $1,495,751. The housing market features waterfront estates along Vineyard Sound, historic whaling captains’ homes downtown, and modern properties in West Chop. Harbor-view homes start above $2 million. Even modest inland properties exceed $750,000. Limited supply and strong demand drive prices.
Vineyard Haven (population 4,214) is Martha’s Vineyard’s year-round port and commercial center. The working harbor accommodates ferries, fishing boats, and yachts. Martha’s Vineyard Hospital employs 500 people. Main Street preserves 19th-century architecture with independent shops. The Vineyard Haven Public Library, built in 1909, serves as a community hub. Owen Park Beach offers public harbor access. The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center screens independent films. The Vineyard Haven Cultural District spans 22 acres downtown. Five-minute ferry service connects to Woods Hole year-round.
