Massachusetts Single-Family Home Market Analysis
Expert Market Insights & Town-by-Town Analysis (2021-2025)
By Steve Novak – Your Boston North Real Estate Expert
With decades of experience in the Massachusetts real estate market, I’ve compiled this comprehensive analysis to help buyers, sellers, and investors make informed decisions.
Executive Summary: Key Market Insights
30.8%
Average Price Growth
Across all analyzed Massachusetts towns from 2021 to 2024
51.8%
Top Growth: Andover
Leading the market with exceptional appreciation
$9.7M
Highest Active Listing
24 Phillips Street, Andover (2025)
$4.65M
Highest 2025 Sale
19 Rangeley Rd, Winchester
2025 Luxury Market Highlights
The ultra-luxury segment continues to thrive with record-breaking listings and sales:
Highest Priced Active Listings (2025)
24 Phillips Street, Andover
$9,700,000
23 Thoreau Rd, Lexington
$6,150,000
23 Burroughs Road, Lexington
$5,395,000
Top Sales Completed in 2025
19 Rangeley Rd, Winchester
Sold: $4,650,000
21 Hathaway Rd, Lexington
Sold: $4,250,000
11 Castle Road, Lexington
Sold: $4,240,550
Price Growth by Town (2021-2024)
51.8%
Andover
46.6%
Burlington
44.4%
N. Reading
42.9%
Reading
34.6%
Woburn
29.3%
N. Andover
28.6%
Lexington
20.8%
Winchester
18.7%
Melrose
13.5%
Wilmington
Detailed Town-by-Town Market Analysis
#1 Top Performer
Andover
51.8% Growth
Andover has emerged as the undisputed leader in Massachusetts’ single-family home market appreciation. The town’s exceptional growth is driven by its excellent schools, proximity to major employment centers, and limited housing inventory. Notably, Andover currently hosts the highest-priced active listing in our analysis at $9.7 million.
2021 Average Price
$731,253
2024 Average Price
$1,109,858
2025 YTD Average
$1,194,164
2025 Active Listings
68 homes
#2 Strong Growth
Burlington
46.6% Growth
Burlington’s strategic location along Route 128 and its mix of residential charm with commercial convenience has driven remarkable price appreciation. The town has successfully attracted families seeking suburban living with urban accessibility. 2025 sales are averaging over $1.1 million.
2021 Average Price
$691,571
2024 Average Price
$1,013,586
2025 YTD Average
$1,113,040
Market Momentum
Very Strong
#3 Rising Star
North Reading
44.4% Growth
North Reading has transformed from a hidden gem to a sought-after destination. Its small-town character, excellent schools, and relative affordability compared to neighboring towns have created intense buyer demand. The market continues to strengthen in 2025.
2021 Average Price
$718,444
2024 Average Price
$1,037,651
2025 YTD Average
$1,021,567
Buyer Interest
Extremely High
#4 Consistent Performer
Reading
42.9% Growth
Reading combines excellent schools, charming downtown, and convenient commuter rail access to create one of the most desirable communities in the region. The town has seen consistent appreciation and maintains strong buyer demand.
2021 Average Price
$663,633
2024 Average Price
$948,379
2025 YTD Average
$1,014,271
2024 Sales Volume
189 homes
#5 Value Growth Leader
Woburn
34.6% Growth
Woburn offers exceptional value with strong growth potential. Its diverse housing stock, business-friendly environment, and excellent highway access make it attractive to both families and young professionals.
2021 Average Price
$617,024
2024 Average Price
$830,703
2025 YTD Average
$874,873
2024 Sales Volume
214 homes
#6 Steady Appreciation
North Andover
29.3% Growth
North Andover balances rural charm with suburban convenience. The town’s excellent schools, historic downtown, and large lot sizes continue to attract buyers seeking space and community.
2021 Average Price
$742,714
2024 Average Price
$959,984
2025 YTD Average
$959,918
Market Stability
Excellent
#7 Luxury Leader
Lexington
28.6% Growth
Despite being the highest-priced market in our analysis, Lexington continues to see strong appreciation. The town’s world-class schools, historic charm, and proximity to Cambridge and Boston maintain its position as a premier residential destination. Lexington dominates the luxury market with multiple listings over $5 million.
2021 Average Price
$1,487,632
2024 Average Price
$1,912,715
2025 YTD Average
$2,141,476
Market Position
Ultra-Premium
#8 Premium Market
Winchester
20.8% Growth
Winchester maintains its status as one of the most desirable communities in Greater Boston. The town recorded the highest sale price in 2025 at $4.65 million, demonstrating the strength of its luxury market. While growth has been more moderate than emerging markets, Winchester’s established prestige and limited inventory support continued appreciation.
2021 Average Price
$1,500,997
2024 Average Price
$1,812,960
2025 YTD Average
$2,243,000
2025 Top Sale
$4,650,000
#9 Urban Adjacent
Melrose
18.7% Growth
Melrose offers the perfect blend of urban accessibility and suburban charm. Its walkable downtown, excellent schools, and quick commute to Boston continue to attract young families and professionals.
2021 Average Price
$807,292
2024 Average Price
$958,511
2025 YTD Average
$1,005,556
Market Appeal
High Demand
#10 Affordable Option
Lynn
18.5% Growth
Lynn represents the most affordable market in our analysis while still showing solid appreciation. With ongoing revitalization efforts and proximity to Boston, Lynn offers opportunities for first-time buyers and investors.
2021 Average Price
$497,897
2024 Average Price
$589,869
2025 YTD Average
$589,542
2024 Sales Volume
328 homes
#11 Hidden Gem
Stoneham
17.5% Growth
Stoneham offers excellent value with its convenient location, strong community, and improving downtown. The town attracts buyers looking for affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
2021 Average Price
$715,623
2024 Average Price
$840,625
2025 YTD Average
$955,694
Growth Potential
Strong
#12 Commuter Favorite
Wakefield
16.7% Growth
Wakefield’s excellent commuter rail service, charming Lake Quannapowitt, and strong schools make it a perennial favorite. The town offers a balanced lifestyle with steady appreciation.
2021 Average Price
$735,750
2024 Average Price
$858,917
2025 YTD Average
$867,984
Market Stability
Very Good
#13 Family Friendly
Wilmington
13.5% Growth
Wilmington offers spacious homes, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. While showing more moderate growth, the town provides stability and quality of life that continues to attract families.
2021 Average Price
$700,500
2024 Average Price
$794,735
2025 YTD Average
$821,793
Family Appeal
Excellent
Market Segmentation Analysis
Luxury Markets ($1M+)
Lexington – $1.91M avg
Winchester – $1.81M avg
Andover – $1.11M avg
North Reading – $1.04M avg
Burlington – $1.01M avg
Mid-Market ($700K-$1M)
North Andover – $960K avg
Melrose – $959K avg
Reading – $948K avg
Wakefield – $859K avg
Stoneham – $841K avg
Woburn – $831K avg
Wilmington – $795K avg
Affordable Markets (<$700K)
Lynn – $590K avg
Comprehensive Market Comparison
| Town | 2021 Avg Price | 2024 Avg Price | % Growth | 2025 YTD Avg | Market Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andover | $731,253 | $1,109,858 | 51.8% | $1,194,164 | 🔥 Hot Market |
| Burlington | $691,571 | $1,013,586 | 46.6% | $1,113,040 | 🔥 Hot Market |
| North Reading | $718,444 | $1,037,651 | 44.4% | $1,021,567 | 🔥 Hot Market |
| Reading | $663,633 | $948,379 | 42.9% | $1,014,271 | 📈 Strong Growth |
| Woburn | $617,024 | $830,703 | 34.6% | $874,873 | 📈 Strong Growth |
| North Andover | $742,714 | $959,984 | 29.3% | $959,918 | 📊 Steady Growth |
| Lexington | $1,487,632 | $1,912,715 | 28.6% | $2,141,476 | 💎 Premium Stable |
| Winchester | $1,500,997 | $1,812,960 | 20.8% | $2,243,000 | 💎 Premium Stable |
| Melrose | $807,292 | $958,511 | 18.7% | $1,005,556 | 📊 Steady Growth |
| Lynn | $497,897 | $589,869 | 18.5% | $589,542 | 🏠 Value Market |
| Stoneham | $715,623 | $840,625 | 17.5% | $955,694 | 📊 Steady Growth |
| Wakefield | $735,750 | $858,917 | 16.7% | $867,984 | 📊 Steady Growth |
| Wilmington | $700,500 | $794,735 | 13.5% | $821,793 | 📊 Steady Growth |
Key Market Insights & Trends
1. The Great Suburban Surge
The data reveals a dramatic shift in buyer preferences toward suburban communities. Towns like Andover, Burlington, and North Reading have seen explosive growth exceeding 40%, driven by families seeking more space, better schools, and improved quality of life. This trend, accelerated by remote work flexibility, shows no signs of slowing.
2. The Million-Dollar Threshold
A significant market milestone has been reached: five towns now boast average home prices exceeding $1 million. This represents a fundamental shift in the Massachusetts housing market, with previously mid-tier markets like Burlington and North Reading joining the elite ranks alongside traditional luxury markets like Lexington and Winchester.
3. Inventory Crisis Drives Appreciation
Sales volume data reveals a persistent inventory shortage across all markets. Despite strong price appreciation, transaction volumes remain constrained, suggesting continued upward pressure on prices. Towns with the highest growth rates often showed the most severe inventory constraints.
4. The Education Premium
Analysis shows a strong correlation between school district rankings and price appreciation. Towns with top-rated schools consistently outperformed the market average, with buyers willing to pay substantial premiums for access to quality education.
Market Outlook & Future Projections
Short-Term Forecast (2025-2026)
Based on current trends and market fundamentals, we project continued appreciation across all analyzed markets, though at a more moderate pace. Expected annual appreciation rates of 5-10% are likely, with hot markets like Andover and Burlington potentially seeing higher gains if inventory remains constrained.
Long-Term Outlook (2027-2030)
The Massachusetts single-family home market appears positioned for sustained growth driven by:
- Continued migration from urban to suburban areas
- Limited developable land in desirable communities
- Strong local economy and job market
- Premium placed on quality school districts
- Infrastructure improvements and transit accessibility
Investment Opportunities
For investors and homebuyers, markets showing the strongest fundamentals for continued appreciation include:
- Emerging Markets: Towns like Wilmington and Stoneham offer relative affordability with growth potential
- Established Winners: Andover and Burlington combine strong growth with market stability
- Value Plays: Lynn presents opportunities for buyers seeking affordability near Boston
- Premium Stability: Lexington and Winchester offer wealth preservation in blue-chip markets
Steve Novak’s Expert Market Advice
As a seasoned real estate professional in the Boston North market, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of these communities. The data tells a compelling story, but behind every statistic is a family finding their dream home or an investor building their portfolio.
For Buyers:
- Don’t wait for the “perfect” market conditions – with average appreciation exceeding 30%, time in the market beats timing the market
- Consider emerging markets like Stoneham and North Reading for better value propositions
- Work with an experienced agent who knows these markets intimately
For Sellers:
- Current market conditions favor sellers, but proper pricing and presentation remain crucial
- Luxury properties are seeing record prices – if you’re considering selling a high-end home, now is an excellent time
- Strategic improvements can significantly impact your sale price in this competitive market
Ready to make your move in the Massachusetts real estate market?
Navigate the Massachusetts Real Estate Market with Steve Novak
The Massachusetts single-family home market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth from 2021 to 2025. With average appreciation of 30.8% across analyzed towns and some markets gaining over 50%, the data clearly shows the strength of suburban residential real estate in the Greater Boston region.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to upgrade, considering downsizing, or exploring investment opportunities, understanding these market dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions in today’s competitive environment.
Let Steve Novak’s expertise guide you through your real estate journey.