What you can get in Boston and its suburbs for under $1 million that’s bigger than ‘a postage stamp’

Here’s a snapshot of what $500,000 - $1 million is getting buyers right now in Boston and its suburbs.

The house at 38 Saunders St. in Weymouth is in a pending sale; it was listed for $599,999. Guthrie Schofield Group

April 9, 2026 | 10:01 AM

4 minutes to read

“Five hundred thousand to $1 million for the prime blocks in the Back Bay — that’s not really going to get you much, basically a postage stamp studio, maybe a small one-bedroom,” said Adam Geragosian, a senior advisor for Compass.

But even in the expensive Greater Boston market, you don’t have to settle for a postage stamp with a budget of less than $1 million.

“The further you go … you can certainly gain something that’s … one bed, maybe a two-bed in other parts of town like Charlestown,” said Geragosian. “But if you’re looking for a one- or two-bedroom — that price point on the lower end — you’re further from the [Bunker Hill] monument.”

Being away from landmarks and busy areas is what allows a buyer to have more options, says Kevin Cleary, with RE/MAX Select Realty.

“Brighton, West Roxbury, Roslindale, maybe Jamaica Plain — you can certainly get a freestanding single-family house in that price range, and then you’ll have a decent selection of houses and condos to choose from,” said Cleary. “More inward in the city? That budget probably will limit you to a condo.”

In metro-area suburbs, Geragosian noted it’s going to be more difficult to find a move-in-ready house in a great location.

“If you’re looking at more of a premier town — Winchester, Reading, Hingham, Dover, Medfield — you’re looking at something in that price point that’s going to need some work, or it’s going to be on the smaller side,” he said. “Anything [in] fairly easy proximity to Boston … it’s going to be pretty competitive, and if you compound that with a good school system, getting something under $1 million is proving pretty difficult. It really depends on what town you’re in, but if you’re willing to take on some work, there’s potential to find something.”

Here’s a snapshot of what between $500,000 and $1 million is getting buyers right now in Boston and its suburbs.

Boston

14 Bothwell Road, Brighton

$850,000

The living room at 14 Bothwell Road in Brighton.

Year Built: 1930

Square Footage: 1,450

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Style: Colonial

Taxes: $9,707.48 (2026)

Last sold for: $370,000 (2006)

Listing Agent: Kevin Cleary 617-304-1277; RE/MAX Select Realty 617-787-9800 (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)

This Colonial is situated between Oak Square and Brighton Center, features a back porch and two floors of living space.

The dining room and kitchen at 14 Bothwell Road in Brighton have an open floor plan.

A bedroom at 14 Bothwell Road in Brighton.

The back porch at 14 Bothwell Road in Brighton.

43 N Mead St. #43, Charlestown

$819,000

The main living space at 43 North Mead St. in Charlestown. *– Adam Geragosian Real Estate*

Year Built: 1988

Square Footage: 965

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1.5

Style: Townhouse

Taxes: $4,124.18 (2026)

Last sold for: $755,000 (2022)

Listing Agent: Adam Geragosian 978-729-1842; Compass 617-206-3333; Jennifer Sutton 512-423-6559 (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)

This townhome features a large patio and garage tucked away in a private area of the city. The property features hardwood floors throughout.

One of two bedrooms at 43 North Mead St. in Charlestown. – Adam Geragosian Real Estate

The kitchen at 43 North Mead St. in Charlestown. *– Adam Geragosian Real Estate*

46 Everdean St., Dorchester

$875,000

The living room in one of the units at 46 Everdean St. in Dorchester. – Drone Home Media

Year Built: 1895

Square Footage: 3,532

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Style: Multifamily

Taxes: $8,536.48 (2026)

Last Sold: $102,000 (1996)

Listing Agent: Deb Jones McIntyre 617-447-8459; Coldwell Banker Realty — Milton 617-696-4430; Marlea Mesh 617-818-1695 (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)

This three-unit house is located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the Clam Point neighborhood. The property sits a mile away from Malibu Beach and is near local shops and amenities.

The kitchen in one of the units at 46 Everdean St. in Dorchester. – Drone Home Media

A bedroom in one of the units at 46 Everdean St. in Dorchester. – Drone Home Media

Suburbs

287 Main St., Saugus

$624,900

The living room at 287 Main St. in Saugus. – Annie Keefe, KC Films and Photography

Year Built: 1950

Square Footage: 1,344

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1.5

Style: Cape

Taxes: $5,579 (2025)

Listing agents: Anthony Winn 857-366-1690; Three Hills Real Estate Service, LLC 833-434-4557

This Cape-style home in the heart of Saugus is a cozy residence minutes from a YMCA, Target, and other shops. The property has been in the same family since it was built.

The kitchen at 287 Main St. in Saugus. – Annie Keefe, KC Films and Photography

The full bathroom at 287 Main St. in Saugus. – Annie Keefe, company KC Films and Photography

The backyard at 287 Main St. in Saugus. – Annie Keefe, KC Films and Photography

38 Saunders St., Weymouth

$599,999

The living room at 38 Saunders St. in Weymouth. – Guthrie Schofield Group

Year Built: 1948

Square Feet: 1,450

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Style: Cape Cod

Taxes: $5,034 (2025)

Lost sold for: $475,000 (2021)

Listing agents: Guthrie Schofield Group 774-487-8554; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties (Note: This home was under contract by the time of publication.)

The kitchen at 38 Saunders St. in Weymouth. – Guthrie Schofield Group

The bonus room at 38 Saunders St. in Weymouth. – Guthrie Schofield Group

A covered porch at 38 Saunders St. in Weymouth. – Guthrie Schofield Group

This move-in-ready home is in a coveted Weymouth location, with water access at one end of the street and restaurants on the other end. It features a long driveway and a bonus room with a fireplace.

18 Quail Run #18, Acton

$739,000

The living room at 18 Quail Run #18 in Acton. – Pessolano Photography

Year Built: 1988

Square Feet: 2,372

Bedrooms: 3

Bathroom: 3.5

Style: Townhouse/Condo

HOA fees: $969 per month

Taxes: $10,441 (2025)

Last sold for: $450,00 (2012)

Listing agents: The Edwards Realty Team 978-804-3523; Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty 978-692-6141

This townhouse with a back porch and two-car garage sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, with views of the lush woods, steps away from Spring Hill trails.